The 2026 Chongqing International Animation Film Week opened on Tuesday, drawing over 500 entries from around the world.
This year's event is not just a celebration of storytelling, but a vibrant showcase of how cutting-edge technology is reshaping the future of animation.
The opening ceremony at the Yongchuan Tech Studio in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, blended nostalgic tributes with futuristic vision.
By fusing cutting-edge AI technologies, it took the audience on a journey through a century of Chinese animation.
Heading the international jury is legendary Hollywood director Rob Minkoff, best known for directing The Lion King. Minkoff noted the rapid rise of Chinese cinema.
"This year, there were so many different examples of storytelling styles, image styles. And I thought that the examples of Chinese animation and storytelling were quite exceptional, very diverse. My hope is that more Chinese films are able to go outside of China to export Chinese culture to the rest of the world. And I think that with new technology, it will make that even more possible," said Minkoff.
Beyond the competition, the five-day event features an exhibition showcasing the latest breakthroughs in animation technology and creative design, alongside public screenings.
The event has attracted over 40 industry giants, including Walt Disney and Universal.
Industry experts say the gathering does more than just display innovation -- it builds a vital bridge for the industry.
"As China's first international platform dedicated to animated features, it pools resources for industry exchange and learning. On the other hand, it serves as a brilliant window, bringing the world's best animation to China while helping Chinese masterpieces go global," said Yin Hong, vice chairman of the China Film Association.
As intelligence redefines the limits of creativity, this film week has become far more than a showcase of technology. It is a vibrant global crossroads where diverse cultures meet, inspire one another through the universal language of animation.
Chongqing International Animation Film Week opens
The Fifth Global Media Innovation Forum was held in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality on Wednesday, gathering hundreds of attendees to discuss key issues facing the media industry, including the profound impact of artificial intelligence.
Jointly hosted by the China Media Group (CMG) and the Chongqing Municipal People's Government, the forum was themed "Upholding and Reshaping: The Media's Mission in the Intelligent Era" and brought together around 300 representatives from government agencies, international organizations, media outlets, think tanks, and multinational companies. Participants noted that, guided by the spirit of Chinese President Xi Jinping's congratulatory letter to the first Global Media Innovation Forum in 2022, the event has since become an important platform for media organizations worldwide to deepen exchanges, share experiences, and promote mutual learning.
Speakers highlighted how a new wave of technological and industrial transformations, led primarily by artificial intelligence (AI), is reshaping production, lifestyles, education, and working practices.
China's "AI Plus" initiative -- which aims to promote the extensive and in-depth integration of AI across various fields -- has hailed for creating new opportunities and expanding the scope for cooperation between China and the rest of the world.
Attendees emphasized that AI is exerting a profound impact on the media landscape and public opinion ecosystem. They called for greater application of AI in journalism, cultural communication, and public services to accelerate the media transformation and push innovation.
Participants also stressed the importance of promoting the common values of humanity, building international consensus on global AI governance, and ensuring that digital and intelligent technologies remain people-centered and serve the public good.
They further advocated implementing the Global Civilization Initiative, which was proposed by President Xi, by creating more online platforms for cultural exchanges and mutual learning to strengthen people-to-people connectivity.
Global Media Innovation Forum held in Chongqing with focus on impact of AI
