21st China-U.S. TV Festival to Open in Los Angeles: “Beyond the Screen, Film Forever” Celebrates 21 Years of Cultural Exchange

LAPost / Los Angeles (October 16, 2025) — The 21st China-U.S. TV Festival is set to open grandly in Los Angeles on November 6, under the theme “Beyond the Screen, Film Forever.” The festival aims to deepen cinematic and cultural exchange between China and the United States through the power of film and television, continuing a legacy of friendship and creative collaboration across borders.

At the official press conference held at the festival’s Los Angeles headquarters, guests included Wang Taiyu, Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles; Chai Yun, Cultural Attaché; and James Su, Chairman of the China-U.S. Film and TV Festival and CEO of EDI Media Inc.

Su noted, “As we celebrate 130 years since the birth of world cinema and 120 years of Chinese film, the 21st China-U.S. Film & TV Festival continues to serve as a bridge of cooperation and cultural understanding between our two nations.” Counselor Wang Taiyu commended EDI Media for its two decades of dedication to cross-cultural dialogue, wishing the festival great success in fostering mutual appreciation through visual storytelling.

This year’s event has received over 600 submissions from China and the U.S., spanning feature films, documentaries, operatic films, television series, web dramas, variety programs, animations, and micro-dramas. These works showcase a diverse blend of artistic vision and technical excellence, reflecting the evolving narratives of both societies.

The Co-Production Venture Section, co-hosted by the festival committee, Shanghai Film Group, and Chinese American Film Capital, received 200 project submissions this year. Final jurors — including James Su, Andre Morgan, Wang Jun, Ying Xujun, and Bob Underwood (Chair of WGA West’s International Committee) — will select three winners to be honored during the Golden Angel Awards Ceremony on opening night.

For the 10th consecutive year, the Los Angeles County Government has proclaimed November as “China-U.S. Film & TV Festival Month,” underscoring the festival’s importance as a people-to-people cultural bridge and a living example of art transcending boundaries.

The Opening Ceremony and Golden Angel Awards Gala (November 6) will gather nearly 1,000 industry leaders to honor outstanding films and creators. The Summit Forum and Film Promotion Conference (November 7), co-hosted with Loyola Marymount University, will explore themes such as “Cinema Heritage and Innovation” and “Navigating the New Audio-Visual Era.”

Throughout November 8–30, screenings and exhibitions will take place across Los Angeles and partner universities, with additional highlights including:

• “Colorful Guizhou” Cultural Showcase presenting the scenic and ethnic beauty of Guizhou;

• Golden Rooster Overseas Screening Series featuring top Chinese films like Dumpling Queen and Detective Tang 1900;

• The global premiere of Letters from Guling;

• Snow: The Unfinished Road U.S. documentary tour;

• The “Youth View China” Film Story Salon celebrating 15 years of American students’ creative works about China; and

• The launch of the First China-U.S. Youth AIGC Short Film Competition, encouraging young creators to tell cross-cultural stories through AI.

The Opening Gala will also feature performances by pop singer-songwriter Eric HZ and students from Star Academy, who will present the English theme song “Beyond the Screen, Film Forever” (lyrics by James Su, composed by Emmy winner Nathan Wang).

As the festival marks its 21st anniversary, it stands as a testament to the enduring bond between Chinese and American filmmakers — a celebration of shared creativity, storytelling, and humanity. Guided by its theme “Beyond the Screen, Film Forever,” this year’s China-U.S. TV Festival continues to illuminate a brighter path for cultural understanding through the language of light and film.

(Written by: Richard Ren / LAPost)