“The Shadow’s Edge” Wins Best Picture at the 21st Chinese American Film Festival Zhang Luyi, Ci Sha, and Shen Yue Shine at the Awards Ceremony

LAPost / San Gabriel, CA (November 6, 2025) — The 21st Chinese American Film Festival and Chinese American TV Festival officially opened on the evening of November 6 in San Gabriel, California, under the theme “Film Without Borders, A Shared Future.” More than 700 guests from the film, television, political, and cultural communities of China and the United States gathered to celebrate one of the year’s most anticipated cultural events.

Distinguished attendees at the opening ceremony and Golden Angel Awards included Chang Jin, Deputy Director of the International Department of China’s National Radio and Television Administration; Guo Shaochun, Consul General of China in Los Angeles; Judy Chu, U.S. Congresswoman; Mike Fong, California State Assemblymember; director Gao Zhisen; producer Ellen Eliasoph; and actors Xu Fan, Fang Fang, Gu Zhixin, and Meng Yao. Senior executives from Sony, Universal, Disney, Paramount, and Legendary Pictures, along with many prominent Hollywood filmmakers, were also in attendance.

James Su, Chairman of the Chinese American Film Festival and Chinese American TV Festival and President of EDI Media Inc., noted in his opening remarks that 2025 marks not only the 130th anniversary of world cinema and the 120th anniversary of Chinese cinema, but also the 21st anniversary—the “coming of age”—of the twin festivals. Over the past two decades, the festivals have received more than 9,500 outstanding film and television submissions and attracted over 1.9 million viewers, becoming a vital bridge for cultural exchange between China and the United States.

Su emphasized that this year’s theme, “Film Without Borders, A Shared Future,” reflects a continued commitment to promoting cross-cultural collaboration and mutual understanding between the U.S. and Chinese entertainment industries—using the power of cinema to advance equality and oppose all forms of racial discrimination.

Among the evening’s major honors, the film “The Shadow’s Edge” took home the Best Picture Award, emerging as the night’s biggest winner. Serving as the festival’s opening film, The Shadow’s Edge was praised for its sophisticated storytelling, striking visual language, and profound humanistic depth. Director Yang Zi also received the Best Director Award, marking a dual victory for the film and its creator.

Actor Da Peng won Best Actor for The Lychees of Chang’an, while Ma Li was named Best Actress for The Dumpling Queen. In the television category, Zhang Luyi and Song Jia were honored as Best Actor and Best Actress, respectively, for Secret Mission and When the Mountain Blooms.

Vivian Wu received the Outstanding Performance Award, and Yang Xiaopei was recognized with the Excellence in China-U.S. Film and Television Exchange Award.

Rising star Ci Sha delivered a standout performance in The Shadow’s Edge, earning the Best Supporting Actor Award. His nuanced emotional depth and restrained acting drew wide acclaim, establishing him as one of the most promising young actors of the year.

Meanwhile, Shen Yue, the breakout actress from the TV series Six Sisters, received the Most Promising Actor Award at the Chinese American TV Festival. In her acceptance speech, Shen expressed gratitude for the recognition, calling it “a meaningful encouragement” that will inspire her to continue pursuing her craft with sincerity and passion.

This year’s festivals feature more than 600 participating film and television works, alongside a series of events including the China-U.S. Film Industry Summit, Film Investment and Pitching Forum, and multiple special screenings—all designed to strengthen cultural collaboration and innovation between the two countries’ entertainment industries.

(Written by: Richard Ren / LAPost)