Young Filmmakers Bridge Cultures at 2026 C-Show LIVE! in Los Angeles

By: LAPost Staff Writer / Richard Ren

LOS ANGELES, Ca (March 14, 2026)  — On a bright spring afternoon in March, the voices and visions of young storytellers from across the Pacific came together in Los Angeles, turning a local stage into a platform for global dialogue.

The 2026 C-Show LIVE! event, jointly organized by EDI Media Media and the U.S.–China Film & TV Festival Committee, concluded March 14 at the EDI Media Cultural Center, headquarters of the annual U.S.–China Film & TV Festival. The gathering brought together elected officials, Hollywood professionals and youth creators from both the United States and China to celebrate the achievements of the second season of the “C-Show” youth media program.

More than an awards ceremony, the event highlighted the growing role of young filmmakers as cultural ambassadors — using short videos and visual storytelling to explore identity, heritage and shared human experiences.

A Platform for Youth Storytelling

The “C-Show” (Show China) initiative was created as a cultural exchange platform designed specifically for teenagers and young creators. Through film, short videos and live events, the program encourages youth from both countries to share their perspectives and learn from one another through creative expression.

For its 2026 second season, the C-Show short-video competition received more than 800 submissions from student creators and young filmmakers. After months of review, 57 projects were shortlisted, with 10 productions ultimately earning the “Best Micro-Video Award.”

The selected works reflected a wide range of storytelling approaches and genres, including documentaries, narrative films, animation and music videos. Many of the pieces explored themes such as cultural identity, mental health, community life and intergenerational heritage, demonstrating not only technical creativity but also thoughtful engagement with social and cultural questions.

Leaders Praise Youth Cultural Exchange

During the ceremony, community leaders and cultural figures praised the program for fostering dialogue between young people in the United States and China.

Festival chairman James Su, who also serves as chairman of EDI Media, described the initiative as a bridge connecting the next generation.

“C-Show is not just a stage for talent,” Su said. “It is a bridge that brings young people from both countries together. Through storytelling and visual media, they can learn from one another and share the stories of their generation.”

U.S. Representative Judy Chu also recognized the program’s impact within Asian American communities, noting that creative platforms like C-Show give youth a chance to express their identities and perspectives.

“It’s inspiring to see young creators using film to share stories about culture, friendship and community,” Chu said. “Programs like this strengthen understanding between cultures and highlight the creativity of Asian American youth.”

Chu presented a congressional certificate to the organizers in recognition of their ongoing contributions to cultural exchange.

Chen Fenghua, cultural consul at the Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles, said the program demonstrates how cultural dialogue can flourish through the arts.

“This year’s films reimagine traditional culture while also reflecting modern life,” Chen said. “They show the creativity and passion of young people and their connection to Chinese culture.”

California State Assemblymember Mike Fong emphasized the importance of arts education and youth creativity in the state’s diverse communities, calling C-Show both an artistic competition and an educational initiative.

Local leaders including Walnut Mayor Allen Wu, San Gabriel City Councilmembers Tony Ding and Chengyuan Wu, and Los Angeles Community College District Trustee Emeritus Gabriel Wu also addressed the audience, highlighting the program’s growing influence across the San Gabriel Valley.

Youth Creators Take the Spotlight

A series of awards were presented by filmmakers, composers and entertainment professionals, recognizing outstanding projects from the competition.

Among the honorees were the creators of:

• “Beyond the Midst,” directed by Avichai Zev

• “Return to City of Salt,” starring Joy Long

• “Chinese Lunar New Year,” represented by Angela Li

• “The Legend of the White Snake,” starring Jacob Kong

• “The Skyward Sapphire Chase: A Frog’s Rainforest Quest,” directed by Weston Barber

• “Walk Into the Light,” starring Susanna Liang and Anthony Wang

• “Fin,” produced by Matthew Francis Hesso

• “A Small Role in Chinese Cinema Abroad,” starring Ziqi Yan

During the acceptance speeches, many young filmmakers described the program as an opportunity to present their work to a broader audience while connecting with peers who share similar passions.

Several participants noted that the experience introduced them to new storytelling traditions and artistic perspectives, inspiring them to continue creating work that bridges cultures.

A Youth Ambassador for Cultural Friendship

One of the event’s most notable recognitions went to Chelsea Snow, performer in the winning film I Love You, China. In addition to receiving the Best Micro-Video Award, she was named the 2026 C-Show Youth Ambassador.

Snow described the honor as both encouragement and responsibility.

“C-Show is more than a platform — it connects young people across cultures,” she said. “Being named Youth Ambassador inspires me to keep growing and to help promote friendship between our countries.”

To close her remarks, Snow performed the famous “Habanera” aria from the opera Carmen, drawing enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Culture on Stage

The ceremony also featured live performances highlighting the blend of cultures celebrated by the program.

Students from the American Children’s Peking Opera School performed a segment from the classic Chinese opera “The Legend of the White Snake,” reenacting the dramatic “Flooding of Jinshan Temple” scene. The performance featured award recipient Jacob Kong alongside his teacher, veteran opera instructor Hu Jianrong, and fellow young performers.

Sammi Su, a winner from the first season of C-Show, returned to the stage to perform the musical theater classic “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again” from The Phantom of the Opera.

The event also included video messages of congratulations from California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis, and San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman, each commending the initiative for strengthening youth cultural connections.

Stories That Continue Beyond the Stage

While the evening marked the official conclusion of the 2026 C-Show LIVE! celebration, organizers emphasized that the program’s broader mission continues.

Through the lenses of their cameras and the stories they choose to tell, young filmmakers are creating new spaces for dialogue between cultures — often in ways that transcend politics and geography.

The full program will air on iCiTi TV, with selected award-winning short films broadcast to a wider audience.

For many of the young creators who gathered in Los Angeles, the event represented not only recognition but also the beginning of new creative journeys — and the promise that storytelling can remain one of the most powerful bridges between cultures.