Chongqing - The 11th "Light and Shadow, New Chongqing" Online Film and TV Series (Micro-video) Competition kicked off on May 13 at the Western China International Communication Organization (WCICO) park. Relevant department officials, film professionals, university scholars, and media reporters attended the event.
The 11th “Light and Shadow, New Chongqing” Online Film and TV Series (Micro-video) Competition kicked off on May 13 at the Western China International Communication Organization. (Photo/Zhai Kui)
A signature event upgraded for a new era
Since its inception in 2015, the competition has become Chongqing's most influential online audiovisual competition. To date, it has received over 9,000 submissions and recognized more than 400 outstanding works, 41 of which were honored by China’s National Radio and Television Administration. Acclaimed productions captured the spirit and scenery of the city, serving as powerful audiovisual ambassadors for Chongqing.
This year, the competition has been upgraded and rebranded into four categories: “Let’s Meet” international micro-dramas, online film and TV series, micro-videos, and scripts—reflecting its evolution from a micro-video contest into a full-spectrum audiovisual showcase. Wu Mingyong, Member of the Party Leadership Group and Deputy Director of Chongqing Municipal Radio and Television Bureau, noted that the event encourages creators to explore stories rooted in Chongqing’s urban spirit of “Resilience, Valiance, Openness, and Pioneering.”
Promoting global reach
Chongqing is accelerating its development as a hub for online audiovisual content. Recent efforts include launching nine key initiatives to boost the online drama sector, forming a special committee for online productions, and introducing an eight-part micro-dramatic creation strategy. With increasing visibility and support, Chongqing is earning a reputation as the place to create high-quality online dramas—“Shoot online dramas in Chongqing” has become a slogan backed by real momentum.
Chongqing has also integrated online literature and arts into its municipal-level cultural support program to nurture creative excellence. The city is building a system to cultivate high-quality “Yu-style” (Chongqing-originated) productions through topics selection, project evaluation, funding incentives, and full-cycle management. The competition and related support projects are key platforms in this effort.
At the launch, Zhao Hongchao, Head of Online Drama Production Center of Chongqing Broadcasting Group, shared her team’s journey since its founding in March 2024. Zhao emphasized staying rooted in real life and combining creativity with technological innovation to tell meaningful stories.
Tang Jianping, WCICO's General Manager, spoke about efforts to take Chongqing’s audiovisual content global. WCICO is developing the Western China Audio-Visual Translation and Distribution Center to offer multi-language translation services and promote outstanding content on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, enabling Chongqing stories to reach a global audience.
A future empowered by visual storytelling
At the ceremony, national and municipal leaders of the related department officially launched the competition. Submissions are open through July 30, 2025, and eligible participants include institutions, universities, and individuals both within and beyond Chongqing.
All works must be original, either registered in Chongqing or thematically rooted in the city, and created or premiered between July 1, 2024, and July 30, 2025.
Selected entries will undergo multiple rounds of evaluation, including preliminary, expert, and final reviews. Winning works may receive funding or awards and will be nominated for national-level competitions. Beginning in October, Chongqing’s municipal and district-level media outlets, Let's Meet Network TV, and major domestic platforms will promote these works through coordinated broadcasts and international distribution.