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. Government officials, film industry professionals, university scholars, and media representatives attended the launch 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 launch in 2015, the competition has grown into Chongqing's most influential online audiovisual event. To date, it has received more than 9,000 submissions and recognized over 400 outstanding works, including 41 honored by China's National Radio and Television Administration. Many award-winning productions have captured the city's character, culture, and scenery, serving as powerful audiovisual ambassadors for Chongqing.
This year, the competition has been upgraded and restructured into four categories: “Let’s Meet” international micro-dramas, online film and TV series, micro-videos, and scripts. The changes reflect its evolution from a micro-video contest into a comprehensive audiovisual showcase.
Wu Mingyong, member of the Party Leadership Group and deputy director of the Chongqing Municipal Radio and Television Bureau, said 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 production. Recent initiatives include launching nine key measures to support the online drama industry, establishing a dedicated committee for online productions, and introducing an eight-part strategy for micro-drama creation. With growing policy support and industry momentum, Chongqing is increasingly earning a reputation as a destination for high-quality online drama production. The slogan “Shoot online dramas in Chongqing” is gaining traction across the sector.
The city has also incorporated online literature and arts into its municipal cultural support program to foster creative excellence. Officials are building a system to cultivate high-quality “Yu-style” productions through topic selection, project evaluation, funding incentives, and full-cycle management. The competition and related support programs serve as important platforms in this effort.
At the launch ceremony, Zhao Hongchao, head of the Online Drama Production Center of Chongqing Broadcasting Group, shared her team's development journey since its establishment in March 2024. Zhao emphasized the importance of staying rooted in real life while combining creativity with technological innovation to tell meaningful stories.
Tang Jianping, general manager of WCICO, discussed efforts to bring Chongqing's audiovisual content to international audiences. WCICO is developing the Western China Audio-Visual Translation and Distribution Center to provide multilingual translation services and promote outstanding content on platforms such as YouTube and TikTok, helping Chongqing stories reach viewers worldwide.
A future empowered by visual storytelling
During the ceremony, national and municipal officials formally launched the competition. Submissions will be accepted through July 30, 2025, and eligible participants include institutions, universities, and individuals from both Chongqing and beyond.
All entries must be original works that are either registered in Chongqing or thematically connected to the city, and must have been created or premiered between July 1, 2024, and July 30, 2025.
Selected works will undergo multiple rounds of evaluation, including preliminary, expert, and final reviews. Winning entries may receive funding or awards and will be recommended 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 selected works through coordinated broadcasts and international distribution.