U.S.-China Film Festival to Open in Los Angeles

The 22nd annual festival kicks off November 10 at the Writers Guild Theater to foster international industry collaboration.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Science Fiction

U.S.-China Film Festival to Open in Los Angeles

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Do international film festivals effectively foster better cultural understanding between the United States and China?

The 22nd U.S.-China Film Festival and Television Festival is set to open in Los Angeles on November 10, 2026. The event aims to promote cross-cultural exchange through film screenings and industry forums.

Why it matters

The festival provides a platform for U.S. and Chinese filmmakers to explore collaboration opportunities. By bridging these major entertainment markets, the event facilitates new partnerships across feature films, documentaries, and television series.

The festival received over 500 entries across multiple formats, with 200 submissions specifically targeting the project market. A five-member panel will select the top three projects for awards during the 22nd annual iteration of the event.

The players

Legendary Entertainment

This major U.S. production company is co-organizing the festival project market.

Shanghai Film Group

This Chinese state-owned film production and distribution company is partnering on the project market.

Disney

The American multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate is a featured U.S. participant.

China Film Group

This government-owned film enterprise serves as a central participant for the Chinese delegation.

The details

The event features opening ceremonies at the Writers Guild Theater and hosts major U.S. participants including Disney, Warner Bros., and Legendary Entertainment. Programming encompasses industry forums, online marketplace sessions, and both in-person and streaming screenings.

The festival runs from November 10 to November 30, 2026.
The opening ceremony and Golden Angel Awards take place November 10, 2026.
An industry forum and film presentation occur November 11, 2026.
Online film market sessions run from November 12 to November 19, 2026.
Public and streaming screenings of entries occur November 14 to November 30, 2026.

Industry Dynamics

This event continues the long-standing tradition of the U.S.-China Film Festival, which has served for over two decades as a key conduit for cross-border creative partnerships. The festival aligns with broader industry efforts to expand collaboration between Hollywood studios and Chinese production houses.

The festival offers attendees opportunities to engage with content through both in-person screenings and online streaming sessions. Audiences can participate in industry-focused events and view selected feature films, documentaries, and television series throughout the month.

The takeaway

Filmmakers and industry professionals can leverage these forums to gain insight into international market trends and distribution strategies. The event serves as a practical testing ground for projects seeking to bridge the creative gap between American and Chinese audiences.