SmallRig and FamilyLens Unite for Family Filmmaking at the 3rd FamilyLens International Film Festival
On December 6, 2025, the 3rd FamilyLens International Film Festival kicked off in Beijing, showcasing the launch of an innovative global initiative aimed at family filmmaking. This initiative, spearheaded by SmallRig, a renowned provider of imaging solutions, seeks to address common challenges faced by family filmmakers through several collaborative efforts. From the
Family Filmmaking Co-Creation Initiative to a specialized filmmaking kit, SmallRig is determined to encourage creativity within family storytelling.
A Collaborative Effort to Enhance Family Filmmaking
Zhou Yang, the Founder and CEO of SmallRig, along with Gu Xue, the Founder and Director of the FamilyLens International Film Festival, highlighted the essence of this initiative. Yang stated, "We believe that the universal nature and emotional depth inherent in family stories serve as a connective thread among audiences worldwide. In an era where anyone can be a content creator, every family should film their own stories. The drive to create is embedded in the human spirit, and each home is the source of countless narratives."
The Family Filmmaking Co-Creation Initiative is designed to be inclusive, inviting global creatives and families to explore three core areas: product development, marketing strategy, and content creation. The goal is to dismantle barriers to family filmmaking and provide tools to capture precious moments on film.
A Special Filmmaking Kit
At the festival's opening ceremony, SmallRig unveiled the
Family Filmmaking Kit. This kit includes high-quality equipment such as a microphone, fill light, and a portable tripod, all tailored to simplify the filming process for everyday families. The aim is to democratize professional filmmaking capabilities and simplify intricate features. Attendees at the FamilyLens workshop were able to witness firsthand how this equipment resolves typical issues faced during family film shoots, making it more accessible for those without extensive filming skills.
Focus on Social Impact Through Film
The festival, which runs until December 14, opened with the screening of the acclaimed documentary
K-Family Affairs. It includes varying categories such as the 'Reframing Home Movies: An Italian Retrospective' and the 'Youth Film Program,' among others. A notable highlight is the
Social Impact Program, which has been curated by the SmallRig Image Development Fund in collaboration with FamilyLens. This program aims to spotlight critical family issues and promote reflection through cinema, adopting the motto,
"Start with Seeing, End with Understanding."
Directing the documentary, Arum Nam remarked on the importance of personal narratives, stating, "From your family's stories and those of your friends, I believe these intimate tales can forge a direct connection to society at large."
The four featured works under the Social Impact Screening include thematically rich narratives that resonate with pressing topics such as the struggles of abandoned children, the isolation faced by Alzheimer’s patients, the quest for identity among the elderly, and the emotional volatility linked to bipolar disorder.
Looking Ahead: Expanding the Initiative
SmallRig plans to continue supporting the Family Filmmaking Co-Creation Initiative through promotional campaigns and practical workshops focused on familial scenarios. The overarching aim is to explore and satisfy the diverse creative needs of global filmmakers continuously. SmallRig is committed to expanding the co-creation model across various imaging sectors, collaborating with industry partners to push the boundaries of creativity and provide greater freedom for creators worldwide.
About SmallRig
Established in 2013, SmallRig is a global, innovation-driven company that designs and manufactures comprehensive support solutions and accessories tailored for content creation. Trusted by over four million creatives worldwide, the company champions the User-Co-Creation Design (UCD) philosophy and the DreamRig program, paving the way for more accessible filmmaking options.
For more information, please visit
SmallRig.