The 3rd Shanghai-London Screen Industry Forum: Bridging Cultures Through Storytelling

On October 17, 2025, the prestigious 3rd Shanghai-London Screen Industry Forum was held at the iconic BAFTA in London. Following the success of its predecessors, this year's event brought together key figures and emerging talents from the screen industries of both China and the UK, emphasizing its critical role as a platform for dialogue and partnership.

The forum was hosted by the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism and received support from the UK’s Department for Business and Trade, showcasing a united front in fostering cultural relations. Phoenix TV organized the event, which featured an impressive lineup of keynote speeches, engaging presentations, trailer screenings, and panel discussions, all designed to explore new avenues for collaboration.

Among the distinguished attendees were Rupert Daniels, Director of Services at the UK's Department for Business and Trade; Adrian Wootton OBE, CEO of Film London and the British Film Commission; and LI Liyan, Minister Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in the UK. The forum was chaired by Jasmine Pang, Director of European Affairs at Phoenix TV, adding a layer of expertise to the proceedings.

The forum hosted an inspiring array of keynote addresses from senior industry leaders, including Robi Stanton, EVP and General Manager, Anz Asia at BBC Studios; Amanda Halliday, Director of Special Projects at Pinewood Group; and Jason ZHANG, Founder and Producer of Stellar Pictures, to name a few. Additionally, the agenda included a compelling fireside chat with acclaimed Chinese actor ZHANG Luyi, who offered personal insights into the creative processes behind cross-cultural narratives.

Various representatives from leading production and distribution companies, including Stellar Pictures, Huace Croton Media, Tencent Video, bilibili, and XG Entertainment, engaged the audience with presentations and screenings of their upcoming projects. This not only highlighted significant co-production opportunities but also illustrated the dynamic intercultural engagement characterizing today's entertainment landscape.

In a dedicated panel discussion titled "How to Tell Global Stories across East and West," experts discussed the complexities and nuances involved in creating content that resonates on an international scale. Panelists included Rosemary Reed from POW TV Studios, Jiella Esmat of 8 Lions, and Cedric Behrel of Trinity CineAsia, who shared valuable perspectives on narrative strategies that appeal to diverse audiences.

The continued alignment of influential voices from the screen industries of both China and the UK establishes the Shanghai-London Screen Industry Forum as an essential annual event. It plays a pivotal role in fostering innovation, building partnerships, and facilitating meaningful cultural exchanges between these two creative powerhouses.

As the forum concluded, participants left with renewed inspiration and a clearer vision for future collaborations that seek to tell global stories that resonate across borders. The event not only showcased the strengths of Chinese and British screen storytelling but also emphasized the importance of mutual respect and shared creative ambition in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

In summary, the 3rd Shanghai-London Screen Industry Forum reinforced the idea that storytelling is a universal language capable of bridging gaps and uniting cultures, fostering a collaborative spirit that can only enrich the global narrative.