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SIFF YOUNG Announces 2026 Cohort of Nine Emerging Filmmakers
On June 15, 2026, the Shanghai Film Festival’s SIFF YOUNG program unveiled its 2026 cohort of nine filmmakers during a ceremony on the sidelines of the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF). The announcement, delivered by Fang Shizhong—executive vice minister of the Publicity Department of the Shanghai Municipal Committee of the Communist Party and director‑general of the Shanghai Film Bureau—marked a pivotal moment for the program’s mission to spotlight fresh voices in Chinese cinema.
SIFF YOUNG, launched in 2021, is a discovery‑and‑incubation initiative that has already nurtured 29 filmmakers over its first five years. The 2026 cohort continues that trajectory, selecting five directors, three producers, and one screenwriter from a competitive field of 59 applicants. The chosen artists—Bai Xue, Su Biao, Teng Congcong, Wang Tong, Xu Lei, Hu Jing, Titi, Xie Haochi, and screenwriter Zhou Yunhai—represent a cross‑section of emerging talent, each working on projects at various stages, from development through post‑production.
The program’s emphasis on diversity is evident in the range of genres and scales represented. While some projects are still in the early stages of script development, others are actively filming or already in post‑production, illustrating SIFF YOUNG’s commitment to nurturing a full spectrum of creative work.
The selection process was rigorous. Nominations came from 13 industry recommenders and 17 companies, including major streaming and production firms iQIYI and CMC Pictures, as well as acclaimed filmmakers Jia Zhangke and Jojo Hui. The final‑round jury, chaired by director Wen Muye, evaluated each candidate on originality, technical skill, and potential industry impact. According to Variety, the nine chosen filmmakers “represent a cross‑section of emerging talent in Chinese cinema, from directors to producers and a screenwriter.”
Support from SIFF YOUNG goes beyond recognition. The program offers mentorship, funding opportunities, and access to festival platforms, all designed to help projects reach completion and secure distribution or further festival screenings.
The 28th edition of SIFF ran from June 14 to 23, 2026, and featured the SIFF YOUNG announcement as part of its main forum. As Asia’s largest film festival and China’s longest‑running international cinema event, SIFF provides an ideal backdrop for launching new talent.
Including producers and a screenwriter alongside directors underscores the program’s holistic approach. By supporting the entire creative chain—from script to screen—SIFF YOUNG aims to cultivate projects that can transition smoothly through each stage of production.
The Shanghai Film Bureau’s broader strategy to promote Chinese cinema globally is evident in this investment. By backing emerging talent through SIFF YOUNG, the bureau seeks to reinforce Shanghai’s position as a cultural hub and to expand the international reach of Chinese filmmaking.
In summary, the 2026 SIFF YOUNG cohort comprises nine filmmakers selected from a pool of 59 applicants. Their projects span multiple genres and production stages, and they will receive mentorship, funding, and festival exposure from the Shanghai Film Bureau and the broader SIFF ecosystem. The announcement, made during the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival, marks another milestone in the program’s ongoing effort to cultivate the next generation of Chinese filmmakers.
SIFF YOUNG, launched in 2021, is a discovery‑and‑incubation initiative that has already nurtured 29 filmmakers over its first five years. The 2026 cohort continues that trajectory, selecting five directors, three producers, and one screenwriter from a competitive field of 59 applicants. The chosen artists—Bai Xue, Su Biao, Teng Congcong, Wang Tong, Xu Lei, Hu Jing, Titi, Xie Haochi, and screenwriter Zhou Yunhai—represent a cross‑section of emerging talent, each working on projects at various stages, from development through post‑production.
The program’s emphasis on diversity is evident in the range of genres and scales represented. While some projects are still in the early stages of script development, others are actively filming or already in post‑production, illustrating SIFF YOUNG’s commitment to nurturing a full spectrum of creative work.
The selection process was rigorous. Nominations came from 13 industry recommenders and 17 companies, including major streaming and production firms iQIYI and CMC Pictures, as well as acclaimed filmmakers Jia Zhangke and Jojo Hui. The final‑round jury, chaired by director Wen Muye, evaluated each candidate on originality, technical skill, and potential industry impact. According to Variety, the nine chosen filmmakers “represent a cross‑section of emerging talent in Chinese cinema, from directors to producers and a screenwriter.”
Support from SIFF YOUNG goes beyond recognition. The program offers mentorship, funding opportunities, and access to festival platforms, all designed to help projects reach completion and secure distribution or further festival screenings.
The 28th edition of SIFF ran from June 14 to 23, 2026, and featured the SIFF YOUNG announcement as part of its main forum. As Asia’s largest film festival and China’s longest‑running international cinema event, SIFF provides an ideal backdrop for launching new talent.
Including producers and a screenwriter alongside directors underscores the program’s holistic approach. By supporting the entire creative chain—from script to screen—SIFF YOUNG aims to cultivate projects that can transition smoothly through each stage of production.
The Shanghai Film Bureau’s broader strategy to promote Chinese cinema globally is evident in this investment. By backing emerging talent through SIFF YOUNG, the bureau seeks to reinforce Shanghai’s position as a cultural hub and to expand the international reach of Chinese filmmaking.
In summary, the 2026 SIFF YOUNG cohort comprises nine filmmakers selected from a pool of 59 applicants. Their projects span multiple genres and production stages, and they will receive mentorship, funding, and festival exposure from the Shanghai Film Bureau and the broader SIFF ecosystem. The announcement, made during the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival, marks another milestone in the program’s ongoing effort to cultivate the next generation of Chinese filmmakers.