On October 10, the inauguration ceremony of the Shanghai Film Development Research Institute and the year-long Spring Seed Project roadshow took place at the extended campus of Shanghai University.

The Shanghai Film Development Research Institute was initiated in June this year as part of the "Three-Year Action Plan for High-Quality Development of Film in Shanghai" proposed by the Shanghai municipal government. Jointly established by the Shanghai Film Bureau and Shanghai University, the institute comprises five major sectors: film think tank, international exchange, youth creation, future technology imaging, and the inheritance of Shanghai's film spirit. In the future, it aims to closely tie its operations to actual needs, integrating theoretical research, industry consulting, talent cultivation, and international exchanges. Through policy guidance, resource integration, platform construction, and brand cultivation, it will serve as a crucial force in establishing Shanghai as a globally influential "Film City."

He Xiaoqing, Dean of the Shanghai University Shanghai Film Academy, announced five core directions for the key construction of the Shanghai Film Development Research Institute: First, to establish a Shanghai Film Development Think Tank, providing strategic support for the development of Shanghai's film industry. Second, to create an international exchange platform that facilitates deep integration between Shanghai cinema and world film cultures. Third, to focus on discovering and cultivating young filmmakers, thereby constructing a "reservoir" of film talent in Shanghai. Fourth, to concentrate on cutting-edge technological innovation, leading the transformation and development of film technology in China. Fifth, to inherit and promote the spirit of Shanghai cinema, driving preservation and transmission projects, including the restoration of classic films and the revival of Shanghai film cultural IP.

He Xiaoqing also revealed plans for the Shanghai Film Development Research Institute to launch the Shanghai (International) Student Film Festival each year within the framework of the Shanghai International Film Festival and Shanghai Television Festival. This initiative aims to discover and cultivate young film talent, especially attracting young filmmakers from abroad who wish to return to Shanghai to create.

The first batch of governing units for the Shanghai Film Development Research Institute includes the Shanghai Film Bureau, Shanghai Cultural Development Foundation, Publicity Department of the CPC Jing'an District Committee, Shanghai International Film Festival Center, Shanghai Film Archive, Shanghai Filmmakers Association, Shanghai University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, East China Normal University, Shanghai Theatre Academy, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai Film Group, Alibaba Group's Cultural and Entertainment Division, Maoyan Entertainment, Ruyi Pictures, Wanda Films, and Huace Film and Television, covering government departments, universities, and enterprises. Together, they will promote the development and progress of Shanghai's film industry from both professional depth and industry breadth, providing comprehensive services and support to foster international exchanges, build a platform for film technology communication and exhibition, and create the cultural brand of Shanghai as a film city.

Event scene

“In the future, the Shanghai Film Development Research Institute will fully leverage its professional advantages, act as a think tank, assist in film research and the growth of film creation talent; it will also enhance international exchange and cooperation for Shanghai cinema, promote Chinese films and Shanghai films globally, and strengthen academic research to facilitate the integration of film art and technology. Together, we will promote distinctive viewing activities, help deeply integrate film culture into urban life, and augment the happiness and sense of gain for Shanghai’s citizens.” At the inauguration ceremony, Gao Yunfei, Executive Deputy Director of the Cultural, Health, and Sports Committee of the Shanghai CPPCC, Chairman of the Shanghai Cultural Development Foundation, and Dean of the Shanghai Film Development Research Institute, presented the institute's founding purpose and future vision.

Following the launch ceremony, the first on-ground project of the Shanghai Film Development Research Institute—the Alibaba Spring Seed Screenwriting Project roadshow—was initiated. This project, hosted by the Shanghai Film Development Research Institute and Alibaba Group’s Cultural and Entertainment Division, aims to discover and nurture young screenwriting talents. Reports indicate that among the shortlisted projects, eight works contain elements of Shanghai, ranging from the Republican-era Shanghai, various time periods, to urban emotional narratives, family life, realistic comedies, and industry dramas.

During the roadshow, young creators showcased their imaginative ideas; some sought to explore the truths of life through the dream fulfillment of a deceased friend, while others drew inspiration from recent news about AI replicas to write sci-fi stories. Some even transported characters from "Dream of the Red Chamber" to the Republican era, where the Twelve Beauties began to face different choices amid the changing tides of the times… It is reported that this year's Spring Seed Screenwriting Project roadshow converged resources from the entire platform, including Youku, Alibaba Pictures, and Damai, with the mission of “cultivating a new generation of top screenwriters,” creating a multifunctional platform for young creators to exchange, learn, and collaborate on projects.

Once the original themes presented by the young creators are approved, they will receive an exclusive support fund of 50,000 yuan, along with joint guidance from Alibaba Group’s Cultural and Entertainment Division and the Shanghai Film Development Research Institute. These original themes may be transformed into concrete projects, incubated and developed, until they are broadcast or released.