3rd International Chinese Original IP Film Festival
2025 Global AI Film Festival – New York
American Chinese Writers Association Achieves Remarkable Success
In October 2025, Chinese-language creators, filmmakers, screenwriters, writers, tech innovators, and artists from around the world gathered in New York for the 3rd International Chinese Original IP Film Festival. Under the theme “Originality at the Core, Technology as the Wings,” this year’s festival marked a new era for cinematic arts amid the growing wave of artificial intelligence.
The festival presented a rich array of events, including masterclasses, high-level forums, the opening reception, and an awards gala—creating a dynamic international platform for cross-disciplinary collaboration and creative exchange. Highlights also included the global launch of World Chinese Literature, an international journal, and the debut of the World Micro-Drama Research Association.
On October 18, the awards gala was grandly held at the Broadway Theater in New York. Accompanied by an impressive performance by “The Amazing Second-Generation Chinese,” the major awards were announced one after another. Ten members of the American Chinese Writers Association received honors, marking an exceptional year of achievements.
Below is the full report on the film festival.
(Film Festival Poster and Organizing Committee)
The Golden Bull Award trophy of this year’s film festival was meticulously designed by Dr. Ellen Qiong Zhao. Symbolizing perseverance, creativity, and prosperity, the trophy was presented to 26 recipients from around the world in recognition of their outstanding achievements and artistic contributions in IP + AI innovation.
New York State Assemblyman Ron Kim awarded honorary certificates to the film festival and the Long Teng Cultural Development Foundation.
(From right to left: Festival Secretary-General Xiaodong Cao; Festival Chief Planner Sunny Zhang; Festival Vice Chair Professor Yuhua Zhu; Advisory Board Chair Dr. Ellen Qiong Zhao; Festival Chair Bill Einreinhofer; New York State Assemblyman Ron Kim; Former New York State Assemblywoman Ellen Young; Festival Executive President and Gala Director Jie Cui.)
Masterclass Dialogue at the New York Film Academy
On the morning of October 17, the festival’s Masterclass was held at the New York Film Academy. Centered on the theme “Technology Empowering Creativity · IP Connecting the Future,” the session opened with remarks by Shirley Hon. Led by three-time Emmy Award winner Professor Bill Einreinhofer, the Masterclass brought together several internationally renowned filmmakers to share their creative insights. Distinguished guests included international producer and director Professor Xiaodong Cao, Deputy Dean of the Beijing Film Academy and director Sun Lijun, as well as Hollywood screenwriter and director Shiao-ai Chi.
Guided by the questions raised by moderator Shirley Hon, the four esteemed experts engaged in an in-depth discussion on innovative applications of AI in literary creation, script adaptation, and film production. Professor Yuhua Zhu, Vice President of the New York Film Academy and Vice Chair of the Film Festival, delivered remarks and presented honorary certificates and commemorative gifts to the speakers. The event was lively and inspiring, showcasing the dynamic interplay of technology and artistry in shaping a new cinematic era. Michael Young, President of the New York Film Academy, also attended to offer his congratulations.
(From right to left: Moderator Shirley Hon; Professor Sun Lijun, Deputy Dean of the Beijing Film Academy; Hollywood Chinese-American director Shiao-ai Chi; New York Film Academy professor Bill Einreinhofer; and guest international producer Xiaodong Cao.)
Global AI Visual Creativity Alliance Officially Established
(From left to right: Festival Chief Planner Sunny Zhang, Secretary-General Xiaodong Cao, Advisory Board Chair Dr. Ellen Qiong Zhao, Moderator Sisi Cao, Moderator Livia Pillmann.)
Grand Opening Gala and Launch of the Global AI Visual Creativity Alliance
On the evening of October 17, a lavish opening gala was held at The Central, a luxury apartment clubhouse across from the Empire State Building, attended by approximately 180 distinguished guests. The event was star-studded, brimming with elegance and glamour.
The festival was chaired by three-time Emmy Award winner Professor Bill Einreinhofer, with Dr. Yuhua Zhu, Executive Vice President of the New York Film Academy, serving as Vice Chair. Renowned Hollywood Chinese-American director Shiao-ai Chi presided over the jury, and acclaimed sculptor Dr. Ellen Qiong Zhao served as Chair of the Advisory Board. Festival image ambassador Li Shanglong represented the event, while young second-generation Chinese talent Pan Meibel made a special appearance on stage.
Chief Planner Sunny Zhang, Secretary-General Xiaodong Cao, and Executive Chair Jie Cui delivered speeches to officially announce the establishment of the Global AI Visual Creativity Alliance. They also revealed that the Alliance’s first AI-driven film, The Classic of Mountains and Seas: Chaos, is set to begin production soon. During the gala, Secretary-General Xiaodong Cao presented a 3D Golden Bull to Advisory Board Chair Dr. Ellen Qiong Zhao on behalf of the organizing committee as a token of gratitude.
High-Level Summit on AI and Intellectual Property
(From right to left: Moderator Yimeng Shen; Guests Sun Jia and Lin Yudi.)
On the morning of October 18, the theater at the Flushing Library was filled to capacity. Moderator Yimeng Shen opened the session by inviting Professor Yuhua Zhu, Vice Chair of the New York Film Festival, and library representatives to deliver opening remarks, officially inaugurating the “AI and IP” Summit Forum. Following Professor Zhu’s keynote, the forum commenced with an in-depth discussion among experts on “Breaking Through in Film in the AI Era”, exploring the symbiotic relationship between technological empowerment and humanistic expression. Professor Sun Lijun showcased the AI-animated work Huangtupo, which received enthusiastic responses from the audience.
Under the theme “When Gen Z Becomes the Creative Force, AI Redefines ‘Youth’”, young creatives Zhang Jia, Zhang Han, and Lin Yudi shared their insights and hands-on experiences in artistic creation in the AI era.
Director Gao Feng, Founder and CEO of Love Journey, delivered a keynote speech analyzing how AI is reshaping film and television production from a creator’s perspective. He also discussed future trends under the theme “The Past, Present, and Future of North American Short-Form Dramas.”
(Guest: Director Gao Feng)
Bestselling author Li Shanglong held a dialogue with AI visual artist Binghe on the theme “The One-Person Company in the AI Era,” exploring how AI is disrupting traditional film and television systems and offering pathways for independent and small-scale creators to break through.
(From right to left: Moderator Yimeng Shen; Guests Li Shanglong and Binghe.)
Moderator Sisi Cao led a discussion with guests Bill Einreinhofer, William Harlam, Huang Bing, Zhang Ci, and others on “The Challenges of AI to Hollywood.” The conversation analyzed AI’s impact from multiple dimensions, spanning industry mechanisms to creative innovation.
(From right to left: Moderator Sisi Cao; Guests Huang Bing, William Harlam, and Zhang Ci.)
Overseas critic Chen Ruilin, serving as moderator, led a discussion with guests Shi Wei, Li Xian, Pu Ruoxi, Shi Deliang, and other writers on “Challenges and Opportunities for Chinese-Language Writers in the AI Era.” The forum explored the artistic boundaries of AI-assisted writing and the expansion of literary spirit.
(From right to left: Moderator Chen Ruilin; Guests Shi Wei, Li Xian, Pu Ruoxi, and Shi Deliang.)
International Journal Makes a Grand Debut
The international literary journal World Chinese Literature (世华文学), hosted by the Chinese Writers Association of America (CWAA), held its inaugural launch during the film festival. Fifteen people, including editorial board members and contributing authors of the inaugural issue, as well as attending CWAA members, participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Dr. Li Xian, Chair of the Chinese Writers Association of America and Editor-in-Chief of World Chinese Literature, expressed gratitude to the festival organizing committee for this invaluable opportunity. He introduced the inaugural issue’s “Micro-Drama Section”, highlighting the journal’s mission to promote Chinese-language literature across regions and cultural contexts, showcasing the diversity and depth of contemporary Chinese writing.
Remarks were also made by Secretary-General Xiaodong Cao, international film producer; Chen Ruilin, renowned overseas Chinese literary critic and journal advisor; and Zhang Ci, Hollywood producer and screenwriter, all affirming the journal’s significant role in advancing Chinese-language literature in North America and globally.
Under the witness of nearly 100 people both on and off stage, Editor-in-Chief Li Xian and Chen Xi, Director of the Queens Library in New York, cut the ribbon for World Chinese Literature amid enthusiastic applause. The 60 complimentary copies purchased by the festival organizing committee were snapped up instantly.
World Chinese Literature Officially Debuts
(Dr. Li Xian, Editor-in-Chief of World Chinese Literature, and Ms. Chen Xi, Director of the Queens Library in New York, unveil the journal.)
(From right to left: Yimeng Shen, Wen Hao, Shi Deliang, Li Xian, Chen Ruilin, Xiaodong Cao, Fu Shuixian, Liu Yalan, Zhang Huiling, Jannie, Zhong Mei, Liu Fei, Zhang Ci, Guo Xiaojuan, Liu Shaoyong.)
World Chinese Literature Launch Poster
Watch the inaugural launch live via this link.：https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV14vsCz1EE6/?vd_source=529e269d7cc6736762dc5717465ee641
World Micro-Drama Research Association Makes Its Debut at the Film Festival
During the film festival, Dr. Li Xian, President of the World Micro-Drama Research Association (WMDRA), presented certificates to core members of the association attending the event.
Registered in the United States, the WMDRA is an international academic organization dedicated to the study and promotion of micro-dramas in artistic creation, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and global dissemination. Conducting activities primarily in Chinese and English, the association brings together leading experts from film, artificial intelligence, and digital culture to explore the narrative potential and cultural significance of micro-dramas in the digital era.
World Micro-Drama Research Association Website：https://www.worldmicrodramas.com/
(From right to left: Website Director Shi Deliang, Website Editor Yalan, President Li Xian, Researcher Xiaodong Cao, Secretary-General Zhong Mei.)
Spectacular Awards Ceremony on Broadway, New York
Awards Gala at Broadway, New York
The awards gala was grandly held at a Broadway theater in New York. The event featured a captivating performance by “The Amazing Second-Generation Chinese,” blending dance, music, and visual arts to showcase youthful energy and creative vitality. During the opening ceremony, a special tribute was paid to the late filmmaker Zhao Dan, honoring his outstanding achievements and lasting influence in Chinese-language cinema, reflecting the festival’s respect and commemoration of pioneering artists.
The top award of this year’s festival went to Life of Luosang by Lu Wei and Zhang Guodong. The film, with its profound humanistic care and delicate narrative style, deeply moved the audience and received unanimous praise from both judges and viewers.
Professor Yuhua Zhu, Vice Chair of the festival, together with Hollywood agent William Harlam, presented the award to the film’s representatives.
(Professor Yuhua Zhu, Vice Chair of the Film Festival (far left), and Hollywood agent William Harlam present the award to the film’s representatives.)
The Festival Special Award was presented to Ms. Shi Wei and Ms. Chen Ruilin, both literary advisors to the festival and founding members, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to promoting Chinese-language original IP films and fostering cross-cultural exchange.
(From left to right: Festival Chief Planner Sunny Zhang presenting the Festival Special Contribution Awards to renowned writer and literary critic Chen Ruilin and writer and poet Shi Wei.)
Most Promising Investment Award: Each recipient received $10,000 in startup funding for their film or media company.
Best IP Adaptation Award:
(Award presenter: Director Shiao-ai Chi, from left. Award recipients (from left to right): Zhou Qianqi, Zhang Ci, Zhang Huiling, Li Xian, Zhu Xinhang; award presenter Hugo Arenas.)
(From left to right: Nan Lin, Liu Fei, Guo Xiaojuan, Shi Deliang, Zhao Siyuan; Award presenters: Hugo Arenas, William Harlam.)
Best Original IP Award:
(Award recipients: Jannie (second from left), Sha Shi (center), Yimeng Shen (second from right); Award presenters: Chen Ruilin (far left), Shi Wei (far right).)
The Festival’s “Most Heartwarming Award” was presented to the champion Shiba Inu Yuanbao, who has competed alongside world champions in numerous international tennis tournaments, earning recognition as a true canine star.
(Jie Cui, Executive President of the 3rd International Chinese Original IP Film Festival (right), presents a certificate to Zhang Ci, Executive President of the 4th edition.)
Closing Ceremony
Chinese-American elites presented honorary certificates to The Amazing Second-Generation Chinese, symbolizing “balancing cultural heritage with innovation.”
Sunny Zhang stated:
"In the AI era, we will continue to promote overseas Chinese-language IP and AI-driven films, providing a broader stage for global Chinese-language creators to showcase their talents. We aim to bring Chinese original works to the world and ensure that stories in the age of technology retain a human touch."
The festival concluded successfully, heralding a new chapter in the fusion of Chinese-language originality and artificial intelligence under the New York sky.
