Winner’s Remarks
Winner’s Remarks and Messages from Participants and Guests
After the awards ceremony, the organizing committee immediately received heartfelt messages from participants around the world:
First Prize – Zhang Ci:
I am truly honored to receive the First Prize in the inaugural China-US Writers Association Cup Competition. This prestigious award establishes my position in the short drama script community. With recognition comes responsibility; future short dramas must embrace more creativity to make this field increasingly innovative and challenging. This is the best New Year gift for 2025. I greatly admire the judges’ and organizing committee’s rigorous and dedicated work! Congratulations to the other winners, and may this competition continue to flourish. Wishing everyone a Happy New Year!
Second Prize – Zhong Mei:
I am deeply grateful to the competition’s judges and organizing committee for awarding me this prize. It is a tremendous honor. This recognition belongs not only to me personally but also to the Chinese Writers Association in the United States. Congratulations to the other winners as well. I hope everyone achieves greater success and recognition in the short drama field, and that the “China-US Writers Association Cup” continues to grow and prosper!
Third Prize – Guo Xiaojuan:
I am truly honored to receive the Third Prize in the inaugural Global China-US Writers Association Cup Competition. Attending the event yesterday, I realized the competition gathered many esteemed writers. As this was my first attempt at writing a suspense short drama script, winning the award was both shocking and delightful. This is the best New Year gift for 2025. I am also deeply moved by the judges’ and organizing committee’s rigorous and dedicated work. Congratulations to the other winners, and may the competition continue to thrive. Happy New Year to all!
Third Prize – Weng Yishui:
Grateful for everything! Congratulations on the successful completion of the event! Wishing everyone happiness, peace, joy, and health!
Third Prize – Chen Xin:
I feel extremely surprised and delighted to receive this award. I am aware that compared with more experienced and outstanding winners, I still have much to learn and improve. I sincerely thank the competition for giving me this opportunity and hope that the “China-US Writers Association Cup” short drama competition continues to thrive, inspiring all participants to achieve even greater success in the future.
Excellence Award – Ge Hangsong:
I am truly honored to receive this award. My gratitude goes to the judges for their recognition and to the Chinese Writers Association in the U.S. and Dreamood Pictures for organizing this event. This award not only affirms my work but also encourages me to continue creating English-language scripts. I hope that the winning works will soon be produced and shared with audiences.
Excellence Award – Shen Yimeng:
I am grateful for this honor, which not only recognizes my creative work but also encourages the integration of film and short drama. As a filmmaker, I believe every new form carries unique storytelling power. Short dramas have become a cultural trend in the U.S., and are still developing in Europe. Through my work, I hope to explore the potential and depth of this format, bringing it to a wider audience. Thank you all for your support and trust; I will continue to explore new possibilities in this creative field.
Excellence Award – Sun Bo:
In recent years, short dramas have become extremely popular. As a traditional screenwriter, I had never watched one before and even looked down on them a little. However, on June 8 last year, I attended a film forum hosted by the China-US Writers Association and was captivated by Ms. Yinuo’s lecture. Two hours of practical insights completely changed my view of short dramas. I quickly began watching several short dramas, some exquisitely produced and engaging. I was completely won over and felt inspired to create. Within a week, I decided to submit my first short drama, “Mom, I’m Home”, to the competition. Thanks to the judges’ generous recognition, I was fortunate to receive an Excellence Award. Without this competition, I might never have ventured into short dramas. Heartfelt thanks to Chairman Li Xian and the organizing committee for their hard work!
Excellence Award – Xin Man:
The award warms the heart, and the poetic spirit flows freely.
Thanks to the China-US Cup for supporting our dreams, which carry us to distant mountains.
Creativity Award – Jia Wenting:
I sincerely thank the China-US Writers Association for this opportunity. With professionalism as paper, literature as pen, and story as thread, creativity adds color, jointly crafting a new audio-visual feast and painting a magnificent picture of short drama.
Finalist – Shen Linzhao:
One’s early years determine one’s journey, green sleeves and red warmth flow with time.
Finalist – Wang Ye’an:
Although I only received a finalist award, this is a tremendous encouragement for my first attempt at scriptwriting. I thank the judges and organizing committee and congratulate all winners.
Advisor – Chen Ruilin:
First, warm congratulations to all winners of the inaugural Global China-US Writers Association Cup Short Drama Script Competition! Thanks to the Chinese Writers Association in the U.S. for organizing today’s literary and film event. Centered around dreams, vision, and the future, writers from across the globe gathered to bridge overseas Chinese literature with the film industry. Excellent literature combined with film generates immense energy. We encourage writers worldwide to provide outstanding literary works for Chinese film and fulfill their mission as overseas writers, leveraging literature’s impact. Once again, congratulations on the successful conclusion of the inaugural competition!
Advisor – Zheng Nanchuan:
Chairman Li Xian, attending the event today, I am deeply moved. Organizing a global event like this as a non-profit is extremely challenging. Without your literary expertise, passion for writing, social dedication, the trust of your team, and everyone’s collective effort, this event would have been impossible. You have nearly pioneered a global competition led by an overseas writers association, offering substantial prizes and focusing on the trending “micro-literature” category. I have seen some events, but none as well-executed as this. Truly commendable.
Advisor – Li Shanglong:
I am grateful to the organizing committee for inviting me as an advisor. Though I am now an entrepreneur in AI, I still identify foremost as a writer. Writing brings me peace and allows me to perceive the flow of the world through my own perspective. Thank you to the organizers for giving me the chance to empower more writers.
Mona, President of the European Chinese New Immigrant Writers Association:
This grand event, initiated by Dr. Li Xian and supported by numerous literary organizations, was a tremendous success. It inspires writers and screenwriters worldwide to contribute to the development of short drama series. This historic achievement serves as a beacon, guiding and bringing hope to literary and film creators globally.
Hua Chun, Founding President of the Japanese Women Writers Association:
Congratulations on the successful conclusion of the inaugural Global Short Drama Script Competition! After the first event, many more will participate in the second. Chairman Li Xian has extensive experience from working at Heilongjiang TV. Congratulations also to Zhang Ci, who rightfully earned this honor through years of dedication to film and television creation. Salute to all winners!
Huang Zongzhi, Honorary President of the Los Angeles Chinese Writers Association:
Congratulations to the China-US Writers Association for the successful awards ceremony and to all winners! Special congratulations to Zhang Ci for winning the First Prize. Thank you to the association for organizing this literary and film event!
Dong Yan, President of the Quebec Chinese Writers Association:
Chairman Li Xian and the team, your hard work is greatly appreciated! Congratulations on the successful conclusion of the China-US Writers Association Cup – Global Short Drama Script Competition!
Zhang Haoyin, CEO of Longteng Cultural Development Foundation:
It was an honor to attend the awards ceremony. Thank you, Chairman Li Xian, for the invitation. As an IP film festival organizer, I am thrilled to see so many excellent works presented in this competition. We advocate for the originality of IP, and I look forward to seeing more great works in future festivals. See you in New York!
Qi Hongxiang, President of Hongxiang Film Production:
Congratulations to all winners! Thank you to the China-US Cup for the invitation, and to the authors for their dedication. Thanks also to the judges for their fair evaluations, which brought forth these outstanding works. I hope our short drama platform continues to flourish under your efforts, with a bright and limitless future!
Lin Meijun, President of the South American Chinese Writers Association:
Congratulations on the successful Global Short Drama Awards Ceremony and the CWAA Annual Meeting.
Yuan Ruizhen, Special Guest, Permanent Member of the China-US Writers Association, Winner of the Bing Xin Prose Award:
The awards ceremony was grand and elegant, perfectly executed. The competition aligns with contemporary trends and aesthetic needs, attracting writers worldwide and generating outstanding works. It enriches spiritual life and highlights the China-US Writers Association. Under Chairman Li Xian’s leadership, the association will continue fostering East-West cultural integration, Chinese language preservation, innovation, and international literary collaboration, opening broader opportunities for its members.
Cao Xiaodong, Special Guest, Internationally Renowned Film Producer, Chairman of Huohong Pictures, and Jury Chair of the 2nd International Chinese Original IP Film Festival:
Dear Chairman Li Xian,
I am deeply honored to have been invited to participate in the inaugural Global Short Drama Script Competition awards ceremony. This groundbreaking event demonstrated exceptional charm and significance. From preparation to execution, your leadership inspired worldwide participation, presenting diverse and outstanding scripts that showcase the vitality and potential of short dramas.
The awards ceremony was meticulously organized, highlighting the unique merits of each winning script and forecasting the promising future of the short drama industry. As a film producer, I am particularly excited. Each winning work is a gem, with strong literary foundations, intricate story structures, and great adaptation potential. I look forward to transforming these scripts into captivating screen productions, bringing a fresh audio-visual experience to audiences and revitalizing the film industry.
This spectacular event is the brilliant culmination of your team’s efforts, creating a premier platform for global short drama exchange. It will inspire more creators and elevate the industry to new heights. I look forward to continuing to witness and contribute to more achievements under your leadership.
Sincere congratulations once again!
— Cao Xiaodong
(Contributed by the China-US Writers Association)
Grand Awards Ceremony
The Literary Light of Short Dramas: A Cross-World Celebration of Creativity
— The Inaugural China-US Writers Association Cup Global Short Drama Script Competition
Awards Ceremony Successfully Concluded
On January 18, 2025, the awards ceremony of the “China-US Writers Association Cup – Inaugural Global Short Drama Script Competition” was grandly held online. This remarkable event brought together outstanding figures from literature, film, and culture worldwide, illuminating the stars of time with the power of words and opening a new chapter for the development of short drama literature.
The competition was hosted by the Chinese Writers Association in the United States, organized by Dreamood Pictures (USA) and the World Short Drama Research Society, and co-organized by the World Chinese Microfiction Research Association. The event received support from 30 Chinese-language literary organizations worldwide and sponsorship from Dreamood Pictures, East West Bank (USA), and Sunshine International Investment (USA). Since its launch in May 2024, the competition has attracted numerous outstanding literary creators from around the globe, becoming an international celebration where literature and film intersect.
Distinguished Guests Gathered to Celebrate
Attendees of the awards ceremony included members of the organizing committee, advisors, winners, and members of the China-US Writers Association, as well as presidents and leaders from literary organizations and film companies worldwide. Supporting organizations and associations included:
Huang Zongzhi, Honorary President, Los Angeles Chinese Writers Association (USA)
Liu Fei, President, Northwest Chinese Writers Association (USA)
Chen Ruilin, President, Euro-American Film Association
Qi Hongxiang, President, Hongxiang Film Production Company
Feng Yu, President, Greater China Writers Association (Canada) and Han Changfu, Vice President
Sun Bo, President, Chinese Writers Association of Canada
Zheng Nanchuan, Founding President, and Dong Yan, Current President, Quebec Chinese Writers Association (Canada)
Mona, President, European Chinese New Immigrant Writers Association
Hua Chun, Founding President, Japanese Chinese Women Writers Association
Liu Ruijin, President, Singapore Writers Association
Wen Xiaoyun, Secretary-General, Thai Chinese Writers Association
Xian Jinyan, Chair, New Zealand Chinese Literary and Arts Federation
Helen Hu, Australian Chinese Writers Association
Lin Meijun, President, South American Chinese Writers Association
Coconut, President, Philippine Chinese Writers Association
Special invited guests added even more brilliance to the event, including:
Ms. Zhang Haoyin, Chairperson of Longteng Cultural Development Foundation and Chief Planner of the International Chinese Original IP Film Festival
Ms. Cao Xiaodong, internationally renowned film producer, Chairman of Huohong Pictures, and Jury Chair of the 2nd International Chinese Original IP Film Festival
Qi Binying, President, Megalight Film Company (USA)
Zhang Feng, President, Overseas Chinese Women Writers Association
Zhang Hui, Publisher, World Chinese Weekly Publishing Group
Lei Junyi, President, Washington DC Chinese Writers Association
Cai Zhong, Vice President, Ho Chi Minh City Chinese Literary Association (Vietnam)
Professor Wang Zuyou, Taizhou University
Jia Mingwen, Editor-in-Chief, “Wenxi Zhonghua” Editorial Office, Washington DC
Ji Min, President, Vinery International Media Co., Limited
Bao Bao, Director, CPAN Film Company
He Zonghuan, Producer, Daying Youxiang Film Co., Ltd. (Chengdu)
Special Messages Draw Global Attention
Headquartered in the picturesque coastal city of San Diego, California, the Chinese Writers Association of America (CWAA) received worldwide recognition during the CWAA Cup Global Micro-Short Drama Screenplay Awards Ceremony.
The Mayor of San Diego, Todd Gloria, sent a congratulatory letter to the event, stating:
“Dear guests of the CWAA Micro-Short Drama Awards Ceremony: Congratulations to the organizers and participants for creating such an outstanding international event celebrating artistic creativity and innovation. The micro-short drama format fully demonstrates the power of concise storytelling and its ability to connect diverse voices and audiences around the world.
As Mayor of San Diego, I am proud to recognize the Chinese Writers Association of America — a national nonprofit organization headquartered in our city. CWAA is dedicated to advancing literary and cultural excellence across the nation. Seventy of its members’ works have been collected by the UCLA Library, enhancing San Diego’s artistic reputation and making a lasting impact both domestically and internationally. Thank you for providing a space where creativity and talent can flourish. I wish this ceremony great success and inspiration.”
U.S. Congresswoman Judy Chu also extended her congratulations through a video message:
“I want to thank the Chinese Writers Association of America (CWAA) and its President, Dr. Gee-Schweiger, for organizing this wonderful event that brings together storytellers to celebrate the power of words and creativity. I would also like to thank Chief Advisor Lisa Yang for her invitation and her contributions to our community.
Since its founding in 2015, CWAA has built a thriving platform for writers, fostering cultural exchange and community connection through storytelling. Today’s competition showcases CWAA’s leadership in promoting the innovative micro-short drama format — a concise and powerful way to inspire creativity, highlight diverse themes, and advance global inclusiveness in culture. I congratulate the entire CWAA team for successfully hosting such a meaningful event. Your efforts have enriched our communities and paved the way for more connected stories and creative endeavors in the future. Congratulations on this remarkable achievement!”
Lisa Yang, member of the International Executive Committee of the Hollywood Women’s Film Association, screenwriter, and Chief Producer of The Oscar Team, also sent her best wishes in a congratulatory message:
“Although I could not attend the ceremony due to work commitments, I would like to express my feelings in ten words: ‘With a worldly attitude and a transcendent spirit, do things well.’ As Chief Advisor of this year’s competition, I am deeply gratified to see President Gee-Schweiger and all team members complete such a challenging task with selfless dedication — demonstrating professionalism, perseverance, and precision.”
In a video message, Ling Dingnian, President of the World Chinese Microfiction Research Association, expressed his admiration and congratulations:
“My respect and best wishes to the organizers, participants, sponsors, supporters, and winners of this event! Your efforts, creativity, and hard work have been recognized and rewarded. In the rapidly rising field of micro-short dramas, you are at the forefront — playing a leading role that will leave a remarkable mark in both literary and cinematic history.”
Authoritative Judging and Award Announcement
At the award ceremony, Dr. Gee-Schweiger, President of the Chinese Writers Association of America (CWAA) and Chair of the Organizing Committee, delivered a comprehensive report summarizing the competition. She stated:
“Throughout the judging process, we strictly followed a three-stage evaluation system — preliminary, secondary, and final reviews — conducted by the panel of judges. In early October, four preliminary judges began assessing submissions using both a scoring system and overall commentary to shortlist entries. In early November, another four judges carried out the secondary review based on the first-round feedback, evaluating each work with fairness and objectivity by considering the author’s background, synopsis, and screenplay, and then recommending the award rankings. In December, two judges who served on both the secondary and final review panels consolidated the results to determine the final list of winners.
It was gratifying to see that the judges’ feedback was remarkably consistent, allowing the selection to conclude smoothly. The entries this year included screenplays written in Chinese, English, and bilingual formats. Notably, many participants and winners are experienced creators, including professional screenwriters and directors. However, we also observed that while some well-known writers submitted outstanding stories, their works were not fully suited for the micro-short drama format and had to be regrettably set aside. At the same time, several emerging writers stood out with original ideas and scripts that perfectly fit this form, truly embodying the mission of the competition — to provide a platform for creators at all levels to showcase their talent.”
Cui Ping, Executive Director of the Judging Committee and Secretary-General of CWAA, served as the ceremony host. She invited Attorney Wang Zhiming, the association’s legal advisor, to read the notarization statement, affirming that the entire judging and award process was conducted with fairness, transparency, and integrity, and that all results were valid and authentic.
The First Prize was presented by Dr. Gee-Schweiger, Chief Judge and Chair of the Organizing Committee, along with Mr. Tan Ruiqin, CWAA Treasurer, who awarded the winner Ms. Zhang Ci a certificate of honor and a cash prize of USD 1,000. A member of the Chinese Writers Association since 1983 and now based in Hollywood, Ms. Zhang won for her 60-episode micro-short drama series Bank, which impressed judges with its unique theme and concise storytelling. The project has strong potential for production.
The Second Prize was awarded by Eno Q, President of Dreamood Pictures, to Wang Fei for Setting the Trap and Zhong Mei for My American Rebirth, each receiving USD 500. Wang Fei’s work was praised for its fresh market-oriented theme, while Zhong Mei’s screenplay stood out for its creative use of time travel, skillfully blending ancient and modern cultural elements. Both projects are under consideration for production.
The Third Prize was presented by Dr. Shi Deliang, CWAA Deputy Secretary-General, Executive Group Leader of the Organizing Committee, and Preliminary Judge of the competition, together with Ms. Liu Fei, CWAA Board Member and Head of the Organizing Committee’s External Relations Group. Each winner received a USD 300 prize.
The Excellence Awards were presented by Wen Hao, Vice President of CWAA and Vice Chair of the Organizing Committee, to ten recipients.
Ms. Zhang Haoyin, Chairwoman and CEO of the Longteng Cultural Development Foundation and Chief Curator of the International Chinese Original IP Film Festival, presented the Creativity Awards to six recipients.
Ms. Zeng Xiaowen, CWAA Advisor and former President of the Chinese Pen Society of Canada, presented the Finalist Certificates to four honorees.
Honoring Dedication and Unity
To express gratitude to the special supporters of the competition, the Organizing Committee established three honorary distinctions — the Cultural Ambassador Award, the Literary Angel Award, and the Outstanding Contribution Award.
The Cultural Ambassador Award was presented to:
• Lisa Yang — Member of the International Executive Committee of the Hollywood Women’s Film Association, screenwriter, producer, and Chief Producer of Hollywood’s Oscar-winning The Oscar Team. She served as Chief Advisor of this year’s competition.
• Ye Xin — Renowned Chinese novelist, former Vice Chairman of the 9th National Committee of the Chinese Writers Association, and screenwriter of the acclaimed TV dramas Debt of Life and Wasted Years. He served as Chief Advisor of the competition.
• Ling Dingnian — President of the World Chinese Microfiction Research Association, advisor to the Organizing Committee, and representative of the event’s co-organizing institution.
The Literary Angel Award was presented to six distinguished advisors:
• Professor Cao Wenxuan, doctoral supervisor at Peking University, film screenwriter, and winner of the Hans Christian Andersen Award.
• Chen Ruilin, overseas Chinese literary critic and President of the European and American Film and Television Association.
• Zheng Nanchuan, President of the Canadian Society for World Sinology, scholar, and writer in Chinese literary criticism.
• Zheng Zi, Executive Vice President of the Asian Microfilm Academy and Executive Director of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles Film and Television Center.
• Wei Haijun, Founding Partner of Daguan Capital.
• Li Shanglong, bestselling author and science communicator with over one billion online views for his AI-themed educational content.
Two additional recipients of the Literary Angel Award were Yibo Kou, Head of the Art Department of the Organizing Committee, and Esther Zhang, Head of Operations.
The Outstanding Contribution Award was presented to Eno Q, President of Dreamood Pictures, screenwriter, producer, and Vice Chair of the Organizing Committee.
In a heartwarming moment, U.S. Congresswoman Dr. Judy Chu presented the Outstanding Contribution Award to Dr. Maria Lixian Gee-Schweiger, President of the Chinese Writers Association of America and Chair of the Organizing Committee, in recognition of her remarkable literary achievements.
In her commendation, Dr. Chu wrote:
“Dr. Maria Lixian Gee-Schweiger, President of the Chinese Writers Association of America (CWAA), is hereby recognized for her outstanding efforts and accomplishments in supporting media arts and celebrating Chinese American cultural heritage. Your leadership and dedication are deeply appreciated and highly commendable. Congratulations on all your achievements, and may your future endeavors continue to shine brightly.”
Celebrating Literature, Envisioning the Future
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Dr. Maria Lixian Gee-Schweiger, Chair of the Organizing Committee, expressed her heartfelt sentiments:
“Although this year’s competition is coming to a close, its historical mission will continue. We plan to publish the synopses of the winning works on the CWAA website and on the World Micro-Short Drama Research Association’s platform, in the hope of drawing attention from film and television companies interested in producing micro-short drama series. We look forward to seeing more of these award-winning works brought to life on screen.”
The ceremony lasted one hour and forty-five minutes, exceeding its scheduled time, yet the enthusiasm of nearly one hundred participants — including guests, judges, committee members, advisors, award recipients, and CWAA members — never waned. The event concluded amid warm congratulations and heartfelt wishes.
Although the awards were presented virtually via Zoom, without red carpets or flashing cameras, the ceremony integrated pre-recorded on-site footage, creating a unique blend of online and offline experiences that offered a refreshing sense of connection and celebration.。
Winners’ Remarks and Messages of Congratulations
First Prize – Zhang Ci:
“I am deeply honored to receive the First Prize at the inaugural CWAA Cup. This award establishes my position in the micro-short drama scene. With recognition comes responsibility, and I hope my future works will bring more creativity and innovation to this field. This is the best New Year gift of 2025. I greatly admire the judges’ and organizers’ meticulous efforts. Congratulations to the other winners, and I wish the competition continued success. Happy New Year to everyone!”
Second Prize – Zhong Mei:
“I am very grateful to the judges and the Organizing Committee for awarding me this honor. This recognition belongs not only to me but also to the Chinese Writers Association of America. Congratulations to all other winners, and I hope everyone continues to achieve greater success in the micro-short drama field. I wish the CWAA Cup continues to thrive!”
Third Prize – Guo Xiaojuan:
“I am honored to receive the Third Prize at the inaugural global CWAA Cup. As a first-time writer of suspense micro-short dramas, winning this award was a wonderful surprise — the best New Year gift of 2025. I am deeply moved by the judges’ and organizers’ professionalism and dedication. Congratulations to all other winners, and may the competition flourish. Happy New Year!”
Third Prize – Weng Yishui:
“Grateful for everything! Congratulations on a successful event! Wishing everyone happiness, peace, joy, and good health!”
Third Prize – Chen Xin:
“I was pleasantly surprised and deeply honored to receive this award. I realize that compared to more experienced and accomplished winners, I still have much to learn. I am grateful for the opportunity provided by the competition and hope the CWAA Cup continues to grow, enabling everyone to achieve even greater accomplishments.”
Excellence Award – Ge Hangsong:
“I am honored to receive this award. Thanks to the judges, CWAA, and Dreamood Pictures for organizing this competition. This recognition encourages me to continue creating English-language screenplays. I hope that all winning works will soon be produced and reach audiences.”
Excellence Award – Shen Yimeng:
“I am grateful for this honor. It not only validates my creative work but also encourages the integration of film and micro-short dramas. As a film creator, I believe every new form contains unique narrative power. While micro-short dramas have become a cultural trend in the U.S., they are still emerging in Europe. I look forward to exploring the possibilities and depth of this form, sharing it with a broader audience. Thank you for your support and trust.”
Excellence Award – Sun Bo:
“In recent years, micro-short dramas have become extremely popular. Initially, as a traditional screenwriter, I hadn’t watched one and even looked down on the format. However, on June 8 last year, I attended a CWAA-hosted film forum as a representative of one of the supporting organizations. Ms. Eno’s two-hour presentation completely changed my perception — I realized the format is fast-paced, full of twists, and highly engaging. Inspired, I created my first micro-short drama, Mom, I’m Home, and I am deeply grateful to the judges for awarding me the Excellence Prize. Without this competition, I would not have ventured into micro-short dramas. Many thanks to Dr. Gee-Schweiger and the Organizing Committee for their hard work!”
Excellence Award – Xin Man:
“The award touches the heart and inspires the spirit. I am grateful to CWAA for walking this journey with dreams, bringing creativity to distant horizons.”
Creativity Award – Jia Wenting:
“I sincerely thank CWAA for this opportunity. Through professional skills, literary expression, and storytelling, creativity brings color and together we create a fresh audiovisual experience, crafting a beautiful canvas for micro-short dramas.”
Finalist – Shen Linzhao:
“Though early in my career, this recognition is inspiring. Thank you to the judges and Organizing Committee.”
Finalist – Wang Ye’an:
“Even as a finalist, this encouragement is invaluable for my first attempt at writing a screenplay. Congratulations to all winners!”
Advisors’ Remarks:
Chen Ruilin:
“Congratulations to all winners of the inaugural CWAA Cup! Thanks to CWAA for organizing this literary and film event, bringing together writers from around the world to promote the integration of Chinese literature and film. Excellent literary works combined with film generate tremendous impact. We encourage writers worldwide to provide outstanding works for Chinese film and fulfill their literary mission.”
Zheng Nanchuan:
“I am deeply moved witnessing this global event. Organizing such a large-scale competition for a non-profit is extremely challenging. Without Dr. Gee-Schweiger’s strong literary background, passion, social commitment, and the trust and unity of the organizers, this event would not have been possible. This competition sets a new standard for overseas Chinese literary initiatives and micro-literature competitions. Truly commendable.”
Li Shanglong:
“Although now working in AI, my identity as a writer remains central. Writing allows me to find calm and transcend time and space. Thanks to CWAA for empowering more writers through this platform.”
Meng Na, President of the European Chinese New Immigrant Writers Association:
“Under Dr. Gee-Schweiger’s leadership and the joint efforts of literary organizations worldwide, this award ceremony was a resounding success. It inspires writers and screenwriters globally to contribute to micro-short drama literature, serving as a beacon guiding creators and filmmakers.”
Hua Chun, Founding President of the Japanese Chinese Women Writers Association:
“Congratulations on the successful completion of the inaugural global micro-short drama screenplay awards! Following this first edition, many more will participate. Congratulations to all winners, including Zhang Ci, who has honed her skills in film and is truly deserving.”
Huang Zongzhi, Honorary President, Los Angeles Chinese Writers Association:
“Warm congratulations to all winners of the inaugural CWAA global micro-short drama screenplay awards, and especially to Zhang Ci for winning First Prize! Thanks to CWAA for organizing today’s literary and film celebration.”
Dong Yan, President, Quebec Chinese Writers Association:
“Congratulations to Dr. Gee-Schweiger and the team for the successful conclusion of the CWAA Cup Global Micro-Short Drama Screenplay Awards!”
Zhang Haoyin, Chairwoman & CEO, Longteng Cultural Development Foundation:
“It was a pleasure to attend the awards ceremony. I am delighted to see so many excellent original works presented at the CWAA Cup, reflecting the spirit of IP originality. I look forward to seeing the winners create more outstanding works, and hope to see them at the 3rd International Chinese Original IP Film Festival in New York.”
Qi Hongxiang, President, Hongxiang Film Production Company:
“Congratulations to all winners, and thanks to CWAA for the invitation. Thanks to the authors for their dedication and to the judges for their fair evaluation. I believe the micro-short drama platform will continue to grow and thrive.”
Lin Meijun, President, South American Chinese Writers Association:
“Congratulations on the successful completion of the global micro-short drama awards and CWAA annual meeting!”
Yuan Ruizhen, Special Guest and Permanent CWAA Member:
“The ceremony was elegant and grand, perfectly showcasing the competition. It aligns with contemporary trends and aesthetics, attracting writers worldwide and producing outstanding works that enrich people’s cultural lives. Under Dr. Gee-Schweiger’s leadership, CWAA will continue to foster East-West cultural integration, promote Chinese language and literature, and expand opportunities for members globally.”
To: Dr. Maria Lixian Gee-Schweiger, Chair, Chinese Writers Association of America (CWAA)
From: Ms. Cao Xiaodong, Internationally Acclaimed Film Producer, Chairwoman of Firehawk Pictures, and Chair of the Jury for the 2nd International Chinese Original IP Film Festival
Dear Chair Dr. Gee-Schweiger,
I am truly honored to have been invited by you to participate in the awards ceremony of the inaugural Global Micro-Short Drama Screenplay Competition. It was undoubtedly a groundbreaking and inspiring industry event, showcasing remarkable charm and significance from start to finish.
From the very beginning of the preparation, I could clearly see the dedication and tireless efforts of you and your team. Under your outstanding leadership, the competition attracted enthusiastic participation from creators around the world. A diverse range of high-quality scripts, featuring various genres and styles, poured in, vividly demonstrating the vitality and immense potential of this emerging art form — the micro-short drama.
The awards ceremony itself was meticulously designed, presenting an engaging and multifaceted program. The in-depth exploration of the winning works and their creators allowed us to fully appreciate the unique charm of these outstanding scripts, while also providing a clear vision of the broad prospects for the micro-short drama industry. These impressive achievements would not have been possible without your foresight and relentless dedication.
As a film producer, I am particularly excited. The carefully selected winning scripts are truly gems — not only rich in literary quality but also cleverly structured, offering tremendous potential for adaptation into visual media. I eagerly look forward to discovering opportunities to bring these stories to the screen. I am confident that, with these exceptional scripts and professional audiovisual production, audiences will experience an entirely new cinematic and viewing pleasure, injecting fresh vitality into the industry.
The resounding success of this ceremony is a brilliant testament to the hard work and vision of you and your team. It has created a top-tier platform for global exchange and showcasing within the micro-short drama community, inspiring more creators to contribute and pushing the industry toward new heights.
I look forward to continuing to witness more achievements under your leadership and to collaborating in advancing the global micro-short drama industry.
Once again, please accept my most sincere and enthusiastic congratulations!
Sincerely,
Cao Xiaodong
(Submitted on behalf of the Chinese Writers Association of America)
颁奖典礼实况录像，欢迎收看：
https://youtu.be/Fh3xXwWUoT0 （美国）
https://v.douyin.com/ifxVbNh6 （上）https://v.douyin.com/ifxVTcoS （下）中国
“Come Into the Bowl! Halfway Through the Competition, Prizes and Investors Are Waiting!”
First “Chinese Writers Association in the U.S. Cup” Global Micro-Series Scriptwriting Competition Reaches Midpoint
July 30, 2024
The inaugural “Chinese Writers Association in the U.S. Cup” Global Micro-Series Scriptwriting Competition has officially reached the halfway point. While many entries have already been submitted, the organizing committee has received numerous inquiries from prospective participants about submission rules and procedures. To clarify the details, our reporter Fanyu conducted an online interview with Dr. Li Xian, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, answering the most frequently asked questions.
Why Launch This Competition?
Dr. Li explained that the rapid growth of the internet, short videos, and portable HD devices has made micro-series a rising phenomenon in global film and television culture. “This competition aims to promote innovation in micro-series while giving writers a platform to showcase their talents,” he said. Organized by the Chinese Writers Association in the U.S., hosted by Dreamood Pictures, and co-organized by the World Chinese Microfiction Research Association, the event seeks to discover outstanding scripts and compile winning entries into an anthology titled Winning Works of the First ‘Chinese Writers Association in the U.S. Cup’ Global Micro-Series Scriptwriting Competition. Dr. Li also emphasized that the initiative hopes to support the production of winning scripts into fully realized micro-series.
What Makes This Competition Unique?
According to Dr. Li, the competition stands out in three key ways:
It focuses specifically on “micro-series for film and television,” defining the type of eligible submissions.
It emphasizes the “literary script” as the required format.
Unlike many other competitions, it offers cash prizes and invites Hollywood investors to review submissions and potentially invest in production.
“Micro-series production shifts the focus from directors to writers, highlighting the scriptwriter’s central role,” Dr. Li noted. “Having been a full-time TV drama writer in China, I have a deep passion for scripts. Launching this competition on a global scale reflects that passion.”
Prizes and Investment Opportunities
The competition will award:
First Prize: $1,000 (1 winner)
Second Prize: $500 each (2 winners)
Third Prize: $300 each (5 winners)
Special Awards: Best Newcomer, Best Creativity, and Excellence Awards (20 recipients, certificates only)
Dr. Li clarified that submission of entries implies consent to allow the organizers to publish, promote, and disseminate works online. Winning works may also be translated into other languages. If a script is adopted by a production company, authors negotiate fees directly with the company; prizes from the competition are independent of any production contracts.
Themes and Eligibility
Participants may choose from five themes reflecting current micro-series trends:
Triumphant Comeback: Overcoming adversity and achieving success.
Personal Growth: From ordinary to extraordinary through character development.
Romantic Love: Exploring the complexity of love through passion and enduring relationships.
Feminism: Characters pursuing equality, freedom, and empowerment.
Cultural Clash: Depicting cross-cultural encounters, conflicts, and reconciliation.
The competition is open globally, with submissions accepted in Chinese or English. More than 30 literary organizations worldwide support the event, including associations in North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania.
Ensuring Quality and Authority
To guarantee fairness, top industry experts have been appointed as advisors, including acclaimed writers, professors, producers, and executives from the film and television sector. Notable advisors include Ye Xin, Cao Wenxuan, Lisa Yang, and Liu Siran. Their involvement ensures the competition maintains the highest standards of credibility and authority.
Submission Requirements and Deadline
Entries must be original and include:
A synopsis under 2,000 words
Character bios
Scripts for 20 episodes
Each episode should run 1–2 minutes, with 60–80 episodes in total, not exceeding 90 minutes. Submissions are accepted from May 15 to August 30, 2024. Dr. Li encouraged aspiring writers: “This is the chance to turn your scripts into micro-series, produce them, and share them with the world. As M&M’s says: ‘Come into the bowl!’”
How to Submit
Participants can submit entries via the QR code for the competition and send all documents to: support@chinesewritersusa.org
Brief News
Rising with the Times: Unveiling the Secrets Behind the Popularity of Micro-Series
To support the success of the competition and to clarify the concept of micro-series scriptwriting for a wider audience, the Chinese Writers Association in the U.S. hosted a 2024 Film & TV Forum featuring a keynote by Eno Q, permanent member of the association, screenwriter, producer, and Vice Chair of the Competition Organizing Committee as well as President of Dreamood Pictures. Her lecture, titled “Decoding the Creative Secrets of the ‘Chinese Writers Association in the U.S. Cup’ Competition: Insights into Micro-Series Scriptwriting”, provided a comprehensive guide to creating micro-series.
The forum was moderated by Mr. Ren Guoping, member of the Association’s Arts Committee for Fiction and Film & TV, with technical support from Dr. Shi Deliang. Dr. Li Xian, Chairman of the Chinese Writers Association in the U.S., opened the forum with a concise overview of the significance of both the forum and the global micro-series scriptwriting competition.
Eno Q captivated the audience with her energetic and articulate presentation, covering six key areas:
Genres and Themes of Micro-Series
Business Models for Micro-Series
Script Structure for an 80-Episode Micro-Series
Plot Twists in Single Episodes
Character Development in Micro-Series
Localization of Micro-Series for U.S. Audiences
She shared her years of experience in micro-series scriptwriting, production, and industry insights, offering forward-looking perspectives on the development of the micro-series market.
Particularly noteworthy were her detailed explanations on scriptwriting techniques such as story progression, character design, and character arcs, as well as series-level strategies including cultural adaptation and adaptation strategies.
The lecture lasted over two hours, with active participation from the audience, who asked questions and discussed creative challenges. Eno Q answered each question thoroughly, demonstrating both her expertise and her generosity in sharing knowledge.
Her professional approach and candid sharing of creative strategies received unanimous praise from participants.
Watch the Forum Video:
https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1Ufg4eCEva/?vd_source=529e269d7cc6736762dc5717465ee641
Rising with the Times: Unveiling the Secrets Behind the Popularity of Micro-Series
On June 8, 2024, at 5:00 PM PST, the Chinese Writers Association in the U.S. held its 2024 Film & TV Forum on ZOOM, themed “Decoding the Creative Secrets of Micro-Series: Insights from the ‘Chinese Writers Association in the U.S. Cup’ Competition”.
In the past two years, with the rise of internet short videos, micro-series—a new format emerging on social video platforms—have become immensely popular.
To promote innovation in micro-series and provide literature enthusiasts with a platform to showcase their talents, the first Global Micro-Series Scriptwriting Competition (“Chinese Writers Association in the U.S. Cup”), jointly organized by the Chinese Writers Association in the U.S., Dreamood Pictures, and the World Chinese Microfiction Research Association, began accepting submissions on May 15, 2024.
The competition features five thematic categories:
Triumphant Comeback: Stories of setbacks and adversity, rebirth and triumph. Protagonists rise like a phoenix even in the darkest moments.
Personal Growth: Journeys from ordinary to extraordinary, achieving value and recognition through personal transformation.
Romantic Love: Exploring the complexities of love through passionate first encounters, lasting relationships, tacit understanding, and steadfast commitment.
Feminism: Characters break free from constraints, pursue equality and freedom, and showcase female empowerment.
Cultural Clash: Depicting interactions between people from different cultural backgrounds, exploring conflicts and reconciliation, and highlighting the beauty of multiculturalism.
The submission period runs from May 15 to August 30, 2024, with preliminary, secondary, and final evaluations. Winners will be announced by the end of 2024.
Winning scripts will be recommended to film and television production companies, and an anthology titled “Winning Works of the First ‘Chinese Writers Association in the U.S. Cup’ Global Micro-Series Scriptwriting Competition” will be published, featuring the award-winning entries.
To further promote the competition and clarify the principles of micro-series scriptwriting, the association invited Eno Q, permanent member of the association, screenwriter and producer, and Vice Chair of the competition organizing committee as well as President of Dreamood Pictures, to deliver a keynote lecture. Her presentation, “Decoding the Creative Secrets of the ‘Chinese Writers Association in the U.S. Cup’ Competition: Insights into Micro-Series Scriptwriting”, shared her experience and creative insights.
The forum was moderated by Ren Guoping, member of the Arts Committee for Fiction and Film & TV, with technical support provided by Dr. Shi Deliang.
At the opening, Dr. Li Xian, Chairman of the Chinese Writers Association in the U.S., provided a concise introduction on the significance of the forum and the competition. Eno Q then delivered a lively, fast-paced, and meticulously organized lecture covering six key aspects of micro-series creation:
Genres and Themes of Micro-Series
Business Models for Micro-Series
Script Structure for an 80-Episode Series
Plot Twists in Single Episodes
Character Development in Micro-Series
Localization of Micro-Series for U.S. Audiences
She shared her years of experience in scriptwriting and production, as well as forward-looking insights on industry trends.
Watch the forum video:
https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1Ufg4eCEva/?vd_source=529e269d7cc6736762dc5717465ee641
First “Chinese Writers Association in the U.S. Cup” Global Micro-Series Script writing Competition
Overview
With the rapid development of the internet and short videos, along with the widespread availability of portable HD devices, micro-series have emerged as a new phenomenon, gradually forming a distinct cultural and creative industry. To promote innovation in micro-series and provide a platform for writers to showcase their talents, the Chinese Writers Association in the U.S. organizes the first “Chinese Writers Association in the U.S. Cup” Global Micro-Series Scriptwriting Competition, hosted by Dreamood Pictures and co-organized by the World Chinese Microfiction Research Association.
This competition aims to discover and showcase outstanding micro-series scripts, with winning works compiled and published in the anthology “Winning Works of the First ‘Chinese Writers Association in the U.S. Cup’ Global Micro-Series Scriptwriting Competition”. It also hopes to facilitate the production of selected scripts into actual micro-series.
Competition Details
1. Name:
First “Chinese Writers Association in the U.S. Cup” Global Micro-Series Scriptwriting Competition
2. Themes (choose one):
Triumphant Comeback: Stories of setbacks and adversity, rebirth and triumph. The protagonist fights fate, rising like a phoenix even in the darkest moments.
Personal Growth: Journeys from ordinary to extraordinary, achieving value and recognition through personal transformation.
Romantic Love: Exploring the complexities of love through passionate first encounters, lasting relationships, tacit understanding, and steadfast commitment.
Feminism: Protagonists break free from constraints, pursue equality and freedom, and showcase female empowerment.
Cultural Clash: Depicting interactions between people from different cultural backgrounds, exploring conflict and reconciliation, and highlighting the beauty of multiculturalism.
3. Scope:
Open to submissions worldwide. Entries in Chinese or English are accepted.
4. Organizer:
Chinese Writers Association in the U.S.
5. Host:
Dreamood Pictures (U.S.)
6. Co-Organizers:
World Micro-Series Research Association
World Chinese Microfiction Research Association
7. Chief Advisors:
Ye Xin: Renowned writer, former Vice Chairman of the China Writers Association, screenwriter for TV dramas Debts of Sin and Time Wasted.
Lisa Yang (Yang Huasha): Member of the Hollywood Women’s Film Association International Executive Committee, screenwriter, producer, Executive Producer of Hollywood Oscar Team’s gold production team.
8. Advisors:
Cao Wenxuan: Professor at Peking University, doctoral advisor, film screenwriter, International Hans Christian Andersen Award winner.
Ling Dingnian: President of the World Chinese Microfiction Research Association, guest professor at the Asian Microfilm Academy, Deputy Editor of Writers Network.
Zheng Zi: Executive Vice President of the Asian Microfilm Academy, Executive Director of the Chinese Arts and Film Center, Vice Chair of Short Film & Micro Video Committee, China Film Editing Society.
Chen Ruilin: Overseas Chinese critic, President of the European & American Film & TV Association.
Zheng Nanchuan: President of the World Sinology Association, Canada.
Wei Haijun: Founding Partner of Daguan Capital, former GM of Cheetah Mobile Investment, Head of Investment at Shanda Innovation Institute, TMT Investment Director at Tongchuang Weiye.
Zhang Zefan: Producer of TV series Origin, Producer of Sunset.
Liu Siran: Acclaimed screenwriter, notable works include The Qingming Shanghe Map Code, Mi Xiaoqian Goes to School, You Are My Sweetest Secret.
9. Competition Committee:
Chairman: Li Xian – President of the Chinese Writers Association in the U.S.
Vice Chairs:
Eno Q – President of Dreamood Pictures (U.S.)
Wen Hao – Vice President of the Chinese Writers Association in the U.S.
10. Submission Period:
May 15, 2024 – September 30, 2024
11. Submission Requirements:
Must be original; any plagiarism is prohibited. Authors are solely responsible for any legal disputes.
Each episode should run 1–2 minutes, with 60–80 episodes in total; overall duration must not exceed 90 minutes.
Submit a story synopsis (under 2,000 words) and scripts for 20 episodes.
Submission form must be completed via the QR code for the competition, and documents sent to: support@chinesewritersusa.org