On Sunday, the leaders of three of the world's most influential film festivals—the Berlin International Film Festival, the Toronto International Film Festival, and the Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF)—told an audience in Shanghai that the role of the festival circuit in discovering and developing new voices has never been more critical. They emphasized that personal connection, not data, remains the key to nurturing emerging talent.
The event, part of the Shanghai International Film Festival, brought together festival directors to discuss the future of cinema and the importance of supporting new filmmakers. The directors highlighted that despite the rise of streaming platforms and data-driven decision-making, the human element of film festivals is irreplaceable for fostering creativity and diversity in storytelling.
This gathering underscores the ongoing collaboration among major film festivals to promote global cinema and provide platforms for emerging directors. The Shanghai International Film Festival, which runs from June 14 to 23, 2026, serves as a key venue for such discussions, reflecting its growing influence in the international film community.
