The second Jilin Documentary Festival opened this week in Jilin, northeastern China, drawing filmmakers, broadcasters, scholars, and industry leaders from across China and overseas. Set along the snowy Songhua River, the three-day event focuses on documentary creation, academic exchange, and industry collaboration.
The festival, held under the theme “World of Documentaries, Wonders of Jilin,” highlights the growing role of the province in nonfiction storytelling. It serves as both a professional exchange platform and a public showcase for documentary works.
Cao Lubao, a member of the Standing Committee of the Jilin Provincial Party Committee and director of the Publicity Department, said the festival emphasizes connecting local stories with global audiences. He noted that film and television have become key drivers for cultural and economic growth in the province.
“This festival offers filmmakers a chance to share their stories while building networks with broadcasters, investors, and production partners,” Cao said. “Documentary filmmaking can bring Jilin’s culture and heritage to the world.”
The program included screenings, panel discussions, and project meetings designed to encourage collaboration and help develop projects with international potential. One of the festival’s main highlights was the documentary pitching session. Out of 121 submitted proposals, 17 were selected to present to industry experts. Several projects are expected to receive funding, professional mentoring, and production support, helping them reach global film festivals.
A new feature this year is the Excellent Eco-Nature Documentary Awards. The awards recognize works addressing ecological protection, environmental governance, and the relationship between humans and nature. Organizers said this aligns with rising global awareness of climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development.
The festival also showcased Jilin’s priority documentary themes for 2026, including history, cultural heritage, ecology, and contemporary life. Among the projects unveiled was a large-scale documentary on artist and politician Wu Dacheng, honoring the 140th anniversary of his efforts to safeguard China’s northeastern border.
Additional events included professional forums, university screenings, and international exchanges. Festival organizers said these activities aim to strengthen long-term cooperation between Chinese filmmakers and the global documentary community.
The Jilin Documentary Festival demonstrates the province’s commitment to fostering high-quality cultural growth. By promoting local storytelling, encouraging industry collaboration, and highlighting environmental and historical themes, the festival positions Jilin as an emerging hub for documentary filmmaking in China.
Filmmakers attending the event praised the platform for providing exposure, networking opportunities, and mentorship. Many said it offers unique chances to develop projects that can reach international audiences while reflecting China’s cultural and ecological heritage.
With its mix of cultural celebration, professional development, and ecological awareness, the Jilin Documentary Festival continues to grow as an influential event in the global documentary community. It reflects the province’s vision of combining creative innovation with high-quality cultural and tourism development.
