During the Tokyo International Film & TV Market (TIFFCOM) from October 29th to 31st, the "Shanghai Audiovisual" Excellent Works Promotion Conference and the "Chinese Excellent Works Promotion Conference" were held successively, showcasing several domestic dramas such as "Peaceful Years," "The Sun Shines Like Me," and "The White-Clad Minister." The domestic dramas exhibited this time covered a wide range of themes and genres.
As an important part of the Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF), the Tokyo International Film & TV Market has long been Asia’s leading multi-content film and television market and one of the most influential and largest international film and television trading platforms in Asia.
History, fantasy, patriotism, youth, romance, healing and growth
The "Chinese Masterpieces Promotion Conference," held on October 31, was hosted by the China Joint Exhibition Booth and organized by Huace Film & TV Group, under the guidance of the State Council Information Office and the State Administration of Radio and Television. The conference promoted several domestically produced dramas, including "Peaceful Years," "The Sun Shines Like Me," "Red Dust Gathers," and "The White-Clad Minister."
"Peaceful Years" is a 2024 cultural industry development special support project of the Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and a major historical drama series of the State Administration of Radio and Television. Set against the backdrop of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period to the early Northern Song Dynasty, the series tells the epic story of King Qian Hongchu of Wuyue and Emperor Taizu of Song, Zhao Kuangyin, who spent thirty years promoting the "annexation of territory to the Song Dynasty" and achieving national unification. Huace Group spent ten years planning and five years refining the series, assembling a top-tier domestic creative team and cast to deeply explore the fundamental significance of cultural identity for national peace.
Poster for "Peaceful Years"
The costume fantasy drama *Bai Ye Chen: The Three Lifetimes of Love*, recommended by Beijing Yingjian Technology, unfolds the love story of Bai Xiaoying and Ye Chenyuan through six lifetimes using a subversive narrative structure, forming a brand-new "infinite flow" fantasy genre and interpreting the unwavering belief that "even through the cycle of reincarnation, the original intention remains unchanged." The exquisite short drama *The Years of Slaughter*, set against the backdrop of the An Lushan Rebellion, blends elements of political intrigue, suspense, and sweet romance. With a highly dramatic plot, the story follows the female physician Feng Yinniang and the cold-faced guard Li Ling as they go from suspicion to cooperation, offering viewers a thrilling "espionage-style romance" within a limited timeframe.
Huanyu Film & Television recommends the historical drama "Jade Tea Bone," which tells the story of Lu Jianglai, a top scholar in the imperial examination, and Rong Shanbao, the eldest daughter of the Rong family, a family renowned for its tea, who become acquainted through a case and fall in love through tea. The series incorporates suspenseful adventure elements, unfolds emotional battles from a female perspective, features a vivid ensemble cast, and integrates tea culture elements.
Produced by Xixi Pictures and Tencent Video, the urban romance drama "The Sun Shines Like Me" spans seven cities and tells the story of Nie Xiguang and Lin Yusen's journey of growth and mutual healing. The series will soon be broadcast simultaneously on major platforms in multiple countries and regions across five continents, further amplifying the international reach of Chinese-language content.
Shanghai Audiovisual, "Flowers Bloom in Shanghai" Shines Internationally
On October 30th, the "Shanghai Audiovisual" Excellent Works Promotion Conference, hosted by the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism and the Shanghai Municipal Radio and Television Bureau, and organized by the Shanghai Radio and Television Production Industry Association, was held. Eight film and television companies from Shanghai, including Xingge Media, Shangxiang Entertainment, Lemon Pictures, Yaoke Culture, Xixi Pictures, Haitangguo Pictures, Xinyue Culture, and Zhijian Technology, showcased several high-quality works, injecting new vitality and charm into the international brand influence of "Shanghai Audiovisual".
At the promotional event, Xingge Media presented the story outline and preparation progress of the historical drama "The Long Rest of My Life," adapted from Luo Xin's novel of the same name, and showcased their exploration and achievements in cutting-edge technology through the market performance of the immersive VR feature film "The Legend of Fengshen."
Haitangguo Pictures promoted its hit dramas "The Big Businessman", "Sun and Stars" and "Light Up You", and introduced the project preparation status of the women's trilogy "Woman", "Good Partner" and "Bright Moon Like Day".
Lemon Pictures shared promotional videos for its upcoming dramas "Ya Xi" and "Yue Ming Qian Li," and introduced the pre-production projects "Ten Days to End" (Season 1) and the creation of the Thai version of "Nothing But Thirty."
XiXi Pictures highlighted the basic information of three upcoming dramas, including the urban romance dramas "The Sun Shines Like Me" and "Xiao Fang Gets Married," and the historical inspirational drama "The White-Clad Minister."
Poster for "The Sun Shines Like Me"
Shangxiang Entertainment presented an update on the TV series "Qinqiang," adapted from Jia Pingwa's novel of the same name, and unveiled a promotional trailer for their upcoming drama "Jiangshan Weipin." Yaoke Culture focused on promoting their popular suspenseful sci-fi drama "Sleepless Day" and their upcoming historical drama "Rebirth in the Ice Lake."
In addition, NewKey Culture introduced the plans to introduce and distribute the animated film "Lion Boy 2" and the animated series "Le Yin Chang Ge - Awakening" and "Heaven Official's Blessing" in the Japanese market; Zhijian Technology highlighted the development of its own IP, the Sprout Bear Family, especially the story creation and co-branding collaborations for the Japanese market.
The works presented that day were rich in content, diverse in subject matter and genre, including contemporary stories that interpret the charm of the city with a fresh perspective; bold attempts to deconstruct social issues with Western narratives; period dramas that showcase traditional Chinese culture and reflect on historical destiny; and innovative expansions that focus on precise efforts and cross-border integration, all in an effort to create a multi-dimensional and three-dimensional "Shanghai Audiovisual" export pattern.
On the day of the event, witnessed by guests including Mr. Yasushi Shiina, Marketing Director of TIFFCOM and Vice Chairman of UNJAPIN, the Shanghai Radio and Television Production Industry Association and the Japan-China Entertainment Economy Promotion Association signed a strategic cooperation agreement. The two sides will expand the scope and channels of cooperation between the Chinese and Japanese film and television industries, further improve the efficiency of industry services, and provide free and comprehensive industry services for film and television practitioners shooting in Tokyo and Shanghai, so as to promote new development and a new atmosphere in Sino-Japanese film and television cultural exchanges.
