On March 27, the preparatory meeting for the 18th China International Children’s Film Festival (CICFF) was successfully convened at the Huaiyin District Administrative Service Center. Leaders and guests from the China Film Foundation, the China National Children’s Center, the China Children’s Film Association, as well as relevant provincial, municipal, and district-level departments, gathered to discuss the preparations for the upcoming festival. The meeting aimed to solicit broad input from all parties and ensure full readiness for the film festival, which is scheduled to be held this year in Jinan.
The event began with a screening of a recap video highlighting the 17th CICFF’s activities at the Jinan venue. Following the video, the representative from the festival’s organizing company presented the proposed activity plan for the 18th edition. According to the organizer, this year’s festival will feature a rich array of events, including a press conference, opening ceremony, screenings of Chinese and international children’s films, the annual short film recommendation and collection campaign, the “Three Littles” activities (Little Film Fans, Little Dubbers, and Little Hosts), children’s film forums, a special exhibition on children's animation, international guest programs, and a closing ceremony. Building on the successful experiences of previous editions, the festival will be further optimized and upgraded to offer children a more diverse and enriching cinematic experience.
After the proposal presentation, participating leaders and guests engaged in thorough discussions, offering valuable feedback and suggestions. Representatives from the China Film Foundation and the China Children’s Film Association commended Huaiyin District for its efforts in hosting the festival and expressed high expectations for the next stage of preparations. Huaiyin District stated its commitment to using the festival as an opportunity to build on prior experiences in diversified collaboration, project-based operations, integrated promotion, and expanded audience engagement. With a focus on meticulous planning and high standards, the district aims to ensure that all aspects of the event are executed with excellence, maintaining both safety and order. Furthermore, Huaiyin District plans to use the festival as a catalyst for integrating film and cultural tourism, positioning the event as a key driver for stimulating consumption. The district intends to develop a unique film-themed cultural tourism IP, turning visitor traffic into tangible consumer growth, and invigorating the children’s film consumption market.
A strategic cooperation framework agreement was subsequently signed by representatives of the China Children’s Film Association, the People’s Government of Huaiyin District, and the festival’s organizing company, marking the official transition of the 18th CICFF into its substantive preparation phase.According to the current plan, the 18th China International Children’s Film Festival is scheduled to take place in the summer of 2025, with its opening ceremony held at the Shandong Provincial Grand Theater in Huaiyin District, Jinan. A series of film screenings and cultural activities will be hosted across various cultural venues and cinemas throughout the city. At that time, filmmakers, scholars, and children from both China and abroad will come together to witness and celebrate this vibrant cinematic and cultural event.
