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On March 25, the opening ceremony of the inaugural China Screenwriters Week was held in Quanzhou, Fujian Province.
(Photo by Wu Guanbiao)
The inaugural China Screenwriters Week officially opened on March 25 in Quanzhou, Fujian Province, a UNESCO World Heritage City. This landmark event brought together leading screenwriters, directors, actors, editors, art directors, and producers from across China to champion outstanding scriptwriting and advance the high-quality development of Chinese cinema.
Previously known as the "China Film Association Cup" Top Ten Film Scripts of the Year, the event has been held for 12 successful editions. In 2024, it evolved into China Screenwriters Week, expanding in scope and vision, with Quanzhou chosen as its debut host city.
Held under the theme "Tribute to Screenwriters", the week-long celebration seeks to connect key sectors of the film industry and foster meaningful collaborations between cinema and literature. By creating an interactive platform for screenwriters and authors, the event aims to strengthen the synergy between narrative writing and visual storytelling—laying the groundwork for a more dynamic and artistically rich film landscape in China.
Acclaimed director, screenwriter, and producer Huang Jianxin highlighted the central role of scriptwriting in filmmaking: "A film script is a unique literary form—it has aesthetic value and narrative depth. A strong script forms the backbone of a successful film. Through these discussions, we aim to deepen our collective understanding of cinema and promote creative diversity in the industry."
Huangfuyichuan, a researcher at the China Film Art Research Center, underscored the influence of literature on screenwriting: "Chinese cinema owes much to Chinese literature. The rise of Chinese science fiction films is a powerful example of this relationship. Great screenplays are rooted in real-life experiences—only by engaging deeply with society can writers truly reflect its complexities on screen."
As the historic starting point of the Maritime Silk Road and the first city designated as East Asian Cultural Capital, Quanzhou is one of China's oldest National Historic and Cultural Cities. Mayor Cai Zhansheng emphasized the city's rich cultural and literary resources as fertile ground for screenwriting. He noted that Quanzhou has launched a dedicated "Ten Measures for the Film Industry" policy to support film production, attract companies, and encourage the creation of stories inspired by Quanzhou's unique heritage.
"We sincerely welcome screenwriters to explore Quanzhou," said Mayor Cai. "Its deep cultural roots offer endless inspiration. When creative minds meet this historic city, compelling stories are sure to emerge."
A diverse programme will run throughout the week, including the First China Film Association Cup Honorary Film Showcase, China Screenwriters Forum, Film Literature Forum, Screenwriters' Night, Film Literature Night, a themed creative field visit titled "Song-Yuan China: Maritime Quanzhou", Film Masterclasses, and the 13th China Film Association Cup Top Ten Film Scripts Recommendation Night. Together, these activities aim to cultivate talent and elevate the art and craft of screenwriting in China's cinematic ecosystem.