Round Table China

SIFF 2026: When Shanghai Becomes a Movie Set

The Shanghai International Film Festival breaks records with over 4,100 submissions from 125 countries, featuring AI workshops and city-wide experiences.

The Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF) 2026 features over 4,100 submissions from 125 countries and integrates the city into the event through AI workshops, experimental film labs, and walking tours.

12
28 minJun 12, 2026Round Table China

Listen to the source episode

SIFF 2026: when Shanghai becomes a movie set

Continue in GenPod

Turn this episode into your next question.

Ask naturally. GenPod can find a related episode—or make a focused explainer when the right one does not exist.
Join the beta

Key takeaways

What to know before you press play.

01

Record-Breaking Submissions

The 2026 Shanghai International Film Festival received over 4,100 submissions from 125 countries, marking a significant increase in global participation.

1
02

City-Wide Integration

The festival transforms Shanghai into a movie set, extending the experience beyond traditional screenings to include walking tours through historic neighborhoods.

23
03

Modern Film Innovations

Off-screen highlights include AI workshops and experimental film labs, showcasing the evolving nature of cinema production and presentation.

2

Ask GenPod next

Keep the question moving.

01

What specific AI tools are being showcased in the SIFF workshops?

02

Which historic neighborhoods in Shanghai are included in the festival walking tours?

03

How does the 2026 submission count compare to previous years of the Shanghai International Film Festival?

Questions

Questions to carry into the episode.

How many countries submitted films to SIFF 2026?

Over 125 countries submitted films to the 2026 Shanghai International Film Festival.

1
What types of off-screen events are featured at SIFF?

The festival features AI workshops, experimental film labs, and walking tours through historic neighborhoods.

2
Who are the hosts of this episode?

The episode features Steve, Yushan, and Yang Guang.

4

Experts

Voices named in the source.

Steve

Host

4

Yushan

Host

4

Yang Guang

Host

4

Sources and disclosure

Where this guide comes from.

This listening guide is based on the podcast episode 'SIFF 2026: when Shanghai becomes a movie set' from the show Round Table China, published on June 12, 2026.

  1. Publisher show notes

    The Shanghai International Film Festival is back and completely different this year, breaking records with over 4,100 submissions from 125 countries.

  2. Publisher show notes

    But the real story is what happens off screen, from AI workshops and experimental film labs to walking tours through historic neighborhoods.

  3. Publisher show notes

    So how is SIFF turning all of Shanghai into part of the show?

  4. Publisher show notes

    On the show: Steve, Yushan & Yang Guang

Related listening guides

Choose what to hear next.