Chongqing International Animation Film Week 2026 Brings Global Animation Magic to China
The 2026 Chongqing International Animation Film Week officially opened on June 9 in Yongchuan District, Chongqing, bringing together animation talent from around the world for a week-long celebration running through June 15. The festival showcases nearly 40 classic animated films at more than 30 cinemas across the city, with free outdoor screenings in commercial districts and public squares.
Guided by China Media Group (CMG) and the Chongqing Municipal Government, the event represents China’s first international animation film festival. A remarkable 501 animated works from countries including the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Russia, Spain and Brazil were submitted for the festival’s main competition, with 45 titles shortlisted for the Golden Camellia Honors. The international jury is headed by legendary Hollywood director Rob Minkoff, best known for directing The Lion King.
The screening lineup includes Academy Award-winning films such as Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, along with all four Toy Story feature films. Several titles will receive their first-ever public screenings on the Chinese mainland, including the 1957 Soviet animated musical fantasy The Snow Queen and the 1982 French sci-fi animated film The Time Masters.
The opening ceremony at Yongchuan Technology Film Studio blended nostalgic tributes with futuristic visions, combining Chinese and Western musical performances and tracing the 100-year history of Chinese animation through classic melodies. Performances honored timeless works such as The Magical Brush, Little Tadpoles Looking for Their Mother, and Lotus Lantern, while introducing upcoming projects including The Three Kingdoms: The Beginning and Master Zhong.
Beyond screenings, the film week features four core sections: animation creation, technological innovation, industry integration and international exchange. Supporting events include animation masterclasses, industry matchmaking sessions, themed exhibitions, and the Animation Film Theme Market running from June 9 to 21 across five major business districts. An “Love Watching Movies” Carnival Lawn Concert on June 10 features beloved childhood characters such as Black Cat Sheriff and Journey to the West.
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Sources: CGTN, China.org.cn, iChongqing, Bastille Post