China Raises Regulatory Bar for Short-Films to Be Screened Abroad

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The China Film Administration’s public screening license gets shown at a movie theater before a film starts playing. Photo: VCG

Chinese short film-makers planning to screen their work at overseas festivals will need to register with domestic authorities in advance, the China Film Administration (CFA) said this week, making them subject to the same rules as feature-length films hoping to be shown abroad.

The primary domestic production unit of a short film or the legal person who submits the film to overseas festivals or exhibitions will be responsible for filing registration materials with the CFA, according to a notice issued by the administration Thursday.

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Chinese short filmmakers must now register with the China Film Administration (CFA) before screening their work at overseas festivals.
The short film’s production unit is responsible for submitting registration materials, including the film’s title, synopsis, and festival details, at least 20 working days before the event.
This requirement extends existing rules that apply to feature-length films and emphasizes obtaining a public screening license for participation in international festivals.

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What Happened When

October 2004：: A regulatory document issued by the then-State Administration of Radio, Film and Television took effect, requiring domestic films to be exhibited abroad to be registered by the production unit with the relevant administrative department.

2017：: The Film Industry Promotion Law stipulated that films must obtain a public screening license and register the relevant materials with film authorities before being allowed to participate in an overseas film festival or exhibition.

Thursday, July 4, 2024：: The China Film Administration (CFA) issued a notice requiring Chinese short film-makers to register their films with domestic authorities in advance if planning to screen them at overseas festivals.

AI generated, for reference only