Silk Road video creation program holds screenings in Xi'an
On Jan. 18, outstanding works from the Youth Bonds on the Silk Road – International Youth Video Exchange Program were screened in Xi'an. More than 60 young participants from 15 countries attended the screening event, engaging in exchanges and dialogues on video creation and cross-cultural creativity.
Chen Shi, deputy editor-in-chief of China International Communications Group (CICG) and director of the China International Publishing Center under CICG, attended the event and delivered a speech. Representatives from the Publicity Department of the CPC Shaanxi Provincial Committee, Xi'an Jiaotong University, and the China International Public Relations Association were also present and addressed the audience.
Chen Shi, deputy editor-in-chief of China International Communications Group (CICG) and director of the China International Publishing Center under CICG, delivers remarks at a screening event for the Youth Bonds on the Silk Road – International Youth Video Exchange Program in Xi'an, Jan. 18, 2026. [Photo/CICG]
In her remarks, Chen said that the Youth Bonds on the Silk Road program brings together young creators to explore contemporary life and development across countries and civilizations along the Silk Road, offering fresh perspectives on the ancient route through the eyes of a new generation. She said, young creators from China and other countries have captured the pulse of the Silk Road from their unique viewpoints, blending documentary approaches with creative storytelling to produce stories that transcend geographical boundaries and resonate with audiences.
She also noted that the selected works not only showcase the creativity and talent of young filmmakers, but also serve as compelling examples of people-to-people connectivity. She said the works demonstrate how youth-led video storytelling can translate the spirit of the Silk Road into contemporary narratives.
Shan Shuping, deputy head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Shaanxi Provincial Committee and director of the Shaanxi Provincial Government Information Office, delivers remarks at a screening event for the Youth Bonds on the Silk Road – International Youth Video Exchange Program in Xi'an, Jan. 18, 2026. [Photo/CICG]
Shan Shuping, deputy head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Shaanxi Provincial Committee and director of the Shaanxi Provincial Government Information Office, said that since its launch, the Youth Bonds on the Silk Road program has brought together young creators from dozens of countries through a range of activities, including creation camps in Ningxia and dialogue events among Shanghai Cooperation Organization countries. These exchanges have resulted in a number of works that combine thoughtful perspectives, creative approaches, and emotional resonance, enhancing the reach and impact of Silk Road stories. He noted that the program's cross-cultural essence aligns closely with the goals of high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative.
Creators take part in a roundtable discussion at a screening event for the Youth Bonds on the Silk Road – International Youth Video Exchange Program in Xi'an, Jan. 18, 2026. [Photo/CICG]
Since its launch in November 2024, the Youth Bonds on the Silk Road – International Youth Video Exchange Program has engaged young creators from China and abroad through a series of creation camps and dialogue events held in Ningxia, Tianjin, and Xi'an, supporting exchange and collaboration among emerging video storytellers. The program received more than 600 submissions in over 10 languages, including English, Russian, Arabic, and French. The entries covered a wide range of formats, such as narrative short films, documentary shorts, animated shorts, short videos, and micro-dramas.
According to the organizers, the program will continue its activities in 2026, aiming to encourage young creators to tell contemporary stories of the Silk Road and further strengthen people-to-people exchanges among Belt and Road countries.