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Origins

The Panda Vision International Film Festival (PVIFF) was founded in 2025 at Cogdel School Chengdu, Sichuan, China. Born out of a passion for storytelling, creativity, and cultural exchange, the festival was designed to give middle and high school filmmakers a global platform to showcase their cinematic vision. The name “Panda Vision” pays tribute to Sichuan’s most iconic symbol, the giant panda—representing curiosity, creativity, and global connection.

Mission

From the beginning, PVIFF has focused on nurturing the next generation of storytellers by:

  • Providing an international stage for student films.

  • Encouraging cross-cultural dialogue through cinema.

  • Supporting young filmmakers with workshops, panels, and professional feedback.

  • Celebrating innovation across diverse film categories: Narrative, Documentary, Experimental.

The Inaugural Festival (2025)

The first edition of PVIFF was held on May 8, 2025. It brought together student filmmakers from around the world—including China, the United Kingdom, Russia, USA, Malaysia, and Kazakhstan. The event featured:

  • Film Screenings across three categories.

  • Workshops on filmmaking, editing, and visual storytelling.

  • Awards Ceremony recognizing excellence in filmmaking, including Best Narrative, Best Documentary, Best Experimental, and the Grand Prize.

Notable Winners (2025):

  • Best Documentary & Grand Prize: Whence the Wind Blows (China–UK)

  • Best Narrative: Buffoonery of Chris and Ostar (Kazakhstan)

  • Best Experimental: Hey, How Are You? (Russia)

  • Best Cinematography: Growing Up with Chinese Egrets (China)

  • Grand Jury Prize: Hider (China)

The inaugural festival not only celebrated remarkable student films but also established PVIFF as a pioneering international platform for young creators.

Growth and Expansion

Following its successful debut, PVIFF quickly gained recognition as one of the leading youth-focused film festivals in Asia. Its emphasis on student voices, international collaboration, and creative freedom set it apart from other festivals. Each year, the festival continues to expand its reach, attracting submissions from new regions and building bridges between schools, educators, and aspiring filmmakers.

Looking Ahead

The 2nd edition of PVIFF is scheduled for March 26–27, 2026, promising a larger international presence, more workshops, and expanded award categories. As PVIFF grows, it remains committed to its founding values: empowering young filmmakers, amplifying their stories, and connecting cultures through the universal language of film.

Panda Vision International Film Festival is more than just a competition - it’s a community, a learning experience, and a celebration of youth creativity that continues to inspire new generations of filmmakers.

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