SHENZHEN, China, May 14, 2025 — The first ever Shenzhen International Image Culture Week, jointly presented by the China International Philanthropic Movie Festival Committee, the SmallRig Image Development Fund, and Shenzhen Leqi Innovation Co., Ltd., will be held from May 23 to 25, 2025, at the OCAT Contemporary Art Terminal in Shenzhen.
Under the theme “Riding the Wave of Images in a Changing Era,” the Culture Week will bring together leading international image artists, curators, academics, technology innovators, and well-known imaging brands from around the globe. The event seeks to delve into the vast potential of image art in today’s digital world through exhibitions, forums, workshops, and engaging activities, combining a global perspective with industry integration.
A major highlight of the Cultural Week will be the SmallRig Awards Ceremony. The SmallRig Awards are dedicated to promoting social progress through the influence of images. With the motto “See it, Change it,” this year’s awards received 3,891 entries from over 120 countries, in 55 languages, addressing widespread human issues like environmental conservation, marginalized populations, and cultural preservation. With 77% of entries coming from international creators, including independent filmmakers, NGOs, and educational institutions such as the Central Academy of Drama and the New York Film Academy, the Awards demonstrate a truly global dedication to driving change through visuals. A distinguished international panel of judges, headed by Academy Award winner Ruby Yang, will recognize the most impactful works that encourage action and advancement. The list of 98 finalists from 31 countries and regions is now available on the official website.
In addition, the 2025 Visionary Storytellers Industry Forum returns for its second year with a broader scope. The Forum will explore four key areas—Technology, Co-creation, Content, and Commerce, providing a comprehensive platform for industry dialogue. This will include a keynote speech titled “The Wave of Images is Shaping a New Civilization,” the introduction of the Global Image Scene Research Initiative, and strategic partnerships like the China Photographers Association × Shenzhen Leqi Innovation collaboration.
The dynamic program also includes a variety of public and industry events:
- The Social Impact Image Pitching Sessions: a platform to connect resources with high-quality projects. Registration for The Social Impact Image Pitching Sessions is now closed, and the results will be announced on May 16th, Beijing time.
- The Image Masterclasses: inspiring the next wave of creators.
In an era of global visual resurgence, the 1st Shenzhen International Image Culture Week aims not only to showcase groundbreaking creators but also to enhance public life with engaging cultural experiences. It is expected to attract attendees from around the world, including filmmakers, cultural organizations, and image enthusiasts, establishing Shenzhen as a global center for cultural exchange through images.
Join us in celebrating the transformative power of images, where technology and humanity unite to begin a new chapter in our shared human journey. Submissions are still being accepted for The Social Impact Image Pitching Sessions. For further details, please visit the official event website.
About SmallRig
Established in 2013, SmallRig designs and manufactures complete accessory solutions, including camera and phone rigs, batteries, tripods, and video lights for content creation. Our accessories are widely used in live broadcasting, vlogging, professional video production, and other fields, supported by over two million creators globally. SmallRig pioneered the User Co-Design (UCD) approach and the DreamRig program, with the ultimate goal of collaborating with global creators to help bring their visions to life.
For more information about SmallRig, please visit.
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