During the 81st World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon), China introduced its foremost international sci-fi convention, alongside the esteemed Galaxy Awards ceremony, held in Chengdu, Sichuan province, on Thursday.

Organizers and attendees inaugurate the 6th China (Chengdu) International SF Convention and the first Chengdu Tianfu Science Fiction Film Festival during the 81st World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon) in Chengdu, Sichuan province, on Oct. 19, 2023. [Photo courtesy of Science Fiction World]

With the theme "Dream of the East, Shines for the World," the 6th China (Chengdu) International SF Convention attracted nearly 100 writers, editors, and filmmakers from over 30 countries. Additionally, more than 300 domestic guests were present. Notable attendees included Robert J. Sawyer, James Patrick Kelly, Liu Cixin, Wang Jinkang, and "The Wandering Earth" director Frant Gwo.

The convention was organized by the Sichuan Association for Science and Technology and the Pidu District local government in Chengdu. Hosting several forums to discuss the evolution and future of science and technology, the convention aimed to pool intellectual resources from sci-fi writers, experts, and industry professionals both locally and internationally. This created a high-level international platform for sci-fi exchanges infused with unique Chinese characteristics. The convention emphasized promoting original science fiction content, striving to expand Chinese sci-fi's global influence. Furthermore, it aimed to bridge the gap between the sci-fi industry and efforts to popularize science, driving forward the science fiction movement in China.

Several sci-fi big names were announced at the event to become international consultants for the Chinese convention. These include past and present Worldcon chairs such as Ben Yalow, William Lawhorn, Helen Montgomery, and Dave McCarty.

Established in 1991 by China's leading magazine, "Science Fiction World," the international convention was held intermittently in 1991, 1997, 2007, 2017, and 2019. This year's edition, enhanced by the Chengdu Worldcon that attracted attendees from all over the world, emphasized international communications and youth education.

At the opening, the results of the Sichuan Youth Imagination education project were showcased. The organizing committee plans to compile select sci-fi art and literary works from the first Sichuan youth sci-fi creation collection campaign into a book, slated for publication by the Sichuan Publishing House of Science & Technology. Moreover, a collaboration between the Beijing-Chongqing-Sichuan science associations was announced, with the goal of enhancing scientific literacy among young people through the sharing of sci-fi resources and facilitating talent exchanges.

During the convention, a new film festival was born. The inaugural Chengdu Tianfu Science Fiction Film Festival was established as China's first multi-national film exhibition in the sci-fi domain. This festival aspires to be China's premier platform for sci-fi film and television exchanges, drawing a wealth of industry resources to Chengdu. Sichuan province, having recently introduced the Golden Panda Awards in September to bolster the film industry, is now shifting its focus to the sci-fi genre. The province aims to enhance sci-fi filmmaking and capitalize on the abundance of sci-fi literary works available.

Members of "The Wandering Earth" crew share behind-the-scenes stories and insights at the 6th China (Chengdu) International SF Convention and the inaugural Chengdu Tianfu Science Fiction Film Festival in Chengdu, Sichuan province, on Oct. 19, 2023. [Photo courtesy of Science Fiction World]

The prime example is "The Wandering Earth," initially published in Sichuan's "Science Fiction World" magazine. Liu Cixin's story was adapted into two films, amassing a combined gross of 8.7 billion yuan ($1.2 billion). During the event, director Gwo announced his next venture related to "The Wandering Earth" - a compilation of short films helmed by 14 directors, which includes "Journey to the West" director Kong Dashan. Later, the director's studio inked a deal with Sichuan Science Fiction World Co., Ltd.

To cap off the opening event, Gwo, flanked by his long-time script collaborator and producer Gong Ge'er, script consultant Wang Hongwei, art director Gao Ang, and visual effects supervisor Eric Xu from "The Wandering Earth" films, teamed up with the original story's author, Liu Cixin, for a panel delving into the creation of the sci-fi blockbuster.

"I believe sci-fi movies in China possess immense potential for growth, serving as a testament to our remarkable era. I hope Chinese sci-fi films can craft a vast and vivid imaginative universe, spanning from the microscopic realm to the vastest reaches of time and space, and even into the distant future," Liu expressed with enthusiasm.

Gwo urges everyone to maintain curiosity about the world, stating, "Curiosity is a primary driving force behind our rapid development today and will result in a growing number of high-quality sci-fi movies."

The winners of the best novella category at the 34th Galaxy Award pose for a group photo with presenter Liu Cixin (first on the right) during the award ceremony in Chengdu, Sichuan province, at the 81st World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon) on Oct. 19, 2023. [Photo courtesy of Science Fiction World]

At night, the winners of the 34th Galaxy Awards - China's oldest sci-fi accolade, initiated in 1985 by Science Fiction World magazine - were announced. A total of 15 awards were presented, including those for best novella and best short story. Winners included "Descartes' Evil Genius" by Fractal Orange, "A Story Related to the Story" by Zhang Xiao, "Invisible Cloud" by Kong Xinwei, and "On the Razor's Edge" by Jiang Bo, who were also contenders for the Hugo Awards. South Korean Kim Choyeop received the award for most popular foreign sci-fi writer, while Chun Xi won best translation for Choyeop's "If We Can't Go at the Speed of Light."

The Galaxy Awards also introduced a new category to recognize individuals promoting Chinese sci-fi on the international stage. The inaugural award went to Francesco Verso, an Italian sci-fi writer and publisher. The China (Chengdu) International SF Convention's Medal for Global Exchange Merit was bestowed upon 14 international sci-fi industry practitioners, including Osamu Iwakami, Ken Liu, Vincent Docherty, and Neil Clarke.

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