Russian Animated Film Association Presents Proposals to Strengthen Russia–China Cooperation

On July 31, 2026, the 19th Meeting of the Subcommission on Mass Media Cooperation under the Russia–China Commission for Humanitarian Cooperation took place in Moscow. The Russian Animated Film Association was represented by Maria Melnichuk, Deputy Executive Director.

Prior to the official meeting, representatives of the Russian and Chinese delegations held a closed-door discussion, with particular attention given to expanding cooperation in the co-production of animated projects.

The Russian side noted that one of the key barriers to the development of animation co-productions remains the absence of a unified regulatory framework governing project applications, expert review procedures, approval processes for joint productions, and the granting of national status to co-produced projects in both countries.

Russian animation projects have recently received significant international recognition. When We Were Grass, produced by Master-Film Studio, won the award for Best Animated Short Film at CICAF, while Mikhalych, produced by the Yekaterinburg-based studio Bright Stories, received the Golden Camellia Award in Chongqing.

Among the priority areas for future Russia–China cooperation, the Association highlighted the exchange of technologies and expertise in the field of artificial intelligence, the establishment of mechanisms for the mutual exchange of animation content libraries, the organization of screenings of independent festival animation, and the expansion of partnerships between specialized educational institutions in both countries.

The Russian Animated Film Association will continue its efforts to strengthen cooperation between Russian and Chinese companies in the production, co-production, and international distribution of animated content.