Recently, the National Radio and Television Administration announced the 2023 inductees for the National Broadcasting and Online Audiovisual Industry Leaders Program. Chairman of ORI Group Feng QIAN was selected for his outstanding achievements in international cultural communication, making him the sole representative from Jiangsu Province in the international communication category. With over a decade of dedication to the cultural industry, Mr. QIAN has pursued the mission of "telling China’s stories well and spreading Chinese culture globally." Under his leadership, ORI Group has grown from an animation studio to a multifaceted enterprise encompassing film and television investment, arts education, gaming, and cultural tourism. The group has become a key driver of China's cultural presence on the world stage, establishing a network of cultural partnerships in over 70 countries and setting up regional offices and production centers worldwide. Feng QIAN and his team have actively participated in and facilitated numerous significant international cultural initiatives. ORI Group has spearheaded or executed influential events such as the China Suzhou International Animation Cooperation Summit, the Sino-Arab Animation Industry Forum, and Saudi Film Nights. Collaborating with countries along the Belt and Road, ORI has co-produced multiple works, fostering cultural connectivity between China and the world. The group also leads international arts education projects, partnering with more than 40 renowned universities globally to bring Chinese talent to the international stage. Moreover, Feng QIAN has promoted modern expressions of Chinese intangible cultural heritage (ICH). As the organizer of China’s pavilion at the Saudi International Handcrafts Week, ORI showcased outstanding Chinese ICH craftsmanship, integrating Chinese creativity with global cultural heritage to highlight its unique charm and innovation. These efforts have successfully enhanced the global reach of Chinese cultural products. Being named to the National Broadcasting and Online Audiovisual Industry Leaders Program reflects high recognition of Feng QIAN’s and ORI Group’s contributions to international cultural exchange. ORI will use this honor as a new starting point, maintaining its global perspective and professional spirit, injecting new momentum into the industry’s high-quality development, and further elevating Chinese culture on the world stage. The Two Talent Projects of the national broadcasting and online audiovisual industry aim to select high-level leading talents with profound expertise and broad influence, as well as outstanding young talents who are patriotic and innovative. These projects provide organizational and talent support for high-quality and innovative industry development. This year’s inductees represent the second batch of leaders, with a total of 253 selected, including 76 in news and publicity, 53 in artistic creation, 18 in international communication, 28 in management, 50 in technology and engineering, and 28 in theoretical research.

On November 23, the second Saudi International Handcrafts Week (BANAN) opened at the Riyadh Front Exhibition Center in Saudi Arabia. Invited by the Heritage Commission of the Saudi Ministry of Culture, ORI Group was responsible for organizing the China Pavilion, introducing Chinese intangible cultural heritage (ICH) skills to this international stage for the first time. The event brought together over 500 artisans from Saudi Arabia and 25 other countries, showcasing the vibrant intersection of cultural heritage and innovation. Stunning Debut of ICH Skills: Blending Traditional Cultures The China Pavilion featured 11 carefully curated Chinese ICH skills, including lacquerware, Woof, rosewood carving, sandalwood fans, ivory carving, paper cutting, and sugar painting. These exhibits not only symbolize the richness of Chinese traditional culture but also highlight how heritage techniques are thriving in contemporary society. Live demonstrations at the pavilion drew large crowds, with interactive experiences such as sugar painting and paper cutting captivating Saudi audiences. Esteemed Chinese artisan Dongmei SHI, a recipient of the Mountain Flower Award, interacted with visitors while demonstrating rosewood carving. She remarked: “Rosewood carving is not just about shaping wood; it’s a profound expression of Chinese traditional culture. Each design carries unique cultural meanings. Here, I sense Saudi visitors’ deep curiosity about the stories behind craftsmanship. This kind of cross-cultural exchange is invaluable. I hope this exhibition inspires greater appreciation for the art of rosewood carving and opens avenues for collaborative innovation with Saudi artisans.” Craftsmanship as a Cultural Memory and a bridge for Future Collaboration On November 26, Chinese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Hua CHANG, visited the China Pavilion and commended the exhibition for deepening Sino-Saudi cultural exchange. He emphasized that the Saudi International Handicrafts Week serves as a vital platform for showcasing Chinese ICH in Saudi Arabia and across the Arab world while creating opportunities for bilateral cooperation in heritage preservation, cultural innovation, and exchange. On November 27,H.H. Minister of Culture Prince Badr toured the pavilion, expressing admiration for exhibits such as lacquer-ware, sandalwood fans, and paper cutting. H.H. praised their exquisite craftsmanship and profound cultural significance, highlighting the diversity and creativity of Chinese culture. Prince Badr expressed deep gratitude and showed great interest while taking a closer look at the exhibits of China Pavilion, including the sandalwood carving of Belt and Road, and traditional Chinese Costume Hanfu. H.H. even asked the duration and effort it would take to complete the embroideries on Hanfu. Joint Efforts to Protect Heritage and Create Shared Prosperity ICH embodies historical memory while connecting to future innovation. Both China and Saudi Arabia are rich in cultural heritage resources. As the organizer of the China Pavilion, ORI Group leveraged this event to establish a platform for cultural exchange, enabling Chinese ICH to shine on the international stage while drawing inspiration from Saudi Arabia’s rich traditions. This synergy aims to inject new vitality into heritage preservation and its industrial development. ORI Group views this exhibition as a springboard to deepen Sino-Saudi collaboration in cultural heritage and beyond. Moving forward, the company plans to utilize diverse international platforms to enhance cross-cultural communication and empower heritage economically. By fostering a global ecosystem for ICH preservation and development, ORI Group continues to infuse lasting vitality into cultural exchange between nations.

From November 5th to 10th, the 45th American Film Market (AFM) was held in Las Vegas. The American Film Market is one of the most important film markets in the world, and this year attracted thousands of practitioners from more than 80 countries to participate in the six-day copyright trading, film screenings, and related forum activities. Ori delegation participated in AFM once again to engage in in-depth exchanges with global peers, establish comprehensive and stable cooperation channels, and promote the integrated development of Chinese and world cinema. This time, Ori participated in the exhibition with three animated films - Return, One Day, and Hockey King. The international peers continuously approached for inquiries at Ori’s booth. In the fields of film market distribution and co-production, Ori engaged in in-depth discussions with over 50 global companies and reached nearly 10 copyright pre-sale agreements in the area of film distribution. During the event, Ori had extensive communication with the Saudi Royal Commission for AlUla regarding cultural exchange activities in China in 2025. Discussing the future cooperation opportunities in film creation, industry resource sharing, talent cultivation, etc., to further promote the interaction and collaboration between the film industries of China and Saudi Arabia. With the global entertainment industry recovering, AFM has shown many new features, especially in the film industry, where a large number of new forces have emerged to actively explore innovation, integration, and development, injecting new vitality into the global film industry. In recent years, Ori has been actively supporting and promoting Sino-foreign film cooperation, integrating global marketing resources and channels through the operation of several international projects, optimizing the worldwide layout in a point-to-point manner, and committing itself to creating more outstanding international films. In the future, Ori will continue to build bridges for cultural exchange between China and other countries and steadily advance the construction of international communication capabilities. As a cultural enterprise focusing on Sino-foreign film and television cooperation, Ori will actively promote the in-depth expansion of global cultural collaboration and contribute to the interconnection of Chinese and foreign cultures.

On October 26, 2024, the "Saudi Film Nights" in China, hosted by the Saudi Film Commission and organized by ORI Group, concluded successfully in Shanghai. The event began in Beijing on October 21, moved to Suzhou on October 23, and wrapped up in Shanghai on October 25-26. This marks the first time Saudi films have been screened in China. The event attracted over 1,000 participants, including film industry experts, university representatives, cultural enterprise professionals, and movie enthusiasts from across China. Senior officials from the Saudi Film Commission attended the entire series, with Saudi Ambassador to China, H.E. Abdulrahman Al-Harbi, and Khalid, Vice Consul of the Saudi Consulate General in Guangzhou, joining the Beijing and Shanghai events, respectively. Both offered high praise for the initiative. Saudi Films Make Their China Debut with Four Cultural Showcases "Saudi Film Night" featured four films: Valley Road, Saleeg, IL SIGNORE , and Star Chaser. Each work highlighted unique themes, ranging from adventure and familial bonds to workplace dynamics and science fiction. Together, they showcased Saudi culture and life against the backdrop of rapid social development and innovation. The films captivated Chinese audiences with their exotic storytelling and visual appeal, bridging the cultural gap between the two nations. Nearly all screenings were sold out, reflecting the strong interest in Saudi stories and perspectives. Through these works, Saudi filmmakers conveyed the diversity and creativity of their culture, offering Chinese audiences an immersive glimpse into Saudi Arabia’s cinematic landscape. Looking Ahead: "China Film Week" Coming to Saudi Arabia More than just a film screening, this event marked a milestone in Sino-Saudi cultural exchange. Building on this success, the Saudi Film Commission plans to deepen collaboration and host a "China Film Week" in Saudi Arabia in 2025. This initiative will bring a diverse selection of Chinese films to Saudi screens, offering local audiences a rich experience of Chinese storytelling, culture, and artistic expression. The upcoming event aims to foster cultural resonance and understanding between the two nations, strengthening connections through cinematic narratives and artistic exploration. Deepening Bridges of Cultural Exchange The success of "Saudi Film Nights" highlights a pivotal moment in Sino-Saudi film and cultural collaboration. By sharing Saudi stories with Chinese audiences, the event showcased Saudi filmmakers’ passion for artistry and innovation. It also established a solid foundation for deeper interaction and cooperation between the film industries of both nations. Chairman of ORI Group Feng QIAN remarked: “Sino-Saudi cultural exchanges are evolving rapidly, with cinema playing a vital role. The ‘Saudi Film Night’ showcased the allure of Saudi culture and opened doors for further film collaborations. We look forward to seeing more outstanding films from both Saudi Arabia and China on each other’s screens.” ORI Group remains committed to fostering openness, inclusive, and mutual learning. The company seeks to create more diverse and meaningful cultural exchange platforms, providing opportunities for filmmakers and cultural practitioners from both nations and beyond. Together, ORI aims to write a new chapter in international cultural exchange.

On the afternoon of October 17, 2024, under the auspices of H.H. Minister of Culture Prince Badr, ORI Group and CineWaves Film Company officially signed a comprehensive film cooperation agreement in Beijing. This landmark agreement spans multiple areas, including film co-production, animation film creation, film distribution, technical collaboration, and talent exchange and training. It marks a new era in Sino-Saudi film industry collaboration, filling significant gaps in cultural cooperation between the two nations and demonstrating their shared commitment to the global film industry's growth. H.H. Prince Badr praised ORI for its significant contributions to Sino-Saudi cultural exchanges, encouraging the group to play an even greater role in fostering partnerships in other cultural sectors. Chairman of ORI Group Feng QIAN expressed confidence and excitement about the collaboration, reaffirming the company's dedication to building bridges in Sino-Saudi culture and film. CineWaves CEO Faisal emphasized ORI’s global perspective, professional expertise, and market resources, which he believes will energize their joint projects and elevate Saudi Arabia’s film industry. ORI Group has long been dedicated to promoting Sino-Saudi cultural and cinematic collaboration. Its animated film Return made history as the first Chinese animated film screened in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, ORI is organizing the upcoming "Saudi Film Night" in China, set to open on October 21. As the first Saudi film event in China, it has garnered widespread attention from Chinese audiences and film professionals. Even before the formal agreement, ORI Group and CineWaves had established offices in each other's countries to facilitate cooperation and advance preparatory work on various projects. These permanent offices have strengthened coordination and ensured the smooth execution of joint initiatives with a long-term positive impact. Looking ahead, ORI Group and CineWaves Film Company aim to realize more co-production projects, encompassing not only film creation but also exploring and applying emerging film technologies. The two parties also plan to enhance film talent development and exchange, producing more internationally influential works and fostering the robust growth of the film industries in China and Saudi Arabia.