The 14th China International Animation Copyright Fair kicks off in Dongguan

The 14th China International Animation Copyright Fair (ACTIF) is being held from October 24th to 27th in Dongguan, themed "Global Animation Trends of the Future."

The 14th China International Animation Copyright Fair kicks off. (Photo: ACTIF)

More than 500 companies from 60 countries and regions showcase over 1,500 intellectual properties (IPs). The ACTIF is not only a big party for animation fans to enter for free but also an event that aims to promote exchanges and cooperation across the industry chain.

The fair this year has set up three exhibition areas, including Animation Original Content Exhibition, Animation Supply Chain and Platform Ecology Exhibition, and Animation Trade Channel Exhibition, by the upper, middle, and lower reaches of the industry chain. The Animation Original Content Exhibition was expanded to 9,000 square metres from 7,500 square metres in the previous year.

Toys inspired by traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. (Photo: Grace)

Renowned U.S. director Daniel St. Pierre, also the artistic lead on Aladdin, The Lion King, and Beauty and the Beast, said at the opening ceremony that the fair is an open, inclusive, and shared platform that plays an important role in promoting international exchanges and cooperation in the film and animation industries.

Lv Chengxi, Mayor of Dongguan, also delivered a keynote speech that introduced the development of the Pop Toy and Animation & Comic Industry in Dongguan, the "Capital of Art Toys in China". He also highlighted the charming aspects and culinary delights of the city.

The staff is "cutting" the goose toys inspired by Dongguan's local roasted goose. (Photo: Grace)

Ma Li, President of the China Animation Association, delivered a speech and released the "Annual Report on the Development of China's Pop Toy and Animation & Comic Industry (2024)."

International cooperation is an important theme of the exhibition. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Italy, and the exhibition this year has set up a pavilion for Italy for the first time, with more than 40 member units from Cartoon Italia (the national association of Italian animation producers) taking part. On the morning of the opening day, an opening ceremony was held.

Opening Ceremony of the Italy Pavilion. (Photo: Grace)

The exhibition also set up a 450-square-metre "Hong Kong Pavilion" with 20 exhibitors, the largest number of exhibitors and the largest booth area in the exhibition's history.

The development of animation-related technology is also a highlight of the fair, and this year's exhibition set up a special "Animation Technology Equipment Exhibition," which attracted many visitors to experience.

Highlights of the exhibition. (Photo: Grace)

(cnbayarea.org.cn & GDToday)