INSPIRATION is all around us if we take a moment out of our busy lives to look. With that in mind here are 10 things that inspire me and have helped make me the person I am today.
Life: First and foremost life is a precious gift that we have all been given. We should get inspired by the time gifted to us to do things we love and make a positive difference if at all possible. Love life and appreciate all the blessing life has given you.
Mother: The person who has always been the biggest inspiration in my life has been by wonderful mother. I have learned so many life lessons from her including kindness, compassion, discipline, never giving up and treating others how you would want them to treat you. She also keeps me grounded and is always there in times of need.
The elderly: Those who have gone before us will teach us the greatest life lessons. They have lived life, overcome challenges and have so many inspirational stories. Elders also inspire me to be a good person and to value the time I have. We can only move forward if we learn lessons from the past and our wonderful elders are a great starting point for this.
Writing: How can great writing not inspire you? Whether it is a beautiful book, historical texts, a simple poem or a song, writing has inspired people for thousands of years and continues to do that today. If you don’t read books, then there is wisdom on social media and words in your head that can put down on paper.
Love: This is perhaps the most beautiful emotion because it inspires us to become better people and do something selfless for someone else. Love doesn’t just have to be between a couple, but can be for family, friends and strangers in need. Love will heal the rifts that exist in this world and ultimately inspire all of us to come together as one.
Failure: We should celebrate the successes in our life, but shouldn’t forget about the failures. It is the wrong turns, disappointments, betrayals, scars and misfires that ultimately make us stronger. They inspire us to work harder and appreciate the wins when they arrive. Failure is only a blessing if you learn a lesson from it.
Self expression: We can all express ourselves in some way. Whether through social media, makeup, fashion, personality or many other things, self expression enables us to communicate in a unique way. It’s like being given a blank canvas and colours to fill it with whatever shades we desire. So express yourself. Do it loud and be proud.
Charity: If you can’t help everyone then start by helping one person. Doing a selfless deed will not only empower you, but will lift someone else up and get you blessings from the all-seeing universe. I believe everyone can make a positive difference and that is an inspiring thought just by itself.
The internet: The web isn’t just about cute cat videos, selfies and getting likes on social media. There is an endless supply of useful information you can gain knowledge from, including countless inspirational quotes, stories of beating the odds and caring people trying to make the world a better place.
Happiness: Last but not least, being happy should inspire you. A smile is the best accessory you can wear to look great and inner happiness will give you peace, which will in turn energise you. So be happy and share that with those around you even if it’s just with a friendly smile. It could change their entire day.
Forum brings UK and Chinese film professionals together to explore collaborations.
Emerging British-Asian talent gain mentorship and international exposure.
Small-scale dramas, kids’ shows, and adapting popular formats were the projects everyone was talking about.
Telling stories that feel real to their culture, yet can connect with anyone, is what makes them work worldwide.
Meeting three times a year keeps the UK and China talking, creating opportunities that last beyond one event.
The theatre was packed for the Third Shanghai–London Screen Industry Forum. Between panels and workshops, filmmakers, producers and executives discussed ideas and business cards and it felt more than just a summit. British-Asian filmmakers were meeting and greeting the Chinese industry in an attempt to explore genuine possibilities of working in China’s film market.
UK China film collaborations take off as Third Shanghai London Forum connects British Asian filmmakers with Chinese studios Instagram/ukchinafilm
What makes the forum important for British-Asian filmmakers?
For filmmakers whose films explore identity and belonging, this is a chance to show their work on an international stage, meet Chinese directors, talk co-productions and break cultural walls that normally feel unscalable. “It’s invaluable,” Abid Khan said after a panel, “because you can’t create globally if you don’t talk globally.”
And it’s not just established names. Young filmmakers were all around, pitching ideas and learning on the go. The forum gave them a chance to get noticed with mentoring, workshops, and live pitch sessions.
Which projects are catching international attention?
Micro-dramas are trending. Roy Lu of Linmon International says vertical content for apps is “where it’s at.” They’ve done US, Canada, Australia and next stop, Europe. YouTube is back in focus too, thanks to Rosemary Reed of POW TV Studios. Short attention spans and three-minute hits, she’s ready.
Children’s and sports shows are another hotspot. Jiella Esmat of 8Lions is developing Touch Grass, a football-themed children’s show. The logic is simple: sports and kids content unite families, like global glue.
Then there’s format adaptation. Lu also talked about Nothing But 30, a Chinese series with 7 billion streams. The plan is for an english version in London. Not a straight translation, but a cultural transformation. “‘30’ in London isn’t just words,” Lu says. “It’s a new story.”
Jason Zhang of Stellar Pictures says international audiences respond when culture isn’t just a background prop. Lanterns, flowers, rituals, they’re part of the plot. Cedric Behrel from Trinity CineAsia adds: you need context. Western audiences don’t know Journey to the West, so co-production helps them understand without diluting the story.
Economic sense matters too. Roy Lu stresses: pick your market, make it financially viable. Esmat likens ideal co-productions to a marriage: “Multicultural teams naturally think about what works globally and what doesn’t.”
The UK-China Film Collab’s Future Talent Programme is taking on eight students or recent grads this year. They’re getting the backstage access to international filmmaking that few ever see, including mentorship, festival organising and hands-on experience. Alumni are landing real jobs: accredited festival journalists, Beijing producers, curators at The National Gallery.
Adrian Wootton OBE reminded everyone: “We exist through partnerships, networks, and collaboration.” Yin Xin from Shanghai Media Group noted that tri-annual gathering: London, Shanghai, Hong Kong create an “intensive concentration” of ideas.
Actor-director Zhang Luyi said it best: cultural exchange isn’t telling your story to someone, it’s creating stories together.
The Shanghai-London Screen Industry Forum is no longer just a talking shop. It’s a launchpad, a bridge. And for British-Asian filmmakers and emerging talent, it’s a chance to turn ideas into reality.
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