The crowd of 1500 + girls with palpable excitement filled the auditorium of Daulat Ram College, the University of Delhi as they witnessed the warm entry of renowned personalities like Abhishek Singh, Actor, and IAS, Rakul Preet, Actress. The topic of the talk show grabbed even more attention as in this technical and constantly socializing world the cases of getting sexually abused over something as ubiquitous as calls and texts are shamefully increasing. A similar session was also conducted at Modern School in Mandi House.
The talk was a part of the #NoShameMovement, organised by the women's development cell, at Daulat Ram College. This movement is a step towards addressing the vulnerabilities that young girls face due to “non-consensual image sharing” also known as “revenge porn”. It is seen that girls generally don’t approach the police because of the fear of victim blaming and shaming. Their young age makes them even more vulnerable. In such a helpless situation they become more liable to be exploited, even to the extent that they are coerced to commit crimes. Therefore, it becomes very important that these young victims should be provided appropriate legal guidance, institutional support from the state authorities, and psychological counselling.
In his address, Abhishek Singh, IAS and Actor, “The ‘No Shame Movement’ is a unique and integral step from our end for further fortifying the safety of women all over. This campaign will be whole-heartedly supported by the government, public figures, psychologists, parents, lawyers, media, etc. Our NGO will also have committed helplines where students can reach out to us for support. We will also initiate a chat group where all those who are either suffering from some disturbance of concerning nature or those who want to support the cause, can come together and discuss. I would also like to extend a vote of thanks to Rakul Preet who has come forward to support this initiative and will further help it to reach a wider audience.”
Rakul Preet shared her views and said, “I simply want to say, how do you not feel ashamed of what's happening? The first thing that runs through my mind is what will society think, what will my parents think, they'll think I'm wrong. This thought needs to be eradicated from the mind completely. All of us need to understand not to associate guilt with it. There is no social stigma, there is no shame, so once you will be able to take that shame out of your head is when you'll be able to take the right decision. I know it's difficult but it is the right thing to do.”
The session then was open to questions and answers from the audience in which they actively participated while raising the most serious questions related to the girl child, and women's education.
Amid the hype of having such famous personalities in the auditorium, the conversation reflected the concern related to the issue and how society is continuously getting more and more aware of the same as shame and blame should have no place in our body, mind, or spirit.
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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