By Fang Jingyi
Two sessions of the Hangzhoufeel training program launched by the Hangzhou International Communication Center (HZICC) were recently held at two universities in Hangzhou, each attracting over a hundred participants.
In mid-May, HZICC, in collaboration with the College of Foreign Languages, Zhejiang University of Technology, hosted a themed training session titled “Local Lens, Cross-Cultural Expression”. The event featured three young Hangzhou directors and creators who have made significant achievements in international visual storytelling.
Social entrepreneur and documentary director Su Jiaming, who has worked in the film and television industry for over a decade, emphasized that the power of visual media lies in its ability to connect lives, and expressed hope that more people would use video to support public good and work together to make the world a better place. Huang Yuran, a Gen Z director, focused her talk on her creative experiences, exploring the integration of local storytelling and international communication. Deputy Director of Institute for International Film and TV Development of Zhejiang University and China-Africa documentary filmmaker Zhang Yong drew on his 13 years of experience in film research and production experience in Africa to offer deep insights into cross-cultural communication. He believes that the stories of ordinary people best reflect cultural diversity and help bridge emotional gaps across cultures.
On the eve of the International Day for Biodiversity, the HZICC partnered with the News Center of Zhejiang A&F University to host the latest session, themed “Biodiversity and Global Expression”.
At the event, Zeng Di, a lecturer at the College of Forestry and Biotechnology at Zhejiang A&F University, explained the concept of biodiversity through vivid case studies, helping students gain a deeper understanding of biodiversity conservation. Chairman of the Hangzhou Aquatic Plant Society Chen Yuchu brought much joy to the scene during his talk. As the discoverer of two newly classified first-class nationally protected plant species, he shared the story behind his discovery of Isoetes. He also donated a live cultivated specimen of Isoetes yuhangensis to the University for scientific and educational purposes. Meanwhile, Zhou Yong, founder of Hangzhou Visual Tribe and now a popular science educator on fungi, captivated the audience with photos and videos demonstrating why fungi are an essential part of the ecosystem.
As part of the “Hangzhou, a Window to China’s 5000-year Civilization” initiative, the Hangzhoufeel training program invites renowned scholars and experts from diverse fields to explore international communication skills from multiple perspectives, foster interdisciplinary research, and enhance the effectiveness of global storytelling.