TV fest to let viewers pick best of best

Chinese TV and film director Li Shaohong. [Photo/China.org.cn]

German documentary filmmaker Claas Danielsen. [Photo/China.org.cn]

Local TV fans can view acclaimed foreign and domestic TV productions on local TV channels and will be invited to take part in an online vote to choose their favorite TV series next month at the 18th Shanghai Television Festival.

The annual TV fest will take place on June 11-15. About 35 candidates have been nominated for the fest's coveted Magnolia Awards in various categories of TV film, animation, documentary and drama.

Chinese TV and film director Li Shaohong will chair the jury panel for TV film and drama. Veteran German documentary filmmaker Claas Danielsen will be the jury president for the documentary competition.

A record 400 TV production companies from about 40 countries have registered to display their recent works and new TV technology at the international film and TV market.

"This year's festival will focus on the new challenges and opportunities for China's TV industry under the ominimedia era," said Tang Lijun, an official with the festival's organizing committee.

"We will showcase our audience an innovative charm and a crossover appeal of television."