Despite rainy skies, a unique gathering of Chinese and French sci-fi artists captivated audiences at Nantou Ancient City in Nanshan District yesterday. The event, part of the Chinese/French Artists Exchange Program’s third season, aimed to strengthen cross-cultural collaboration through art and storytelling.

During the event, titled “A Date in Ancient City: An Artistic Conversation from the Marvel Universe to Wandering Earth,” artists from both countries shared insights into their creative processes and experiences working in the sci-fi and fantasy genres.

French illustrator Gilles Francescano highlighted his participation in the “Second Chance School” initiative, which encourages students to create artworks that reflect their identity and dreams. Francescano emphasized how such creative endeavors can help young people connect with their inner aspirations.

Nicolas Petrimaux, the creator of the Il Faut Flinguer Ramirez comic series, offered a glimpse into narrative techniques and storyboarding, drawing from his experience in the comic industry.

Chinese artist Xiao Zhuangyue delivered a presentation showcasing her sci-fi concept designs, while local sci-fi author Hai Ya, a Hugo Award winner for The Time-Space Painter, expressed excitement about the exchange program’s potential to spark fresh ideas and collaborations.

The exchange program’s opening ceremony, held Saturday in Shekou, brought together Francescano, Petrimaux, Chinese illustrator Zhao Enzhe, and other domestic artists for lively discussions on the theme of “Sci-Fi and Fantasy.”

The Chinese/French Sci-Fi and Fantasy Exhibition, which opened after the ceremony, featured a wide array of works exploring themes like outer space, artificial intelligence, and the deep sea. The exhibition, running through Nov. 25, has already drawn significant interest from locals and expats.

Launched in 2018 by the Nanshan District Government, this marks the third edition of the Chinese/French Artists Exchange Program. Organizers, including the Nanshan District Foreign Affairs Office and Shekou Subdistrict Office, aim to foster mutual understanding and innovation through artistic collaboration.

Francescano expressed his appreciation for visiting Shenzhen and connecting with local sci-fi creators. “Sharing experiences with artists from China is an enriching journey that bridges cultural and creative worlds,” he remarked.

The exchange program continues to highlight the power of art in uniting diverse perspectives and inspiring new possibilities.