By Gu Chengzhe and Wang Chenyen
An animated short film titled I am Li Yangqiao, created by students from the School of Animation and Digital Arts of Communication University of China (CUC) was selected for the Short Films section of 2026 Santa Barbara International Film Festival, according to the list of selected films released on January 14 in California, U.S.A.
Screenshot of the official Short Films selection list published on the website of the 2026 Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
I am Li Yangqiao is a graduation project animated short film jointly created by six Animation majors from the Class of 2021— Lin Qian'ai , Ma Yiqian, Yin Xihan, Chen Zhiyan, Long Junqi, and Pan Ruizhe—under the joint supervision of Associate Professors Ai Shengying and Zhang Yue.
The film revolves around the fantasies and inner monologues of blasting miner Li Yangqiao as he awaits rescue after being trapped underground following an accident. Told from a first-person perspective, it guides the audience into the harsh and perilous working conditions of miners while also revealing their inner worlds,quietly unfolding a story about how an ordinary individual seeks self-worth in "the mine of his era".
The film will make its world premiere at the McHugh Film Center in Santa Barbara, California, during the festival from February 4 to 14.
Official poster of I Am Li Yangqiao.
Founded in 1986, Santa Barbara International Film Festival has become one of the top 10 film festivals in the United States. Accredited by both the Academy Awards and the British Academy Film Awards, it has a track record of selections that have gone on to win two Awards—including acclaimed films such as Avatar, Parasite, and Everything Everywhere All at Once.
The film festival is dedicated to discovering and showcasing independent films and outstanding films in cinema chains around the world, fostering artistic exchange and promoting the development of cinematic art through screenings, industry-focused panel discussions, and various award presentations.
Editor: Li Shuxuan, Fang Yiran
Managing Editor: Wang Chenyan
Editor-in-chief: Yu Ran, Yang Zhongtian
