Overview
CNEX Foundation is a Taipei-based non-profit organization founded in 2007 by Ben Tsiang (Chairman), Ruby Chen (CEO), and Chang Chaowei (Chief Producer). The name CNEX stands for "Chinese Next" and "See Next." The foundation supports the production, distribution, and exhibition of Chinese-language documentary cinema globally, operating as both a documentary commissioning fund and a distribution platform for Chinese-language non-fiction films.
CNEX commissions documentary films from Taiwan, mainland China, Hong Kong, and the Chinese diaspora through annual thematic programs. Each year's CNEX productions are united by a common subject or question, creating a coherent curatorial identity that distinguishes CNEX from generalist documentary distributors. The foundation also hosts the CNEX Chinese Documentary Forum (CCDF), an annual pitching forum now in its 17th edition, which connects Chinese-language documentary filmmakers with international buyers, festival programmers, fund representatives, and industry decision-makers.
CNEX has produced or executive produced films that have been selected and recognized at major international film festivals including IDFA, Hot Docs, CPH:DOX, Sundance, and Venice. The foundation's 2025 production A Chip Odyssey, a documentary about Taiwan's journey to semiconductor dominance, is co-edited by Chen Po-wen and director Hsiao Chu-Chen, marking their fourth collaboration.
CNEX Chinese Documentary Forum (CCDF)
The CCDF is the primary pitching and co-production platform for Chinese-language documentary. The 16th edition (CCDF-16) concluded on September 28, 2025, with 19 documentary projects competing for 20 awards. Taiwanese teams delivered strong results: director FU Yi-chia and producer HUANG Linghua's Thunder and Rosy Clouds received the TCCF Award sponsored by Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA). Director CHEN Chiao-wei's Wild Road won the Cash Award sponsored by Taigi TV. The AIDC Award went to Tzusy, spotlighting Taiwanese queer ballet dancer CHOU Tzu-chao.
The Best Pitch Award, sponsored by CNEX with a prize of $5,000, went to the Canadian project Johnny Tiger. The Best International Potential Award, also $5,000 and CNEX-sponsored, went to the Taiwanese project Back on North Face, following a cross-cultural adventure on Mt. Jade East Peak. Mainland Chinese director ZHOU Hao's project All Fixed Up swept five awards, including the AIDC Award (Australia), Doc Edge Award (New Zealand), Hot Docs Award (Canada), Tokyo Docs Invitation (Japan), and the top Investing for Good honor with a $7,000 prize.
CCDF-17, scheduled for September 18 to 20, 2026 in Taipei, received 141 submissions. Twenty filmmaking teams have been selected, with projects from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, New Zealand, France, the UK, and Australia. Selected teams participate in online and in-person workshops from July to September before presenting to international buyers and festival programmers at the forum.
CNEX DOC ACADEMY
In summer 2026, CNEX launched the CNEX DOC ACADEMY, a new international professional development program for documentary creators. The Academy brings together internationally recognized directors, editors, and producers to support filmmakers through thematic workshops, one-on-one mentorship, and cross-cultural exchange. The program consists of four tracks: Short Docs Lab, Editing Lab, Producers' Lab, and Storytelling Lab.
The Short Docs Lab selects four teams, two from Taiwan and two from across Asia. Participation is free, with accommodation and workspace provided. The workshop takes place in Taipei, and all sessions are conducted in English. Projects must be in an advanced stage of production, near the end of principal photography or in post-production. The application deadline for the first edition was July 26, 2026, with selected teams notified in early August.
Taiwan Matters Initiative and International Partnerships
CNEX launched the "Taiwan Matters" initiative in 2020 to enhance global awareness of Taiwan through international documentary productions. The initiative includes The Taiwan Way, a culinary culture series in collaboration with the History Channel (A+E Networks Asia), and projects like Railway Romance and Silicon Island Legend that explore Taiwan's history and technological development.
The Sundance Institute collaborated with CNEX on documentary production workshops beginning in 2011, when the first Sundance-CNEX event was organized at the CNEX Salon in Beijing's 798 complex. The Sundance-CNEX Documentary and Story Edit Lab, a closed workshop focused on editing and narrative, was added in 2016. This collaboration helped shape the narrative structures of Chinese-language documentaries for international audiences, with Sundance advisors providing feedback on rough cuts and pitch presentations.
In 2025, New Zealand's Doc.edge festival presented its "Super Hero" Award to Ruby Chen, CNEX's co-founder and CEO, in recognition of her contribution to promoting Chinese-language and Asian documentaries on the international stage. CNEX co-produced Island in Between, directed by S Leo Chiang and produced by Jean Tsien, which was featured by The New York Times.
What Filmmakers Should Know
For Chinese-language documentary filmmakers, whether from Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, or the diaspora, CNEX provides three primary pathways: commissioning through annual thematic programs, distribution through festival and digital channels, and international connection through CCDF and CNEX DOC ACADEMY. The CCDF pitching forum is the most direct entry point, with the annual open call receiving 141 to 160 submissions per year and approximately 20 projects selected for presentation to international decision-makers.
For international filmmakers whose documentary subjects engage Chinese communities, CNEX provides distribution access to Chinese-language audiences globally. The foundation's festival relationships with IDFA, Hot Docs, CPH:DOX, Doc Edge, and AIDC provide pathways for international documentary circulation that standard sales agents cannot serve directly in Chinese-language markets.
CNEX does not offer minimum guarantees in its standard sales model. The foundation operates on a commission-based structure, taking films from producers for 12 months from delivery, after which producers are free to continue or go elsewhere. This short-term, non-binding model has built trust with filmmakers who tend to return with subsequent projects.
Example Titles Produced and Distributed
CNEX has produced or executive produced over 80 documentary films since 2007. Notable titles include Plastic China (2016), directed by Wang Jiuliang, which world premiered at IDFA 2016 and received wide international attention for its portrayal of China's plastic waste recycling industry. 1428 (2009), directed by Du Haibin, won the Orizzonti Prize at the Venice Film Festival. A Young Patriot (2015), directed by Du Haibin, screened at Berlin and Hot Docs. Beijing Besieged by Waste (2011), also by Wang Jiuliang, documented landfill pollution around Beijing.
Master Sheng Yen (2020), directed by CNEX co-founder Chang Chao-wei, chronicles the life of the Buddhist monk who founded Dharma Drum Mountain. The film was produced by CNEX Studio Corporation and released with subtitles in five languages. Island in Between (2023), directed by S Leo Chiang and produced by Jean Tsien, was co-produced by CNEX and featured by The New York Times as an Op-Doc. The film was Oscar-nominated for Best Documentary Short.
CNEX's 2025 production A Chip Odyssey, a documentary about Taiwan's journey to semiconductor dominance, is co-edited by Chen Po-wen and director Hsiao Chu-Chen. The "Taiwan Matters" initiative produced The Taiwan Way, a culinary culture series in collaboration with the History Channel (A+E Networks Asia), along with Railway Romance and Silicon Island Legend.
Deal Structure Reputation
CNEX operates on a commission-based distribution model, not an MG (minimum guarantee) model. The foundation takes films from producers for 12 months from delivery, after which producers are free to continue or go elsewhere. This short-term, non-binding structure differs from commercial documentary distributors that typically require multi-year exclusive rights and offer upfront minimum guarantees. CNEX's model is designed for the non-profit foundation context, where the goal is circulation of Chinese-language documentary rather than profit maximization. Filmmakers retain ownership and control, and the foundation's commission covers festival circulation, digital distribution, and international buyer connections.
For commissioned productions, CNEX provides production funding through its annual thematic programs. The foundation commissions documentaries aligned with each year's curatorial theme, creating a coherent slate. Commissioned filmmakers receive production support, mentorship, and international festival circulation through CNEX's relationships with IDFA, Hot Docs, CPH:DOX, Sundance, and Venice.
Typical Acquisition Profile
CNEX focuses exclusively on Chinese-language documentary cinema. The foundation acquires and commissions films from Taiwan, mainland China, Hong Kong, and the Chinese diaspora. Subject matter must engage Chinese communities or Chinese-language experience, though the foundation's scope has expanded through the "Taiwan Matters" initiative to include international productions about Taiwan. CNEX does not acquire narrative fiction films or non-Chinese-language documentaries.
For the CCDF pitching forum, CNEX selects approximately 20 projects from 141 to 160 annual submissions. Selected projects span investigative journalism, personal documentary, historical inquiry, and social issue filmmaking. The foundation favors projects with international co-production potential, strong storytelling, and relevance to contemporary Chinese-language experience. Projects must be in development or early production to qualify for the forum.
CNEX does not operate an open submission portal for distribution of completed films. Filmmakers seeking CNEX distribution typically connect through the CCDF, the CNEX DOC ACADEMY, or through festival networks where CNEX staff identify new Chinese-language documentaries. The foundation's short-term, commission-based model means it can take on smaller films that commercial distributors would not pursue.
Recent Slate and Acquisition Activity
CCDF-16, held September 28, 2025, selected 19 documentary projects competing for 20 awards. Taiwanese director FU Yi-chia and producer HUANG Linghua's Thunder and Rosy Clouds received the TCCF Award. Director CHEN Chiao-wei's Wild Road won the Cash Award sponsored by Taigi TV. The AIDC Award went to Tzusy, about Taiwanese queer ballet dancer CHOU Tzu-chao. Mainland Chinese director ZHOU Hao's All Fixed Up swept five awards including the top Investing for Good honor with a $7,000 prize.
CCDF-17, scheduled for September 18 to 20, 2026 in Taipei, received 141 submissions and selected 20 filmmaking teams from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, New Zealand, France, the UK, and Australia. The CNEX DOC ACADEMY, launched in summer 2026, accepted applications through July 26, 2026 for its first edition, with four teams selected for the Short Docs Lab. The IMAGICA GROUP Film Project's second edition, OUR SON, was announced at the 79th Cannes Film Festival in May 2026, though this is a separate initiative.
Watch: Trailers and Interviews
See Also
For international documentary sales that cover Chinese-language markets, see Autlook Filmsales and Deckert Distribution in this directory. For the Taiwan Film and Audiovisual Institute, see the TFAI entry. For how documentary distribution deals are structured, see Distribution Deals Explained.
