Fantasporto was invited to represent Europe at the WORLDCON 2023 | 81st World Science Fiction Convention | HUGO´s AWARDS in CHENGDU, China. A conference will be made about the situation of the SciFi Film Festivals and the documentary Fantasporto - 40 Years by Isabel Pina, a co-production between producer companies Pizzo and Cinema Novo will be screened at this huge event that, like the Oscars, have the famous HUGO Awards that are delivered in the last 81 years. This event takes place over the years in countries of all continents and celebrates Fantasy and Science Fiction.
Chengdu is a 20 million inhabitants town near of the Himalayas and this convention will take place in the recently finished Science Fiction Museum, created by Zaha Hadid, one of the most famous architects in the World and finished, after her dead, by the cabinet that she created.
"The fluid forms of its roof radiate from a central point within, emulating an expanding nebula cloud with a star at its center – transforming the museum into a ‘star cloud’ that disperses energy fields into its many different zones; guiding visitors through a portal that connects our lived experience with our imagination." -- Zaha Hadid Architects.
"The world’s largest science fiction event Worldcon will take place in the Chengdu Science Fiction Museum, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. Under construction, the 59,000 sq. m venue that will host the 81st annual World Science Fiction Convention and the Hugo Awards, is set to become a vibrant center of innovation and gathering place for the “leading incubator of science fiction writing in China”. In fact, the city of Chengdu, home to over 20 million residents, is transforming into an important global center of scientific innovation and research.
Located on Jingrong Lake within the Science & Innovation New City of Chengdu’s Pidu District, the Chengdu Science Fiction Museum incorporates maximum flexibility to host a variety of exhibitions, conferences, and events. Integrated within its natural and unique context, the museum “appears to float above the surface of the lake”. Actually, its fluid design, developed through digital modeling analysis, ensures efficiencies in composition, site conditions, solar irradiation, and structure, meeting the 3 Star standards of China’s Green Building Program. Moreover, natural hybrid ventilation, photovoltaics embedded within its canopy, and the design and dimensions of its roof contribute to the museum’s sustainable and efficient nature.
Including exhibition galleries, theatres, conference halls, and supporting ancillary spaces, the museum generates nodes of activity. Connected to the infrastructure of the city, the project creates a path that alternates between indoor and outdoor spaces at multiple levels, linked to the museum’s exhibition galleries, educational facilities, cafes, and other amenities. The surrounding terrain is planted with native shrubberies, and the landscape design allows the collection and storage of rainwater for natural filtration and reuse.
Meet The Future! Slogan and Mascot’s Name for 2023 Chengdu Worldcon Announced
The highly anticipated 2023 Chengdu World Science Fiction Convention (2023 Chengdu Worldcon) will kick off on October 18. This is the first time that the World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon) is being held in China, and Chengdu will become the second city in Asia and the first in China to host the world's prestigious science fiction event. Sci-fi heavy hitters and fans from all over the world will gather in Chengdu, participating in this grand sci-fi convention.
The Slogan of the 2023 Chengdu Worldcon Released: Meet The Future
To encourage sci-fi fans to actively participate in the event, the Committee of the 2023 Chengdu Worldcon launched a global call for the slogan for the convention. In less than a month, thanks to the enthusiastic responses from sci-fi fans around the world, more than 5,000 entries are received. After a rigorous selection and improvement, the slogan for the 2023 Chengdu Worldcon is determined as “Meet The Future”.
According to the Committee, after the call was launched, numerous sci-fi fans actively contributed their ideas. The submitted slogans cover various perspectives with creativity and distinct themes, showing the unique sci-fi temperament of Chengdu.
"Holding the 2023 Chengdu Worldcon is an invitation from Chengdu to the world to jointly create a vision of peaceful development and cultural exchange. It aims to illuminate the era with starlight and dreams, promoting the continuous flow of scientific and technological innovation, and shining the radiant light of civilization," Yao Haijun, the full-time chairman of the 2023 Chengdu Worldcon and president of the Chengdu Science Fiction Association said. Chengdu is an ancient civilized city with a history of 2,300 years, and it is also a city of the future full of vitality and opportunities that help people make dreams come true. Especially in the field of scientific and technological innovation, Chengdu showcases active originality, chained industrial clusters, and a collective effort in nurturing future industries. "The slogan 'Meet The Future' not only expresses the good wishes for the Worldcon’s hosting in Chengdu, but also reflects Chengdu’s beautiful vision of embracing the boundless universe and meeting an infinite future with sci-fi imagination."
Furthermore, corresponding to the slogan is the emblem of the convention, the Star-pointing Panda. The core element of the emblem is a giant panda symbolizing peace and friendship, which is also the most representative and popular mark of Chengdu culture . Surrounded by it are blue and green rings and planets representing science and technology and future, and sharing and harmony, respectively. Yao Haijun said that the cute giant panda, traveling through the rings, seems to pass through a wormhole, exploring the unknown universe. It symbolizes the 81st Worldcon’s boundary-extending imagination and innovation, embracing the world and envisioning the future.
Mascot Kormo: A Clever Fusion of Ancient Shu Civilization and Modern Technology
The mascot for the 2023 Chengdu Worldcon is a giant panda that combines sci-fi genes with Chengdu elements. According to Song Hongshu, the mascot designer, the prototype of the mascot is an adorable giant panda dressed in “Voyager” mecha. The color comes from the silver-blue Nebula, the venue of the 2023 Chengdu Worldcon. Its ear pattern is derived from the sun bird at the Jinsha Site, and the core controller of the mecha on the head is guided by the gingko leaf. The “Staff of Creation” the panda holds is inspired by the golden staff relic of Sanxingdui. Its small partner, the “Stellar Messenger”, is derived from the bronze bird from Sanxingdui. The combination of sci-fi elements and ancient Shu culture makes Kormo captivating.
During the call for the mascot’s name, sci-fi fans from different cities and all walks of life around the world showed great enthusiasm.
In the end, the Committee named the mascot "Kormo". "In ‘Kormo’, you can see a clever fusion of ancient Shu civilization and modern technology, and a wonderful collision of mechanical sense and imagination," Yao Haijun introduced. He also told that Kormo combines elements such as spacecraft, ginkgo leaves, the sun bird totem, the Sanxingdui bronze bird, and the venue of the 2023 Chengdu Worldcon, aiming to express that despite the rapidly developing digital world, the Eastern aesthetics originating from Chinese culture can still maintain its unique qualities characterized by continuous exploration and inexhaustible creativity.
Next, based on the image of "Kormo", the Committee will develop more than 200 cultural and creative products in 12 categories, including toys, bags, clothing, stationery, daily necessities, etc. These products are expected to be officially introduced to the public gradually by the end of September.
Heavyweight Guests and Varied Activities: Sci-fi Fans Around the World
This year, the Committee has invited famous sci-fi activists such as Ben Yalow and Dave McCarty, as well as sci-fi litterateurs such as Robert Sawyer and Liu Cixin to bring a sci-fi literature feast to sci-fi fans. Meanwhile, Richard Taylor, the founder of Weta Workshop founder, who has won five Oscars for Best Visual Effects, and prominent figures in the Chinese sci-fi industry such as directors Guo Fan and Yang Lei, will attend the convention. They will engage in in-depth discussions on topics related to the fusion and development of science and technology innovation, culture, cultural tourism, and cultural creativity.
According to Liang Xiaolan, the full-time chairman of the 2023 Chengdu Worldcon and the vice president of the Chengdu Science Fiction Association, the convention will hold about 260 themed salons and parties, which are divided into eight categories: Science Fiction and Literature, Science Fiction and Art, Science Fiction and Film and TV, Science Fiction and Games (Animation), Science Fiction and Academics, Science Fiction and Technology, Science Fiction and Future, and Science Fiction and Industry. "For example, in the Science Fiction and literature section, there will be salons like Liu Cixin's ‘A Sci-fi Reunion After 10 Years’, and Robert Sawyer's ‘The Past, Present, and Future of Science Fiction’; In the Science Fiction and Technology section, we will discuss ‘How Far Are We From Space Travel?’ In the Science Fiction and Film and TV section, there will be a ’Sci-fi Film Special Effects Summit’; In the Science Fiction and Art section, there will be a ‘Three-Body Themed Concert’; In the Science Fiction and Games section, we will release the International Sci-fi Gaming Ranking,” Liang said.
What’s more, dealer’s room and fan tables will be held during the convention. Liang Xiaolan told that the Committee has invited over 40 enterprises and more than 60 sci-fi fans to participate in the exhibitions, including well-known sci-fi IPs such as " The Three-Body Problem", "The Wandering Earth", and "Star Citizen", and outstanding enterprises like the National Geographic, Huawei, Tencent, and NetEase. "You can experience the Marian living environment at the first Mars immersion experience base in China, compose music with a drum kit robot, and immerse yourself in a low-carbon lifestyle of the year 2060. We hope sci-fi fans can enjoy the fun brought by sci-fi and science and technology."
81st World Science Fiction Convention
Hugo Award
The World Science Fiction Society administers and presents the Hugo Awards,[3] the oldest and most noteworthy award for science fiction. Selection of the recipients is by vote of the Worldcon members. Categories include novels and short fiction, artwork, dramatic presentations, and various professional and fandom activities.[3][4]
Other awards may be presented at Worldcon at the discretion of the individual convention committee. This has often included the national SF awards of the host country, such as the Japanese Seiun Awards as part of Nippon 2007,[5] and the Prix Aurora Awards as part of Anticipation in 2009. The Astounding Award for Best New Writer and the Sidewise Award, though not sponsored by the Worldcon, are usually presented, as well as the Chesley Awards, the Prometheus Award, and others.
Winners will be announced at the convention.
The Hugo Award is an annual literary award for the best science fiction or fantasy works and achievements of the previous year, given at the World Science Fiction Convention and chosen by its members. The Hugo is widely considered the premier award in science fiction. The award is administered by the World Science Fiction Society. It is named after Hugo Gernsback, the founder of the pioneering science fiction magazine Amazing Stories. Hugos were first given in 1953, at the 11th World Science Fiction Convention, and have been awarded every year since 1955.
The awards were originally given in seven categories. These categories have changed over the years, and the award is currently conferred in seventeen categories of written and dramatic works. The winners receive a trophy consisting of a stylized rocket ship on a base; the design of the trophy changes each year, though the rocket itself has been standardized since 1984. The Hugo Awards are considered "the premier award in the science fiction genre",[1] and winners are often noted on book covers.
The 2023 awards will be presented at the 81st Worldcon, "Chengdu Worldcon", in Chengdu, China on October 21, 2023.
Award
The World Science Fiction Society (WSFS) gives out the Hugo Awards each year for the best science fiction or fantasy works and achievements of the previous year. The Hugos are widely considered the premier award in science fiction.[1][2][3][4][5] The award is named after Hugo Gernsback, who founded the pioneering science fiction magazine Amazing Stories and who is considered one of the "fathers" of the science fiction genre.[6] Works are eligible for an award if they were published in the prior calendar year, or translated into English in the prior calendar year. There are no written rules as to which works qualify as science fiction or fantasy, and the decision of eligibility in that regard is left up to the voters, rather than to the organizing committee. Hugo Award nominees and winners are chosen by supporting or attending members of the annual World Science Fiction Convention, or Worldcon, and the presentation evening constitutes its central event. The selection process is defined in the WSFS constitution as instant-runoff voting with six nominees per category, except in the case of a tie.[7] The awards are split over more than a dozen categories, and include both written and dramatic works.[8]
For each category of Hugo, the voter may rank "No Award" as one of their choices. Voters are instructed that they should do so if they feel that none of the nominees are worthy of the award, or if they feel the category should be abolished entirely. A vote for "No Award" other than as one's first choice signifies that the voter believes the nominees ranked higher than "No Award" are worthy of a Hugo in that category, while those ranked lower are not.[9]
The six works on the ballot for each category are the most-nominated by members that year, with no limit on the number of stories that can be nominated. With the exception of 1956, the first years of the awards did not include any recognition of runner-up novels, but since 1959 all of the candidates have been recorded.[7] Initial nominations are made by members in January through March, while voting on the ballot of six nominations is performed roughly in April through July, subject to change depending on when that year's Worldcon is held.[10] Prior to 2017, the final ballot was five works in each category.[11] Worldcons are generally held near the start of September, and take place in a different city around the world each year.[6][12]
The idea of giving out awards at Worldcons was proposed by Harold Lynch for the 1953 convention.[13] The idea was based on the Academy Awards,[14] with the name "Hugo" being given by Robert A. Madle. The award trophy was created by Jack McKnight and Ben Jason in 1953, based on the design of hood ornaments of 1950s cars. It consisted of a finned rocket ship on a wooden base. Each subsequent trophy, with the exception of the 1958 trophy (a plaque), has been similar to the original design. The rocket trophy was formally redesigned in 1984, and since then only the base of the trophy has changed each year.[15] There is no monetary or other remuneration associated with the Hugo, other than the trophy.[7]
Worldcon committees may also give out special awards during the Hugo ceremony, which are not voted on. Unlike the additional Hugo categories which Worldcons may present, these awards are not officially Hugo Awards and do not use the same trophy, though they once did.[8][66] Two additional awards, the Astounding Award for Best New Writer and the Lodestar Award for Best Young Adult Book, are presented at the Hugo Award ceremony and voted on by the same process, but are not formally Hugo Awards.[62][67]
Recognition
The Hugo Award is highly regarded by observers. The Los Angeles Times has termed it "among the highest honors bestowed in science fiction and fantasy writing",[68] a claim echoed by Wired, who said that it was "the premier award in the science fiction genre".[1] Justine Larbalestier, in The Battle of the Sexes in Science Fiction (2002), referred to the awards as "the best known and most prestigious of the science fiction awards",[69] and Jo Walton, writing in An Informal History of the Hugos, said it was "undoubtedly science fiction's premier award".[3] The Guardian similarly acknowledged it as "a fine showcase for speculative fiction" as well as "one of the most venerable, democratic and international" science fiction awards "in existence".[70][71] James Gunn, in The New Encyclopedia of Science Fiction(1988), echoed The Guardian's statement of the award's democratic nature, saying that "because of its broad electorate" the Hugos were the awards most representative of "reader popularity".[72] Camille Bacon-Smith, in Science Fiction Culture (2000), said that at the time fewer than 1000 people voted on the final ballot; she held, however, that this is a representative sample of the readership at large, given the number of winning novels that remain in print for decades or become notable outside of the science fiction genre, such as The Demolished Man or The Left Hand of Darkness.[73] The 2014 awards saw over 1900 nomination submissions and over 3500 voters on the final ballot, while the 1964 awards received 274 votes.[74][75][76] The 2019 awards saw 1800 nominating ballots and 3097 votes, which was described as less than in 2014–2017 but more than any year before then.[77]
Brian Aldiss, in his book Trillion Year Spree: The History of Science Fiction, claimed that the Hugo Award was a barometer of reader popularity, rather than artistic merit; he contrasted it with the panel-selected Nebula Award, which provided "more literary judgment", though he did note that the winners of the two awards often overlapped.[78] Along with the Hugo Award, the Nebula Award is also considered one of the premier awards in science fiction, with Laura Miller of Salon.com terming it "science fiction's most prestigious award".[79]
The official logo of the Hugo Awards is often placed on the winning books' cover as a promotional tool.[80][81] Gahan Wilson, in First World Fantasy Awards (1977), claimed that noting that a book had won the Hugo Award on the cover "demonstrably" increased sales for that novel,[82] though Orson Scott Card said in his 1990 book How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy that the award had a larger effect on foreign sales than in the United States.[83] Spider Robinson, in 1992, claimed that publishers were very interested in authors that won a Hugo Award, more so than for other awards such as the Nebula Award.[73] Literary agent Richard Curtis said in his 1996 Mastering the Business of Writing that having the term Hugo Award on the cover, even as a nominee, was a "powerful inducement" to science fiction fans to buy a novel,[84] while Jo Walton claimed in 2011 that the Hugo is the only science fiction award "that actually affects sales of a book".[3]
There have been several anthologies of Hugo-winning short fiction. The series The Hugo Winners, edited by Isaac Asimov, was started in 1962 as a collection of short story winners up to the previous year, and concluded with the 1982 Hugos in Volume 5. The New Hugo Winners, edited originally by Asimov, later by Connie Willis and finally by Gregory Benford, has four volumes collecting stories from the 1983 to the 1994 Hugos.[85] The most recent anthology is The Hugo Award Showcase (2010), edited by Mary Robinette Kowal. It contains most of the short stories, novelettes, and novellas that were nominated for the 2009 award.
https://en.chengduworldcon.com
Dorminsky Mario 
