Good news! Our students' exceptional talent shines brightly in the spotlight as their short documentary, 'Music Needs No Transition' filmed by our alumnus David Zheng, and featuring the acting talents of our Year 11 student Qiqi Zheng, clinches the prestigious Best Documentary Award at the Lantern & Light International Children’s Film Festival (LLICFF) in Australia. The documentary has also been shortlisted at the Independent Film Awards in Los Angeles and the International Kids Film Festival, with nominations announced in July 2025.

The short film tells the inspiring story of Qiqi Zheng, a Chinese-American high school student at YCIS Chongqing raised in the United States. During his travels to Reb Gong in Qinghai, he meets a Tibetan boy named Danzeng Chenglie. Initially, they struggle to communicate due to their completely different linguistic backgrounds—one speaking English and the other Tibetan. However, they eventually connect through the universal language of music, bridging the gaps of nationality, culture, language, and age in an exhilarating exchange.

Qiqi and his brother David joined YCIS Chongqing in 2018. They were born and raised in the US as English native speakers. Last year, Qiqi returned to our school as a Year 10 student. Like his brother David, Qiqi is also a passionate musician. Starting to play cello at the age of 9, Qiqi has garnered several international music awards, and is a key member of our school orchestra and small ensemble, boasting extensive performing experience.

This year at YCIS, Qiqi serves on the student council and holds the esteemed position of house captain of Wind House. Moreover, he is a member of our school volleyball team; he has represented our school in numerous volleyball tournaments and was honored as most inspirational team member. Last year, Qiqi won the prestigious Madam Tsang Chor Hang Award for Citizenship for his all-round achievements. Since he arrived at YCIS, Qiqi has seamlessly integrated his talents and leadership acumen into our community through various avenues.

As a school, we are committed to cultivating students as cross-cultural practitioners and communicators. Within our diverse international YCIS community, our students have open minds, are eager to communicate, and are bold in exploration. Let us once again congratulate the creative team of "Music Needs No Transition”. we also look forward to their further achievements next year!