Founded in July 1949, the organisation was initially named the China National Film Artists Association.

So far it has more than 6,000 registered members, with branch associations across the nation.

[1] China Film Association was founded in July 1949 with the name of China National Film Artists Association and then China Film Workers Sorority in 1957.

In 1960, China Film Association changed its name to China Film Workers Association.

Finally, it renamed the China Film Association in 1979.