In 1905, a silent, 30-minute black-and-white film captured Peking Opera master Tan Xinpei performing as a general in “Dingjun Mountain.” This marked the beginning of cinema in the Chinese mainland, ushering in an era of storytelling that has spanned over a century.
Now, 120 years later, China’s film industry is making waves globally with the animated epic “Ne Zha 2.” The film has shattered box office records, becoming the highest-grossing animated film in China’s history and ranking among the top five films worldwide by total earnings.
President Xi’s Inspiring Letter
Recently, Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a heartfelt letter to eight veteran Chinese film artists. In his message, he called on the film industry to create more outstanding works that reflect the spirit of the times and express the aspirations of the people. Xi encouraged filmmakers to strengthen cultural confidence, stay connected with real life, and contribute to the prosperity of the arts and the building of a culturally strong nation.
When Technology Meets Tradition
From the muted flickers of early reels to the dazzling spectacle of AI-powered epics, China’s cinematic journey has been defined by unyielding innovation. The success of “Ne Zha 2″—which follows the rebellious boy-god Ne Zha and his dragon companion Ao Bing as they rewrite their destinies—is fueled by breathtaking visuals and cutting-edge technology.
Behind this cinematic masterpiece lies a technological feat: advanced computer graphics and custom algorithms created hyper-realistic lava flows, explosive particle effects, and vast crowd simulations. To achieve these immersive scenes, some featuring up to 200 million characters in a single frame, a collaborative network of 138 animation studios across China worked together, elevating both the scale and precision of the film to unprecedented heights.
Pushing Boundaries with Innovation
A new wave of Chinese films is harnessing technology to enrich storytelling and push the limits of cinematic creativity. “The Wandering Earth 2,” a Chinese sci-fi blockbuster, leveraged 3D printing to craft highly detailed props like futuristic spacesuits and robotic arms. The fantasy trilogy “Creation of the Gods,” known for its epic clashes between good and evil, utilized motion capture technology and advanced production pipelines to standardize its filmmaking process.
By blending state-of-the-art technology with a rich cultural legacy spanning 5,000 years, China’s film industry is producing visually stunning narratives that resonate with global audiences. Recent hits like the “Ne Zha” saga, the “Creation of the Gods” trilogy, and “Chang An” have reimagined ancient legends through modern storytelling and visual artistry.
Going Global
CMC Pictures announced that the English-language version of “Ne Zha 2” will debut in IMAX and 3D across theaters in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand starting August 22. Ellen Eliasoph, an Academy Awards juror and veteran filmmaker, emphasized that the global expansion of Chinese cinema is driven not merely by commercial ambition but by its profound cultural influence.
“China is truly an untapped goldmine of intellectual property when it comes to filmmaking,” said Eliasoph in an interview earlier this year. She was the first Hollywood executive to work in China and highlighted cultural influence as the true cornerstone of Chinese cinema’s success.
A Thriving Industry
China is now the world’s second-largest film market. In 2023, over 1.01 billion cinema visits were recorded across the country. As of July 8, data showed that China’s cumulative box office revenue for 2023 had exceeded 30 billion yuan (about $4.18 billion), reaching this milestone 28 days ahead of last year’s pace.
The country is also playing an increasingly influential role in reshaping the global cinematic landscape. In 2023 alone, China hosted international film festivals in more than 30 countries and regions. At home, Chinese theaters screened 93 imported films, generating over 9 billion yuan in box office revenue.
Inspiration for the Future
Chen Daoming, a renowned actor and chairman of the China Film Association, said President Xi’s letter offers a guiding framework for the Chinese film industry. “It’s an essential and profound source of inspiration,” said Chen, one of the letter’s authors to Xi. “I hope that through our joint efforts, we can create many outstanding works that contribute to the prosperity of the arts and the building of a culturally strong nation.”
Gao Ying, a manager at the Capital Cinema in Beijing, expressed that the president’s letter awakened a deep sense of mission within her. “We are committed to transforming every screen and theater into a cultural window that tells China’s story and celebrates the Chinese spirit,” she said.
