Imagine a world where the release of a highly anticipated movie in a region depends on the luck of a lottery draw. Sounds surreal, right? Yet, this is the reality for film enthusiasts in Taiwan when it comes to movies from the Chinese mainland.
The local authorities in Taiwan have implemented a “lottery” system that permits only 10 films from the Chinese mainland to be released in the region each year. This policy has left many Taiwan residents yearning for more diverse cinematic experiences, particularly when it comes to blockbuster hits like “Ne Zha 2“.
The Lottery Barrier
The lottery system not only limits the choices for moviegoers but also hampers cultural exchange across the Taiwan Strait. While Taiwan’s film market is relatively open to movies from other parts of the world, with no import quantity quotas after a standard review process, the same openness does not extend to films from the mainland.
This disparity has led to frustrations among audiences in Taiwan. The animated feature “Ne Zha 2“, which became a sensation upon its release during the Spring Festival in the mainland, has garnered immense attention from Taiwan residents. Over 400,000 online comments from Taiwan have been voicing strong appeals for the film’s release in the region.
A Cross-Strait Phenomenon
Unable to wait, many Taiwan residents have traveled to the mainland to catch the film during the holiday season. “Ne Zha 2” has broken records, with over 300 million viewers and box office sales soaring to 14.6 billion yuan (about $2 billion). The film’s success highlights the shared cultural heritage across the strait, as Ne Zha is an iconic figure deeply rooted in Chinese folklore embraced by people in the mainland, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan.
Wang Changtian, the producer of “Ne Zha 2” and chairman of Enlight Media, has expressed readiness from the mainland side for the film’s release in Taiwan. “Once the screening permission from the Taiwan side is issued, audiences can see ‘Ne Zha 2‘ in no time,” Wang said.
Waiting Until 2026?
Despite the overwhelming demand, the lottery system means that “Ne Zha 2” might have to wait until 2026 for a chance to be screened in Taiwan, and that’s only if it successfully wins the draw and passes the review. Critics argue that this mechanism reflects a reluctance from the Taiwan authorities to embrace the flourishing film industry of the mainland, which has seen significant advancements in recent years.
Bridging the Cultural Divide
During the recent Two Sessions, China’s major annual political event, Tao Jun, a deputy from the Taiwan delegation, advocated for enhancing cultural ties and encouraging young people in Taiwan to engage more deeply with shared history and traditional Chinese culture.
The story of Ne Zha embodies themes of resistance and justice, resonating strongly with audiences on both sides of the strait. Limiting access to such culturally significant films not only deprives Taiwan residents of entertainment but also hinders mutual understanding and cultural exchange.
Looking Ahead
As efforts continue to promote closer relations between compatriots across the Taiwan Strait, there is hope that barriers like the lottery system will be reevaluated. Enhancing cultural exchanges, especially among the younger generations, can foster greater unity and appreciation of shared heritage.
In an era where information and entertainment transcend borders, the desire for a film like “Ne Zha 2” to be accessible in Taiwan reflects a broader aspiration for openness and connection. After all, as Ne Zha himself might say, obstacles are meant to be overcome.
