Chinese cinema looks to global audience

Although China has overtaken Japan to become the world's second-largest film market after the United States, Hollywood productions continue to draw global filmgoers. The situation is forcing Chinese filmmakers, more than ever before, to ask: How can homegrown films influence audiences abroad?

After India and the United States, China makes the largest number of movies per year. An international communication committee tasked with engaging with the world film community, and Hollywood in particular, was established by the China Film Association on July 29. It emerged from the idea that Chinese movies need to be made more relevant to foreigners.

Kang Jianmin, who is vice-chairman of the new committee, says the panel was founded because Chinese cinema is seen to be lagging behind some countries in creativity, financing and marketing.