During the 15th Beijing International Film Festival, industry leaders discussed the successes of China’s animated film industry, particularly the popular franchises Ne Zha and Boonie Bears. These films have been major box-office hits, but experts at the event urged the industry to diversify its offerings and focus on creating a wider range of homegrown films with lasting appeal.
The Film Investment and Financing Forum featured a panel of prominent figures from the Chinese film sector, including Jiang Defu, CEO of Bona Film Group; actress and producer Liang Jing; film theorist Rao Shuguang; Shang Linlin of Fantawild Holdings; and filmmaker Yu Baimei. The panel discussed how the industry is evolving and stressed the need for more successful film franchises.
Rao Shuguang highlighted the dominance of Ne Zha, noting that the film accounted for a significant portion of the Chinese box office. He pointed out the growing trend of “winner-takes-all” in the film industry and urged for a broader diversity of films. “A single success can’t define the whole industry,” Rao said. “We need more variety and innovation in filmmaking.”
Yu Baimei also echoed this sentiment, criticizing the current trend of psychological dramas, which often lack entertainment value. He called for more films that focus on broader entertainment and generate positive emotions. “We need more stable intellectual properties (IPs) to ensure the industry’s growth,” Yu said. He emphasized the importance of creating multiple successful franchises that can produce several films, similar to Ne Zha or Boonie Bears. This, he believes, would give the industry a more sustainable future.
Shang Linlin, the executive president of Fantawild Holdings, shared insights into the success of Boonie Bears, which has expanded well beyond films into theme parks, merchandise, and even virtual reality experiences. “The strength of our brand lies not just in the films but in the influence it has across different sectors,” Shang said. Fantawild’s theme parks, which include Boonie Bears attractions, have been an important part of this success, with over 40 parks across China.
While the industry faces challenges, panelists remain optimistic. “Filmmakers are working hard to adapt to these changes,” Yu concluded. “I have high hopes for the upcoming summer blockbusters.”
The Beijing International Film Festival continues through Saturday, offering a platform for further discussions about the future of Chinese cinema.
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