Chinese film premiering overseas during the 2025 Spring Festival achieved impressive success thanks to tailored distribution strategies and growing global interest in Chinese culture.
The Spring Festival, China's most important holiday, has become an annual peak season for moviegoing in the country, giving rise to box office blockbusters. This year, six major releases hit the big screen during the holiday period, with several of them premiering simultaneously in overseas markets.
According to Chinese experts, the country's film industry has been actively pushing to let overseas audiences enjoy these hit films.
"Efforts to coordinate the simultaneous overseas release of Spring Festival films has been ongoing for years, and the results are showing. We want Chinese people abroad to enjoy the latest and best films alongside domestic audiences during the Spring Festival. We also hope that foreigners interested in Chinese culture will join overseas Chinese communities in theaters, experience the festive atmosphere, and see the evolution of Chinese films and society," said Zhi Feina, a professor with the Chinese National Academy of Arts.
On the Chinese social media app RedNote, which received a wave of "TikTok refugees" from the United States in January, international users shared their movie-watching experiences, contributing to the impressive box office results.
Chinese films have been increasingly meeting overseas audience's desire for novelty, resulting in their widespread appeal, according to actor Kris Phillips, better known in China by his Chinese name Fei Xiang.
"Audiences worldwide are looking for something new, something that they have not seen before. I believe, at this point, Chinese films have sparked an interest not only among Chinese audiences with local themes but also among global audiences for Chinese culture," said Phillips, who starred as King Zhou in the mythological blockbuster "Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force."
During the Spring Festival holiday that ended on Tuesday, Chinese films like "Creation of Gods II: Demon Force," "Detective Chinatown 1900," and "The Legend of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants" were simultaneously released in multiple countries and regions. Animated feature "Ne Zha 2" is also set to hit overseas theaters soon.
According to industry insiders, the key factor captivating international audiences is the enhanced quality of Chinese films.
"For Chinese culture to go global, it ultimately comes down to the works themselves. It starts with the script, story, and characters -- whether they can touch audiences worldwide. So now, the first step is to create something I love, then something that domestic audiences also enjoy. As I continue to improve my craft, I believe that one day, new elements, new connotations, and new souls will emerge from these works, allowing the world to appreciate them," said Yu Yang, director of "Ne Zha 2."
Chinese films shine overseas during 2025 Spring Festival
