Cultural exchanges and the growing quality of films in China are key factors in exposing overseas audiences to Chinese cinemas, global film industry insiders said at a forum focusing on the overseas distribution of Chinese films on Sunday.
The forum is part of the ongoing Beijing International Film Festival.
Aman Kapur, the general manager of Star Films, a Peru-based distribution and production company, said he was honored to be invited to the event.
"We have cinemas, around 15 percent of the cinemas in Peru. I came here due to the relationship we have with China in the last 40 years. We were invited by the festival, and I am really thankful for that," he told reporters.
For Boris Pugnet, a partner at the French distributor Heylight Pictures, the importance of cultural exchanges lies in helping overseas audiences better understand China.
"As a French distributor, of course, the image of China is important when it comes to Chinese movies. We try to send to China in the next months or year French KOLs to open the eyes of younger audiences to what is China nowadays, because then it will help to promote Chinese movies," he said.
This year's blockbuster "Ne Zha 2" has shattered a 20-year record for Chinese-language films overseas, with its global box office exceeding 15.7 billion yuan.
Yu Yunqi from the movie's distributor CMC Pictures said the film's high quality has been the key to its international success.
"As a distribution company, I believe film distribution must develop overseas markets by focusing on both quantity and quality. Our company plans to release more than 10 to 15 Chinese-language films across North America, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK," she said.
Other attendees emphasized the need to expand overseas distribution channels through more exchanges.
"I believe that having strong channels for overseas film distribution is crucial. Our overseas distribution team is still in its early stages, and we are working to establish more organized and consistent channels. As the box office for Chinese films overseas grows, I'm confident these channels will become more solid," said Jiao Hongfen, president of the China Film Producers' Association.
Global film professionals strive to build exchanges with China, hoping to "open the eyes" of youth
