The rise of film-related tourism and consumer spending is turning China's movie industry into a new driver of economic growth, according to a senior executive at a leading domestic production company.
As Shanghai hosts two major industry events -- the Shanghai International Film Festival and the Shanghai Television Festival, Jiang Defu, chief operating officer of Bona Film Group, told China Global Television Network (CGTN) that Chinese cinema has made notable strides in integrating culture with tourism.
"In blending culture with tourism, Chinese cinema has created numerous success stories. Blockbusters like 'The Wandering Earth', 'Detective Chinatown 1900', and 'Creation of the Gods' have turned their filming locations into popular tourist attractions," Jiang said.
He pointed to several productions from Bona that helped convert shooting locations into popular tourist destinations.
"For our recent production 'Sidu', we constructed multiple sets in Guizhou Province that were later developed into permanent tourist sites. Similarly at the China Movie Metropolis, where we filmed 'Operation Hadal', we preserved several sets that now function as both visitor attractions and a military education facility. Many visitors, particularly students, have remarked that while the films were impressive on screen, seeing the actual sets, especially the massive 120-meter submarine replica, proved even more awe-inspiring. These physical installations enable audiences to experience the might of our nation and military more tangibly than cinema alone could convey. This cultural tourism synergy represents a valuable extension of filmmaking's potential," he said.
China's film tourism boom seen as new growth driver: Bona COO
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
