Two movie stars expressed their strong confidence in the increasing role of films in boosted tourism across China through the "China Travel with Chinese Films" campaign, ahead of the first CMG Chinese Film Festival.
The festival, opened in Beijing on Friday evening, is expected to highlight, for the first time, the development and achievements of China's film industry from a media perspective.
In an interview with China Media Group (CMG), actress Zhang Ziyi, the event's image ambassador, and actor Liu Ye shared their views on the development of China's film industry.
"China's film industry was too exciting last year. The application of new technologies has not only encouraged filmmakers but also excited audiences. I read many suggestions from our netizens. Now that we have AI technology, they have told us many ways to make a film. It seemed that audiences were also taking part in the film just like us filmmakers," said Liu.
The "China Travel with Chinese Film" campaign, launched in February last year, has effectively driven tourism development across the country, as evidenced by one of Zhang's films.
"The significance of films is no longer merely to watch a touching story in a cinema. Now, audiences are traveling and tasting the delicacies of various places alongside the film. For instance, when we were shooting and promoting 'She's Got No Name' last year, there was a street where many tourists, including foreign travelers, came. So, Chinese films have brought prosperity to all walks of life," said Zhang.
Liu said it amazed him that a film could make a place known as a new tourist attraction, and it encouraged filmmakers to explore the industry's infinite possibilities.
"Many films boosted local cultural tourism. I never expected the power of film would be so great. When a film is loved by audiences, its shooting location becomes a more famous tourist attraction, attracting many people for local snacks and natural scenery. I think it is the happiest time for us filmmakers. We enjoy a larger space for creation, and audiences have greater enthusiasm for participation. Our future can be said to be full of boundless imagination," said Liu.
The CMG Chinese Film Festival, themed "Power of Spring," will present 21 awards.
Movie stars optimistic about films' role in boosting tourism
As tensions escalate following the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran's counteroffensive, people in neighboring Iraq are watching the situation with grave concern.
Due to the spread and spillover of the conflict, Iraq has virtually become a battlefield for other people's wars once again.
Since the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, Iraqis have spent more than two weeks watching their country being pulled into another regional conflict it did not choose.
Wedged between Israel and Iran, Iraq's airspace has become a shared corridor for missiles and drones. U.S. and Israeli forces struck camps belonging to Iran-aligned militias across the country. In retaliation, Iranian missile barrages targeted U.S. assets in the region, including facilities in Iraq.
"Iraq has long sat at the heart of regional conflicts. Although the country does not take sides, the fighting and unrest can erupt here at any time," said Ahmed, a resident of Baghdad.
"The current situation in Iran is indeed affecting our lives. Prices of goods and commodities have risen. It has also sparked concerns and internal crisis across society, including the risk of future shortages of fuel and natural gas," said Muhammad Awad, another resident of Baghdad.
At present, many residents have been forced to alter their routines -- working indoors and avoiding sensitive areas whenever possible. Beneath the seemingly calm surface of Baghdad lies a pervasive sense of vigilance and tension among the local population.
"The greatest risk may be a sudden strike by the U.S. or Israel [inside Iraq,] especially carried out by drones or fighter jets," said Dia Monem, a resident of Baghdad.
Although Iraq's postwar reconstruction has continued for years, repeated turbulences in the security situation have cast uncertainty over the public expectations for social stability.
Frequent attacks, armed clashes, and the spillover effects of regional tensions have made it difficult for ordinary Iraqis to form stable expectations about the future, intensifying their strong longing for a peaceful life.
"There is no doubt we are facing a cumulative crisis -- a consequence of the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq. Now the region is once again engulfed in conflict. The United States and Israel have intervened in the internal affairs of many other countries in the region, targeting oil and energy, with the aim of exerting control and forcing these countries into submission," Awad said.
"So far, we hardly speak of lofty ideals anymore. Instead, we simply hope that the country can achieve political, economic and security stability. That stability has become our greatest aspiration," said Monem.
Iraqis voice concern amid mounting regional tensions
