At the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival, Argentine director Santiago Esteves, whose latest film "The Reborn" is vying for top honors in the main competition, praised the ongoing transformation of cinema in the Chinese mainland. "I've witnessed truly robust growth – today's Chinese cinema feels both more prolific and increasingly captivating," he told a CGTN reporter.
He noted that for more than a quarter-century, from 2000 through 2025, the Chinese mainland film market has been on a steady upward trajectory. From the rise of multiplexes in tier-one cities to the proliferation of local auteur films, the scene has continuously expanded, reaffirming its vitality and global influence.
For young global citizens and tech enthusiasts, this boom means fresh opportunities at the intersection of storytelling and innovation. Emerging studios are experimenting with virtual production, AI-driven editing tools, and immersive formats that resonate with digital natives. Entrepreneurs and changemakers are collaborating on cross-border co-productions, using film as a medium to spark dialogue on sustainability, social justice, and cultural identity.
Sports and entertainment fans can look forward to a wider range of genres—from electrifying action blockbusters to thought-provoking indie dramas—while travelers and digital nomads find fun in plugging into local film communities and festival circuits. The Shanghai festival, in particular, has become a magnet for creative minds eager to exchange ideas and explore new horizons.
With voices like Esteves championing this growth, the future of cinema in the Chinese mainland promises to be a vibrant showcase of stories that connect people across borders and cultures.
Reference(s):
Argentine director Santiago Esteves hails China's film industry boom
cgtn.com
