Seven Blockbuster Films Shine at SIFF’s “Chinese Epic Showcase” - Quality, Industrialization, and Grand Productions Propel Chinese Cinema to New Heights

On June 17, 2024, “Chinese Epic Showcase”, co-hosted by Alibaba Pictures and the 26th SIFF and participated by many film companies, kicked off with great enthusiasm.

This event featured the debut of seven major Chinese films with diverse genres: UNDER ONE PERSON, UPSTREAM, CITY IN FLAMES, BLADES OF THE GUARDIANS, DONGJI ISLAND, THE DECISIVE MOMENT, and I KNOW WHO YOU ARE. Directors and producers including Wuershan, Xu Zheng, Jiang Zhiqiang, Yuan Heping, Guan Hu, Liang Jing, Huang Jianxin, Zhang Disha, and Feng Xiaogang, alongside actors like Bai Yu and Louise Wong, participated in person. Creators and performers such as Mi Er, Hu Xianxu, Li Wanda, Feng Shaofeng, Naran, Lan Xiya, Wu Jiakai, Xin Zhilei, Wang Xiao, Jia Bing, Andy Lau, Wu Jing, Zhu Yilong, Wu Lei, Huang Bo, Gao Ye, Lei Jiayin, and Hu Ge joined the “showcase” sharing insights into the behind-the-scenes of film creation and their hopes for the high-quality development of Chinese cinema.

Chen Guo, Managing Director of Shanghai International Film & TV Festivals, Co., Ltd., expressed, “Shanghai is the starting point of Chinese cinema, a city that carries the glory and dreams of filmmaking. Here, we have witnessed the rise of countless outstanding films, felt the filmmakers’ sincere passion for art, and witnessed the profound diversity of cultures from around the world.” In the tenth year of collaboration with Alibaba Pictures and SIFF, both parties are embarking on a more mission-driven initiative: uniting all Chinese filmmakers to propel the high-quality development of Chinese cinema.

Fu Ruoqing, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of China Film Group Corporation, and Chairman and General Manager of China Film Co., Ltd., stated, “I believe that, with the collective efforts of many filmmakers, Chinese cinema will usher in an even more brilliant tomorrow. Every effort of the filmmakers will be respected, every story will be remembered, and every emotion will be conveyed.”

During the event, Alibaba Pictures’ President Li Jie announced the launch of the “Chinese Epic” co-production plan, committing steadfastly to the cause. “We hope to work with all Chinese film creators to unlock the “Chinese Epic” and bring the Chinese film industry to new heights.”

“Chinese Epic”: Focusing on individual destinies,

national sentiments, humanistic concerns, and contemporary resonance

“Chinese Epic” emphasizes quality, industrialization, and grand production as key traits in film development and mission, focusing on four major themes: individual destinies, national sentiments, humanistic concerns, and contemporary resonance. At the event, these seven Chinese epic films not only trace the deep-rooted development of Chinese culture but also express profound concerns for the joys and sorrows of every vibrant individual across the Chinese landscape.

Fantasy action epic UNDER ONE PERSON will premiere on July 26, bringing a new national style and supernatural world to audiences this summer. From the preservation and promotion of traditional culture in CREATION OF THE GODS: KINGDOM OF STORMS to the bold exploration of bringing tradition into the present in UNDER ONE PERSON, Director Wuershan, rooted in Chinese cultural soil, seeks innovative expressions, pushing the boundaries of Chinese fantasy film.

When faced with life’s adversities, how do we rediscover ourselves in the darkest hours? Xu Zheng returns to the summer blockbuster lineup with his realistic-themed film UPSTREAM. Featuring a powerhouse ensemble cast delivering stellar performances, the trailer’s stark contrasts leave audiences intrigued by the story. The golden duo of “Xu Zheng + realism” makes a surprising comeback, focusing the lens on everyday life and showcasing the brilliance of everyone striving to shine bright.

The film CITY IN FLAMES focuses on the intricate interplay of “natural disasters + human calamity”. Producer Mr. Jiang Zhiqiang emphasizes, “A disaster film shouldn’t merely rely on visual effects from natural disasters; a true disaster film should speculate on the fate of human civilization.” As the first Chinese film to tackle radiation disaster themes, it not only breaks new ground in genre but also maintains a conscientious reflection on humanity.

Martial arts films embody the unique passion and pride of the Chinese people, serving as a crucial cultural symbol in propelling Chinese cinema onto the global stage. The hardcore martial arts action film BLADES OF THE GUARDIANS will once again shine the spotlight on Chinese cinema. Director Yuan Heping, a witness to much of the development in Chinese action films, remains dedicated to the legacy of martial arts spirit. Producer and lead actor Wu Jing returns to this genre after thirteen years, bringing real blades and a fiery spirit to the realm of martial arts. BLADES OF THE GUARDIANS promises to revive on the big screen the long-awaited martial arts action and the heroic ideals of the nation.

DONGJI ISLAND tells the story of Chinese fishermen displaying kindness and bravery during a large-scale international rescue mission amidst the backdrop of World War II. The film combines real-life island settings and actual sea filming, along with a 1:1 reconstruction of the entire ship design of Lisbon Maru. Its scale of production, filming challenges, and heavy industrial craftsmanship pose unprecedented challenges in Chinese film history. Under such grand production, what national spirit will these brave fishermen exhibit? It is hoped that this historical narrative will be etched into the memories of many through the film.

The sci-fi adventure film THE DECISIVE MOMENT not only embodies the core of a sci-fi narrative but also carries forward the timeless spirit of Chinese aerospace exploration. The film aims to weave together the most authentic scientific details with boundless imagination, telling a hardcore sci-fi tale uniquely Chinese. Guided by a team of scientific experts, and driven by breakthrough performances from a stellar cast, this Chinese sci-fi story will transcend across the stars to reach a brilliant future.

At the event, the final film to grace the stage is I KNOW WHO YOU ARE from the maestro of joy and sorrow, Feng Xiaogang. This marks Feng’s return to period dramas after seven years, following his acclaimed Youth. Known for his adept portrayal of ordinary people in extraordinary times, Feng, who excels in realistic themes, intricately depicts their trials and triumphs. Teaming up with actors like Lei Jiayin and Hu Ge, this period piece spans 40 years of ideological struggle, painting a collective memory of the era for audiences. Whether amidst the turbulence of war or the struggles of peacetime, faith remains an indispensable force in people’s hearts.

The “Chinese Epic” propels the Chinese film industry

towards new heights

In 2023, the Chinese film market blazed brightly. Box office revenues rebounded to 85% of the level in 2019, maintaining a global leadership position. Yet beneath this prosperity lies hidden concerns about the high-quality development of the Chinese film industry. Data reveals that total cinema attendance and average viewing frequency per person are not optimistic. How can we ensure the sustained prosperity of the film industry, progressing from a “plateau” to a “peak”? This is a crucial issue of collective concern among Chinese filmmakers.

Whether facing the erosion of user engagement by diverse cultural consumption experiences or addressing the inherent weaknesses within the Chinese film market, “there are no shortcuts; we must return to the essence of film content itself.” This time, SIFF, in collaboration with Alibaba Pictures, has launched the “Chinese Epic Showcase”. With the three key attributes of “quality, industrialization, and grand production”, they offer a practical plan to boost the high-quality development of the Chinese film market.