This week on Inside the China Room, Jiang Jiang (JJ) welcomes Annie Song, a young Chinese film producer and art director of 林象文化 Jungle Vision, a Beijing-based start-up dedicated to curating independent film festivals in China.
In this episode, we explore how young independent Chinese filmmakers are seizing opportunities at film festivals and contributing to the rise of new genres in China, with a particular focus on the increasing popularity of socially themed films. We also delve into the evolving dynamics between the Chinese and American film industries, as well as the successes and challenges Chinese films face in reaching international audiences. Additionally, we discuss how innovative promotional strategies, such as short video platforms, are revolutionizing the way films connect with viewers.
Annie Song holds a BA in Film Studies from the University of California, Berkeley, and brings over eight years of experience to the film industry. She was recently honored with the Most Promising Filmmaker award at the 29th Busan International Film Festival, cementing her reputation as a rising star in the field.
Highlights:
06:22 - The unique traits of China’s emerging filmmakers
08:10 - Film festivals as a launchpad for young Chinese filmmakers
11:40 - Challenges shared by the Chinese and U.S. film industries
19:20 - Increasing popularity of socially themed films in China
24:04 - The re-release trend of classic films
26:22 - Chinese films going global
34:11 - Short video platforms transforming film promotion
39:00 - Annie’s plan and her insights on low-budget films
42:36 - Recommendation
Recommendation:
Movies: 好东西 Her Story by director 邵艺辉 Shao Yihui, set to release on November 22, 2024
You can also listen to Inside the China Room with Jiang Jiang on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
好东西 Her Story trailer (2024)
Other Chinese films Annie Song and Jiang Jiang discussed in this episode:
宇宙探索编辑部 Journey to the West (2023)
流浪地球 The Wandering Earth (2020)
逆行人生 Upstream (2024)
我不是药神 Dying to Survive (2018)
爱情神话 B for Busy (2021)
英雄 Hero (2002）
卧虎藏龙 Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
影 Shadow (2019)
满江红 River Red (2023)
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