Lu Chuan Photo: Courtesy of Beijing Global Yoodoo Films Co., LTD

While Captain America: Civil War's surging box office around the globe is still making headlines, Lu Chuan, the director of critical hits Mountain Patrol (2004) and City of Life and Death (2009), as well as Disney's new wildlife drama Born in China, is confident that his new film will win out over the superhero blockbuster in the long run.

Born in China - the last film in Disney's animal trilogy, which includes animated film Zootopia and adventure drama The Jungle Book - is set to hit mainland theaters later this year and debut overseas on Earth Day (April 22) in 2017. While the film features the spectacular wildlife and natural beauty of China, Lu said that he aims to use the stories of the animals in the film to reveal Eastern philosophy.

In an exclusive interview with the Global Times, Lu talked about how he became involved in the Disney project and his thoughts on the future of the Chinese film industry.

Source of inspiration

Lu's cooperation with Disneynature, the independent film label of Walt Disney Studios behind the film, began back in 2013, when Tony To, a high-level executive at Walt Disney Studios asked Lu if he was interested in working on a medium budget project.

"He said he had one on hand, but I was a little hesitant because films about animals that didn't use any special effects were outside my experience and it would be difficult to handle," Lu told the Global Times.

However, the subject of wildlife in China fascinated Lu. He thought that this would be a good opportunity to try and make a different kind of nature film - a film that was not only about the lives of animals, but also how their lives inspired Chinese thought.

"Our ancestors learned ways to stay healthy from nature and wildlife - Five-Animals Boxing for example. It was also a source of enlightenment for ideas that death is not the end of life," Lu said.

 "This spiritual support has kept the Chinese alive generation after generation."   

Filming was even more difficult than Lu had thought. It took the entire crew 18 months to get the wild animal footage they needed and almost three years for the entire project.

"Every so often, the cameramen would stay at a location for weeks and weeks but catch nothing," Lu said, adding that he was very grateful for Disney's support.

"Though investment in China is very hot at the moment, few companies would be willing to invest in filming wild animals," Lu explained.     

Despite the difficulties involved, Lu said that the positive audience feedback at a preview for the film in LA was the perfect reward for him and his crew's hard work.

Despite the good buzz surrounding the film, at a time when star-packed blockbusters are still the No.1 favorite in China and around the world, how Born in China will perform is still a concern.

While Lu admitted that he was naturally nervous about his new work, he had a different definition of success than most people.

"In China, box office is not the only way to measure a film's value. The better film will have a longer life - it will receive recognition for a longer time," Lu said, comparing his film with the current hot superhero blockbuster Captain America: Civil War.

"It can be difficult to complete with Captain America over a period of three days. But when it comes to three years, I am sure it will beat Captain America, because few people will be talking about Captain America by then, but this film will still be remembered. I am confident of that."  

Chinese films, made in the world

International cooperation has been one of the hottest topics in China in recent years. While not the first time Lu has cooperated with an overseas studio, Lu said his experience with Disney "broadened my horizons."

"We did post-production in Shepperton. Though the equipment was not as new as that found in China, the staff were very professional and costs were not that high when it came to some aspects," Lu said, noting that since filmmaking costs in China at the moment are expensive, it could be a good option to have some work done overseas or invite foreign talents into China.  

"I think for the films in the future, the term 'Chinese film' should not be limited to those made in China, but also those with Chinese capital or a Chinese story yet involve excellent directors and crews from around the globe. That's the way to get closer to the Hollywood standard," Lu said. "Hollywood selects the best in the industry from around the globe. They have good native directors as well as excellent ones from other countries."   

This March, Fugitive Films announced that Lu would be taking the directorial helm to adapt Peter Hessler's memoir River Town, one of the New York Times' notable books.

Lu said that this project interested him because he thought it could help the outside world learn more about China.

"Hessler's viewpoint is one that foreign audiences can accept... The significance of adapting the book, in my opinion, is that it can build a bridge of recognition between the East and West."