Roman Jeannaeu Photo: VCG

Amid the 60th anniversary of the establishment of China-France diplomatic relations in 2024, the growing exchanges between China and France have gained fresh energy, fueled by a shared commitment to cultural cooperation - especially when it comes to films.

Roman Jeannaeu, a renowned French director and the president of the international documentary marketplace Sunny Side of the Doc, recently visited China, during which time he shared his observations on how the unmatched potential of the country's heritage can be effectively showcased.

"I heard the example about the Chinese Zodiac - it's a concept known worldwide, and while the presentation of it depends on how it's portrayed in films or media, the core theme must remain universal, approached from an intersecting perspective," Jeannaeu told the Global Times.

As recent as August, documentary The Glory of Civilization: The Forbidden City meets Versailles was aired in China. Focusing on nearly 200 exhibited cultural artifacts, the documentary traces the exemplary exchanges and legendary stories between China and France throughout the history of world civilization, featuring the Forbidden City in Beijing and the Palace of Versailles in Paris, and providing a cross-cultural perspective that appeals to a broad audience interested in cultural heritage.

This spirit of cooperation is not limited to film and documentaries alone. Jeannaeu shared his optimism about the role of young Chinese creators who use new technologies and social media to express themselves while preserving cultural traditions. 

Several Chinese video platforms like Bilibili and Douyin have become vehicles for these creators, blending modernity with heritage. Young creators like Jiang Xunqian, an influencer who learned the traditional Chinese custom of "striking the iron flower" to create dazzling firework displays, has garnered global attention by showing each step of her learning process with splendid visual effects. 

"Young Chinese creators are not only ­connected to international trends but are also deeply rooted in their cultural heritage, which gives them an incredible advantage in sharing their stories globally," Jeannaeu said.

In exploring the pathways of cultural exchange and innovation in communications, China-France cinematic cooperation has had a constant presence. The signing of an international co-production agreement at the "Night of China" event at the 35th Sunny Side of the Doc reflects the commitment of both nations to jointly produce films that bridge cultural divides. 

Looking to the future, Jeannaeu is confident that these joint efforts will continue to thrive.