Audiences watche the promotional image of the A Tapestry of a Legendary Land on a screen Photo: IC

The 45th American Film Market (AFM) was graced by the presence of Chinese films, with the China Film Joint Pavilion showcasing a total of 201 film projects.

The event, held in Las Vegas in early November, not only demonstrated the latest achievements in Chinese cinema but also China's proactive stance in international exchange and cooperation.

Experts told the Global Times this initiative not only facilitates practical exchanges and cooperation between the Chinese and international film industries but also drives the trade of domestic films abroad.

2024 marks the second year that the China Film Joint Pavilion has participated in AFM, with 55 high-quality domestic film institutions joining the event. The pavilion showcases the latest achievements of Chinese cinema and promotes outstanding domestic films. These institutions play dual roles as both "buyers" and "sellers," evaluating overseas projects while also promoting Chinese films to a global audience.

As one of the most important film markets globally, AFM attracts thousands of professionals from over 80 countries annually. The six-day event is a hub for copyright transactions, film screenings, and related forums, making it an essential platform for the global film industry.

At the booth, international peers were constantly asking questions, while staff introduced the overview, achievements, and industry policies of the Chinese film market through on-site explanations, material displays, and individual negotiations. This provided a valuable opportunity for domestic exhibitors to engage in face-to-face exchanges with overseas insiders, China Film News reported.

The presented 201 film projects, featuring both domestic hits and highly anticipated unreleased projects, covered the genres of children's animation, realism and documentary to showcase the excellence of traditional Chinese culture and aesthetics.

"The future of Chinese animated films holds great promise," Yu Zhou, CEO of Light Chaser, whose animated film White Snake: Afloat participated in the promotion event, told the Global Times. 

Yu pointed out that China boasts a long history and excellent traditional culture, which serve as an inexhaustible treasure trove for film creation. It is the duty of filmmakers to inherit and innovate the best of classical literature in the form of films.

The international performance of Chinese films has not only allowed global peers to witness the potential of the Chinese market but has also bolstered international expectations and confidence in Chinese cinema.

For example, the documentary The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru, which represented China at the 97th Academy Awards and was screened in several UK cities, has attracted global media and audience interest. 

In addition, the successful re-release of the Harry Potter series in China has further bolstered international expectations and confidence in the Chinese market.

The participation of Chinese films at AFM has proven the country's commitment to cultural exchange and the global film industry. It was an opportunity for China to not only display its cinematic prowess but also to engage in meaningful dialogues with the international community. 

The film adaptation of the renowned dance drama A Tapestry of a Legendary Land was also showcased at the promotion event. 

"We believe that music, dance, and film are universal languages without borders, and we are confident that overseas audiences will certainly appreciate them," one spokesperson for the China Film Co-production Corporation told the Global Times, adding that the participation in AFM highlights the vibrancy and diversity of Chinese cinema. "It furthers foreign trade in domestic films, connects with high-quality international resources, and builds a bridge for cultural exchange."

One representative from China Oriental Performing Arts Group told the Global Times that the film A Tapestry of a Legendary Land highlights a Chinese aesthetic that reflects the spirit of China. 

"We have maintained good cooperation with our US counterparts in the film and television industry. Moving forward, we will continue to deepen our exchanges and expand our cooperative efforts to bring more outstanding works to audiences in both China and the US," he said. 

The author is a reporter with the Global Times. life@globaltimes.com.cn