Every year, China produces more than 400 movies. But only about 10 are box office hits and some films don\'t even make their way to the cinema.
This year the Chinese cinema is witnessing radical changes in regard with film production and investment, with 3D technology creating a hyper of the industry, and hot money challenging the creative resources.
As financial and creative resources flood in mega-production films, the marketplace is swamped by blockbuster manic, can people still expect genuine quality films in this superficial boom, film experts asked.
What else can directors do besides blockbusters? Is there any possibility for low-budget films to create miracles in box office receipts?
Top-notched film maker John Woo and a group of established Chinese film makers have discussed this at the Present Lecture of the 13th Shanghai International Film Festival.
"Chinese cinema still lacks diversity and originality," said Woo, the jury president of this year\'s film festival. "There aren\'t many productions telling really good stories about modern-day life in China. A lot of films are moralized and stereotyped."
Woo urged the young film makers in China to preserve their originality and distinctive filmmaking styles rather than just copy the "success mode" of their predecessors.
A number of people are stunned by the dazzling special effects of "Avatar," but Woo found something else of the movie that makes its huge popularity.
"A far-sighted film producer or investor is always the backbone of success," Woo added. "It is hard to imagine that the film\'s producers gave full support to the film\'s years of preparation. They even invited experts to compile a Na\'vi-to-English dictionary and a manual about the diversity of that star\'s ecosystem and the behavioral patterns of its inhabitants."
There aren\'t many professional and experienced film producers in China. Some are seeking quick returns from the film market, pushing film makers to give up their own style of shooting.
Talented Hong Kong director Ho Cheung Ping, known for his arty films "Beyond Our Ken" and "Isabella" said he once rejected a mining boss\'s invitation to make a film for his girlfriend.
"He had no idea of filmmaking, and his only hope was to take his girlfriend to walk the red carpet of international film festivals," Ping said with a forced smile.
When "Avatar" had topped the box office of Taiwan for consecutive 50 days, Taiwanese film maker Doze Niu\'s "Monga," which tells a melancholy story of youth days ended "Avatar"\'s champion legend. Niu\'s film is also the first to hit more than 100 million Taiwan new dollars at the box office in the shortest time, or six days.
The unexpected success made Niu realize that arty films can also be made with commercial approaches. In his eyes, the rejuvenation of domestic film industry can\'t only rely on a few mega-productions. It needs a strong "middle power" that can promote the diversity of Chinese cinema with moderate-budget films.
"In fact, it is the heartwarming story instead of technology or visual effects that enables \'Monga\' a strong rival to \'Avatar\' in Taiwan." he added.