At the 15th Beijing International Film Festival on April 19, filmmakers and distributors convened to discuss the remarkable international success of "Ne Zha 2," an animated feature that has achieved significant box office milestones in both domestic and global markets.

Catherine Ying, vice president of CMC Inc. and president of CMC Pictures, reported that the film has grossed over $2.16 billion globally since its release during the Spring Festival, with $2.1 billion generated from China and $20.93 million from North America.

This achievement establishes "Ne Zha 2" as the highest-grossing Chinese film to date and the highest-earning animated film of all time, ranking fifth on the all-time worldwide box office chart.

Ying stated that the film's success highlights the necessity for enhanced promotional and distribution strategies for future Chinese films, indicating a pivot towards broader international outreach.

In response to this demand, CMC Pictures is producing an English-dubbed version of "Ne Zha 2" to connect with audiences outside the Chinese diaspora.

Ying emphasized that the film's universal themes and emotional depth resonate with viewers globally, showcasing China's advancements in animation quality.

Cedric Behrel, managing director of Trinity CineAsia, reported that "Ne Zha 2" has become the highest-grossing Chinese release in Europe in twenty years, reinforcing the significance of the film within the global cinema landscape.

Behrel noted that the film's appeal resonates particularly with younger audiences, transcending cultural contexts.

Filmmaker Huang Jianxin asserted that the film's narrative was constructed as a global story rather than a localized adaptation, contributing to its international success.

With the global film industry facing competition from various entertainment formats, Huang highlighted the enduring potential of cinema despite the changing landscape.

This year marks notable anniversaries in film history, with 130 years of world cinema and 120 years of Chinese cinema, emphasizing film's relatively young status among artistic mediums.

He indicated that while the North American box office has stabilized, the extraordinary performance of films like "Ne Zha 2" illustrates the potential for breakthroughs.

Director Andrew Lau echoed sentiments of resilience within the industry, remarking on the cyclical nature of cinema in Hong Kong.

He pointed out the importance of storytelling as the foundation for enduring cinematic experiences.

IMAX China CEO Daniel Manwaring presented research indicating a strong preference for theatrical viewing in China, with 78% of audiences favoring the cinema experience, compared to lower percentages in Western markets.

He noted that innovative offerings, such as esports broadcasts, are being considered to attract diverse demographics.

Manwaring emphasized that while technological advancements in cinema are crucial, storytelling remains paramount.

He observed a shift in the industry towards quality, where creators are now afforded more time to develop compelling narratives, as exemplified by the success of "Ne Zha 2." The discussions at the festival reflect a shared optimism among industry players regarding the future of Chinese cinema on the global stage.