Young performers from the Taiwan region expressed strong enthusiasm for deepening creative partnerships with the Chinese mainland's film industry during panel discussions at the 12th Silk Road International Film Festival (SRIFF) in Fuzhou. The annual event, which concluded this week, brought together filmmakers from 84 countries and regions to explore cinematic innovation and cultural exchange.
"When we work across the strait, we're not just making movies – we're building bridges through shared stories," said actor Chen Liang, whose historical drama co-produced with mainland filmmakers premiered at the festival. Multiple Taiwan-based creatives highlighted how collaborative projects enable authentic cultural representation while expanding market reach.
The calls come as China's film market rebounds strongly post-pandemic, with box office revenues growing 67% year-on-year in Q3 2023. Industry analysts note that cross-strait co-productions accounted for 18% of mainland theatrical releases last year, demonstrating their commercial viability.
Festival organizers announced new funding initiatives for joint projects addressing common cultural heritage themes. The moves align with broader efforts to strengthen people-to-people connections through art, with several panelists emphasizing cinema's role in fostering mutual understanding.
