Beijing Normal Universty Professor Huang Huilin (left), representing the AICCC, and EFC representative Ya Ding signed a strategic collaboration agreement during the announcement of survey results, Feb. 22, 2012. [China.org.cn]
A survey conducted in nine countries by Beijing Normal University showed that while Chinese Kung Fu movies remain popular among foreign audiences, Chinese directors and actors still lack international recognition.
"An increase in the import quota for U.S. films has recently aroused public concern. As more foreign movies enter China, it is important for us to contemplate international survival conditions for Chinese movies," said Zhang Hongsen, an official with the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT).
Only 20 percent of the survey's 1,308 respondents said they pay attention to Chinese movies, with 8.6 percent saying that they "approve of the influence" of Chinese movies.
According to survey, Ang Lee, Wong Kar-wai, Zhang Yimou are most identified Chinese director. Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee, Jet Li and Chow Yun-fat are among the most recognizable Chinese actors while Gong Li and Zhang Ziyi are best known Chinese actresses for foreign audiences.
Beijing Normal University professor Huang Huilin said that in the eyes of foreign audiences, patriotism and heroism are the most "impressive" values conveyed by Chinese movies.
The survey's respondents said the narrative styles of Chinese movies should be improved. They also indicated a preference for more movies that reflect modern urban life.
China's box office revenues exceeded 13 billion yuan (US$2.06 billion) last year, up 30 percent year-on-year. While announcing the survey results, the Academy for International Communication of Chinese Culture (AICCC) and the École Française du Cinéma (EFC) also signed an strategic collaboration agreement at a press conference held in the Beijing Normal University to offer a opportunity for Chinese students to study film in France.