Moviegoers relish intriguing plot diversity of screen offerings

More than 180 Chinese films were brought to the festival for sale, a number that drew wide attention.

"After a partial comeback in 2023, Chinese cinema is returning to this year's 77th Cannes Film Festival in a major way," a review on American entertainment media outlet the Hollywood Reporter, stated.

Earlier this year, animated fantasy Deep Sea was released in more than 500 French cinemas, totaling 10,000-plus screenings and shattering the record for a Chinese animated film released in France.

The popularity of Chinese films was also seen following the release of the mythological epic Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms, which was screened in 140 French cinemas, and following the North American release of hit comedy YOLO, the exclusive overseas release rights of which were purchased by Sony Pictures.

While art films have long been a mainstay of Chinese cinematic productions in terms of going global, recent years have also seen many domestic sci-fi and animated films receiving growing attention and recognition around the world, says renowned Chinese director Jia Zhangke.

In recent years, collaboration between China and other countries and regions on movie production has deepened. A prominent example is the Belt and Road Film Festival Alliance, which has seen its membership grow to 55 institutions in 48 countries and regions.

"I look forward to seeing more interactions between Chinese films and outstanding productions from other countries, thus injecting more vigor into Chinese films," says Rao Shuguang, president of the China Film Critics Association.