Part 7/9:
Historically, Hollywood has sought to extend its reach into China, believing that film could serve as a bridge for fostering friendship and understanding. However, this approach has since spiraled into a landscape of censorship, not just of content but of creativity and representation. Chinese audiences have seen films that undergo heavy modifications to appease local censors, leading to a dilution of storytelling and artistic integrity.
The recent announcement to reduce imports of Hollywood films might signal a defensive posture within the Chinese film industry, though it could also serve to mitigate the cultural influence that Western entertainment has over Chinese audiences.