Filmmakers and distributors gathered at an industry forum during the 15th Beijing International Film Festival on April 19 to discuss the global success of "Ne Zha 2" and its implications for China's growing influence in the worldwide box office.

Catherine Ying, vice president of CMC Inc. and president of CMC Pictures, speaks at a forum during the 15th Beijing International Film Festival, April 19, 2025. [Photo courtesy of the BJIFF Organizing Committee]

"Ne Zha 2" represents a breakthrough moment not only for China's domestic film industry but for global cinema as well, according to Catherine Ying, president of CMC Pictures, which distributed the animated blockbuster in North America, Australia and New Zealand.

Ying reported enthusiastic receptions in all markets where the film was released, with positive responses from both international filmmakers and audiences.

"This phenomenon demonstrated how a single film's monumental success in one market could reaffirm cinema's enduring power - proving films will never die but live on eternally in spirit," she noted.

Since debuting during this year's Spring Festival, "Ne Zha 2" has earned more than $2.16 billion globally, with $2.1 billion from China and $20.93 million from North America. The film stands as 2025's top-grossing release, the highest-earning Chinese film ever and the highest-grossing animated film of all time. It currently ranks fifth on the all-time worldwide box office chart.

The executive said the release demonstrated that Chinese films require more robust promotion and distribution strategies to maximize success. Her team is now producing an English-dubbed version of "Ne Zha 2" for re-release, aiming to reach broader international viewers beyond Chinese diaspora communities.

"The film's universal themes and emotional resonance connect with global audiences while showcasing China's highest standards of animation production," Ying said. She added that her company would apply lessons from this distribution experience to develop more targeted promotion strategies for upcoming Chinese blockbusters like "Ne Zha 3" and "The Wandering Earth 3."

Filmmakers and distributors join a forum for exchanges at the 15th Beijing International Film Festival, April 19, 2025. [Photo courtesy of the BJIFF Organizing Committee]

Cedric Behrel, managing director of Trinity CineAsia, which distributed "Ne Zha 2" in Europe, said the film became the highest-grossing Chinese release in the region in two decades. He noted this milestone inspires both Chinese cinema and the global film industry, as the animated feature resonates deeply with international audiences, especially younger viewers. Behrel praised Chinese filmmakers for creating distinctive stories that transcend cultural barriers.

Veteran filmmaker Huang Jianxin expressed his belief that "Ne Zha 2" is inherently a film made for the world rather than a Chinese movie adapted for international audiences. He explained that director Jiaozi utilized a universal coming-of-age story about Nezha to create a film with innate worldwide appeal.

"This intrinsic global quality is why it succeeded internationally, not because we modified it to be understood across cultures," Huang added.

He acknowledged competitive pressures from video games, short-form videos and other entertainment alternatives that cater to fragmented leisure time, questioning whether traditional film runtimes can still deliver value that justifies audiences' time investment.

"This year marks 130 years of world cinema and 120 years of Chinese cinema," Huang said. "Compared to art forms like music, dance, theater and painting with millennia of history, film is still an energetic child — one that will undoubtedly forge exciting new paths."

He noted that while the North American box office has plateaued at around $10 billion annually, representing its industrial scale, the extraordinary performance of "Ne Zha 2" demonstrates how a single film can "break the ceiling."

"But we can't expect the ceiling to replace total scale," Huang advised, urging peers to stay confident despite inevitable fluctuations. "China's film industry will keep climbing."

Director Andrew Lau, whose new film "The Dumpling Queen" releases April 30, strongly agreed. He reflected on Hong Kong cinema's cyclical ups and downs: "Through peaks and valleys, filmmakers persist. The market may shift, but we stand united in our craft. We must keep striving to find great stories worth bringing to the screen and trying something new."

Imax China CEO Daniel Manwaring speaks at a forum during the 15th Beijing International Film Festival, April 19, 2025. [Photo courtesy of BJIFF Organizing Committee]

Imax China CEO Daniel Manwaring presented research showing that while only 32-38% of Western audiences prefer theaters, China leads globally at 78%. "Last year was slow, but this Spring Festival proved Chinese audiences still love the big screen," he said, emphasizing filmmakers' responsibility to keep drawing audiences to theaters.

Manwaring said that Imax will expand offerings like esports broadcasts to reach new demographics this year. Last year's "League of Legends" World Championship screenings across 200 Imax theaters in China attracted audiences who had largely abandoned cinemas, with data showing 80% hadn't visited a cinema in five years. However, 90% said they planned to return.

Lau noted that cinema continually elevates the viewing experience through technological advancements. "Many audiences still don't fully understand formats like Dolby or Imax," he said. "We need to better promote these tech things — to show people that watching films on phones can't compare to the theatrical experience."

Manwaring acknowledged the importance of theater technology but stressed that even the best marketing and presentation cannot save films with poor storytelling.

"Years ago, people rushed projects out to make quick money or recoup costs quickly — I understood that but felt most directors and screenwriters lacked time to develop good stories," he said.

"Now the industry is changing, slowing down to prioritize quality, especially after seeing what patiently developed projects like "Ne Zha 2" can achieve," he said.