Directory of World Cinema

Since the publication of the first volume of Directory of World Cinema: China, the Chinese film industry has intensified its efforts to make inroads into the American market. The 2012 acquisition of US theatre chain AMC and visual effects house Digital Domain by Chinese firms testifies to the global ambitions of China’s powerhouse film industry. Yet Chinese cinema has had few crossover hits in recent years to match the success of such earlier films as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, House of Flying Daggers, and Kung Fu Hustle. Although overseas revenue for Chinese movies has dwindled, domestic market growth surges year after year. Indeed, annual production output remains healthy, and the daily expansion of screens in second or third-tier cities attracts audiences whose tastes favour domestic films over foreign imports. A survey of a vibrant – and expanding – industry, Directory of World Cinema: China 2 examines, among other themes, China’s desire for success and fulfilment in the United States as well as the extensive history of representing China – and the Chinese in America – on US movie screens. With contributions from some of the leading academics in the field, this volume will be essential reading for all fans of Chinese film.