A Beijing seminar on Nov. 24 explored the award-winning "Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms," discussing its significance in Chinese filmmaking and its global representation of China's cultural charm.
Director Wuershan greets attendees at a seminar held in Beijing, Nov. 24, 2023. [Photo courtesy of China Federation of Literary and Art Circles]
The film, directed by Wuershan, is the first installment of a trilogy based on the renowned Chinese fantasy novel "Investiture of the Gods." It features mythological stories set in ancient China during the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 B.C.) and Western Zhou Dynasty (1046-771 B.C.). This summer, it grossed an impressive 2.63 billion yuan ($370 million), becoming a cultural phenomenon. Recently, it won the Best Feature Film award at the 36th Golden Rooster Awards in Xiamen, Fujian province.
"Bolstering confidence in our own culture is an undeniable mission for contemporary Chinese filmmakers," said director Wuershan at the event. He explained that as the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation enters a crucial period, every nation must retrospectively examine, distill, and rearticulate its culture and spirit at each stage of economic development. Discussing justice, kindness, and emotions in the "Creation of the Gods" trilogy represents the core values of the Chinese nation, while the contemporary significance of the trilogy lies in "defining what kind of people we should become."
The director stressed the importance of openness and inclusivity in advancing the film industry's development. The creative team behind "Creation of the Gods I," spanning 21 countries, collaborated to create a classic Chinese myth, balancing tradition and innovation in their creative approach. Utilizing advanced film technology, they transformed Chinese cultural treasures into captivating cinema, striving to maintain the spiritual essence of traditional narratives and engage modern audiences. Additionally, the production team's inclusion of inheritors of intangible cultural heritage, along with grand scenes and elaborate costumes, allowed audiences to immerse themselves in the allure of traditional Chinese culture. This effort has sparked renewed interest in Han etiquette, traditional attire, and ancient musical instruments, influencing tourism in cities like Anyang, Hebi, and Baoji and encouraging the growth of cultural enterprises and industries.
"Over 60 million viewers stepped into cinemas, rediscovering stories from the Shang and Zhou dynasties from 3,000 years ago. They journeyed to the roots of our culture, seeking valuable and enchanting elements, enhancing cultural pride, and strengthening the cultural confidence of the Chinese nation," he said.
The filmmaker also noted that spreading traditional Chinese culture abroad is a continuous mission for contemporary filmmakers. Since the debut of "The Creation of the Gods I," this Chinese classic story has reached over 10 countries and regions, including Australia, New Zealand, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Singapore, receiving recognition from audiences worldwide.
"Through cultural exchange, we seek the commonality of spirit and shared emotions. When we create films and tell Chinese stories, we tap into universal human insights and shared emotions. These elements can transcend cultural differences, creating resonance among audiences from various countries and cultural backgrounds. Transmitting the strength of traditional Chinese culture to the world enhances the nation's cultural soft power and the global influence of Chinese culture," he stated.
A seminar examining the cultural significance of the film "Creation of the Gods I" is held in Beijing, Nov. 24, 2023. [Photo courtesy of China Federation of Literary and Art Circles]
Screenwriter Ran Ping stated that young people are increasingly interested in traditional culture and classical artistic works. Therefore, in the reimagining of classical artistic works, focusing on young people is crucial. "This requires creators to repeatedly explore and validate both the choice of themes and the way stories are told. We need to let our traditional classics radiate new charm and engage with today's youth," he said.
Xia Chao, president of the China Literature and Art Critics Association, stated at the seminar that the excellent ideas, moral standards, and value pursuits passed down through thousands of years of Chinese civilization must be adapted to contemporary culture and combined with modern aesthetic concepts. They should be inherited, carried forward, and disseminated by young people in today's high-tech, digital, fast-paced, and multicultural era.
Yan Shaofei, secretary-general of the China Film Association, said he believes that the box office success of "The Creation of the Gods I" demonstrates that audiences are interested in films with traditional cultural themes. This suggests that filmmakers can maintain tradition by grounding their films in traditional culture and delving into its rich heritage.
Hao Xianghong, director of the Communication Center for Literature and Arts on the Internet of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, expressed that "Investiture of the Gods" is a remarkable embodiment of Chinese cultural heritage. He praised the team of "The Creation of the Gods I" for their confidence in exploring traditional Chinese culture, which demonstrates the driving force for creating literary brilliance and promoting artistic self-confidence.
Wang Kan, deputy director of the Center for International Cultural Communication under China International Communications Group, an event organizer, said the film was an international expression of Chinese mythological stories and the modern expression of Chinese traditional culture. She emphasized that films are more than cultural expressions in the current era of frequent international cultural exchanges; they serve as platforms for global integration, cross-cultural fusion, and intellectual collisions. "Investiture of the Gods" is seen as a high-quality intellectual property that embodies Chinese characteristics and resonates globally, reflecting the cultural values of Chinese civilization.
Wuershan also mentioned that the second and third installments of the trilogy are in post-production, though the release dates have not yet been revealed. "I would say the most distinctive aspect of China's spirit in shaping heroes, compared to the West, is the emphasis on introspection. In 'The Creation of the Gods I,' the story revolves around awakening and return. Since it is a trilogy, it aims to depict the phased development of a person's inner growth and growing arc. In the second part, the protagonist defends his homeland. In the third part, he will overcome evil, become the new king, and bring peace to the world," he said.
