International survey examines Chinese films' impact overseas

Viewers are seen at a theater in Yichang, Hubei province. [Photo by Liu Junfeng / Asianewsphoto]

"We've noticed that more and more Chinese elements have been shown in American drama, whether is a character or a storyline or a place, like 'Marco Polo', ect. For me it's a westernized narrative of Chinese culture. It's like Chinese food in America, it's not just Chinese food, it's their interpretation and imagination about Chinese culture," AICCC's deputy director Luo Jun said.

This rising interest in Chinese culture overseas is mirrored in China's booming economy.

And the overseas small screen success could be a breaking point for the big screen.

"In last year we've seen a new version of Marco Polo, a mini series. And also "Fresh Off the Boat" a TV series about Chinese American family in the US. This was unprecedented actually, especially for broadcast channels. Also we've seen the re-edited version of "Empresses in Palace" which is a huge hit in China. It's a little bit too fast to say these facts are pointing to a conclusion but they certainly point to a direction. That Chinese films are being noticed frequently and it comes as a nature result of China's rise on the economic stage. Because culture and economy go hand in hand," Zhou said.

Experience from the small screen could point to the right direction: combining the professionalism of Hollywood with the cultural flair of Chinese cinema.

However the need for Chinese producers and filmmakers to find better storytelling techniques and fresh ideas will certainly be an uphill battle.