News Analysis: China moves toward artworks with national characteristics

Cultural confidence was a buzzword in discussions during recent gatherings attended by Chinese artists and writers, who believe more outstanding works with national characteristics are needed.

Artists and writers were in Beijing for the 10th Congress of the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles (CFLAC) and the ninth Congress of the Chinese Writers Association (CWA), which convened Wednesday.

"The realization of the Chinese dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation entails prosperity in its culture," said Yin Xiaodong, head of the China National Theater for Children.

Yin believed that since China is the world's second largest economy, its culture should also appeal to a larger audience worldwide.

Writer Yang Qingxiang analyzed the roots of a lack of confidence in Chinese culture in many works, saying the impact of modern Western civilization once left traditional Chinese culture regarded as backward and ignorant.

With development in the past century, a new cultural landscape is unfolding in the country, Yang said, highlighting the boom of socialist culture with Chinese characteristics.

The younger generation of artists and writers are endowed with a bright future, Yang added.

Calls for more great works are also a response to some artists and writers showing undesirable behavior in their works, such as flaunting wealth, vulgar and obscene content, and the unscrupulous pursuit of profit.

For the audience this can alarming, with some observers claiming this leaves audiences mindlessly seeking sensory stimulation while giving up on spiritual pursuits.

The nation is lacking talent that can grasp the needs of audiences and the true value of artistic works, said Gong Yu, CEO of iQiyi, a leading online video sites, revealing that some artists and writers have failed to present a nation of appealing stories.

While underscoring the role of traditional Chinese culture and pursuing more works with national characteristics, the nation is not trying to exclude foreign culture, said Rao Shuguang, secretary-general of the China Film Association.

Rather, the nation aims to contribute more to the civilization of mankind with the best of its culture, Rao said.

"There is no reason the artists and writers should not be confident of Chinese culture after so many years of rapid economic development," Rao said, citing the flourishing film market.

China is the second largest film market, with box office sales reaching 44 billion yuan (about 6.4 billion U.S. dollars) in 2015; about 61 percent was earned by domestic films.

A series of high-quality domestic films, including "Monkey King: Hero is Back," a 3D animation based on a classic ancient story, were top earners, equivalent to Hollywood blockbusters in box office takings this year.

According to Rao, works with national elements are also important for inspiring people and shaping the mindset of the younger generation.

Classic works will influence young souls in a profound way and help create a favorable atmosphere for them to grow, Rao said. Endi