The First Chinese Film
"Dingjun Mountain" is considered the first Chinese film, directed by Ren Qingtai. It was a recording of a Beijing opera performance and marks the birth of Cinema Of China.
1905
1922
First Feature-Length Film
"Yan Ruisheng," directed by Ren Pengnian, is recognized as the first Chinese feature-length film. This silent film was based on a real-life murder case.
1934
The 1930s are often referred to as the first Golden Age of Chinese cinema, with films like "The Goddess" (1934) starring Ruan Lingyu, which showcased the talent and depth of Chinese filmmaking.
1949
Founding of the People's Republic of China
The establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949 marked a new era for Cinema Of China, with the government taking control of the film industry to promote socialist values.
1956
Beijing Film Academy Established
The Beijing Film Academy was founded, becoming the most prestigious film school in China and nurturing many of the country's future filmmakers.
1966
The Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) had a profound impact on Cinema Of China, with many films banned and filmmakers persecuted. Only propaganda films were produced during this period.
1978
Following the end of the Cultural Revolution, the Chinese government initiated economic reforms and opened up to the world, leading to a revival of the Chinese film industry.
1984
The Fifth Generation filmmakers, including Zhang Yimou and Chen Kaige, began to gain international recognition with films like "Yellow Earth" (1984), bringing a new level of artistry to Cinema Of China.
1993
Chen Kaige's "Farewell My Concubine" won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, marking a significant achievement for Cinema Of China on the international stage.
2000
Ang Lee's "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" became a global phenomenon, winning the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and bringing widespread attention to Cinema Of China.
2002
Hero Released
Zhang Yimou's "Hero" was released, becoming one of the highest-grossing films in Chinese cinema history and showcasing the potential of Chinese films in the global market.
2006
Feng Xiaogang's "The Banquet" was released, demonstrating the growing diversity and ambition of contemporary Chinese cinema.
2012
"Lost in Thailand" became the highest-grossing film in China at the time, highlighting the rise of domestic box office power within Cinema Of China.
2017
"Wolf Warrior 2" became the highest-grossing Chinese film ever, symbolizing the growing influence and popularity of patriotic action films in Cinema Of China.
2020
"The Eight Hundred" became the highest-grossing film globally for 2020, showcasing the resilience and global competitiveness of Cinema Of China even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2023
Zhang Yimou's "Full River Red" was released, continuing his legacy of impactful and visually stunning contributions to Cinema Of China.
