The total box office of Chinese movies in 2018 exceeded 51.5 billion yuan, of which films produced in Shanghai contributed nearly one fifth. As statistics show, as of October 16, 65 films produced in Shanghai this year have raked in 9.9 billion yuan in domestic box office sales, a significant increase from 42 billion yuan in 2017.

The advantage of Shanghai-made films is not only reflected in the market, but also lies in the content and quality. Take the films released during the past National Day holiday for example. “Project Gutenberg” and “The Adventure of Afanti” led their own categories on Koubei, one of Alibaba’s lifestyle apps. Released around the Mid-Autumn Festival, the tragicomedy “Ash Is Purest White” is a successful trial blending the features of art and commercial films. Besides, realistic movies like “Dying to Survive” and “Animal World” were also hits during the summer season.

In terms of filmmakers, movies produced in Shanghai are not only created by mature directors like Jia Zhangke. A new generation of directors, including Wen Muye (director of “Dying to Survive”) and Huang Bo (director of “The Island”), have also injected fresh vigor and vitality to Chinese cinema.