CHINA Edition
Hungarian Edition
The Chinese film industry is experiencing significant growth, with forecasts predicting its volume to double in the coming years. China is one of the few film distribution markets worldwide where locally produced films outperform American blockbuster brands at the box office.
The Chinese film industry is currently in its third golden age. Since the late 1970s, the Chinese government has treated culture, including the film industry, as a cornerstone of the economy. In addition to high-budget, high-audience films, numerous smaller productions also achieve significant box office revenue.
Similar to Hungary, the Chinese government treats the film industry as a strategic sector. In 2022, China introduced favorable tax policies to ensure the growth of the industry.
“Hungary is currently the number one film production location in continental Europe, with leading figures in global filmmaking shooting in our country with the collaboration of Hungarian professionals. Our film industry generates significant foreign currency revenue at the national economic level, contributing to the country’s stability. Due to Budapest’s geographical and film industry advantages, it can become an excellent new center for Eastern and Western film relations. We have many exciting, untold shared stories with Chinese creators, and the agreement gives new momentum to their joint filming,” said Csaba Káel, the government commissioner responsible for the development of the motion picture industry.
To facilitate the collaboration of Hungarian and Chinese professionals and launch joint film projects, Csaba Káel and Mao Yu signed a professional cooperation agreement in Budapest. The agreement extends beyond film production to include cooperation in motion picture education and the mutual promotion of Hungarian and Chinese films.
On the occasion of the agreement, the delegation from the China Film Administration visited the Film Archive and Film Laboratory of the National Film Institute. They also visited the Fót studio complex, which is nearing the completion of comprehensive development. Ensuring the long-term competitiveness of the domestic film industry, four new studios and service facilities have been built in Fót as the largest state-funded studio development project ever. Among these, one of Hungary‘s largest new film studios has been constructed, with a floor area of 4,945 m² and a ceiling height of 18 meters.
Hungarian films are not unknown in China. Hungarian productions are present in both international festivals and distribution in the Chinese market. Last year, “Four Souls of Coyote” and “Six Weeks” won significant awards at the Shanghai Film Festival, one of the largest film events in the region.
Source: NFI
