TV & film

tv-&-film

At the Shanghai Film Festival, AI Gets Its Mainstream Break

Timely reports on issues and events from across China. Drawing on a vast range of sources, these succinct articles provide insights into the significance of each issue in a wider context.

NEWS

The festival, one of the largest in Asia, has brought together AI content creators and traditional filmmakers to spur dialogue and collaborations around the latest technology.

He Qitong

Title Fight: China’s New TV Credit Rules Target Toxic Fandoms

To ease fandom and legal disputes, names will now be listed according to the number of brushstrokes in actors’ surnames.

Li Xin

Livestreamed Readings of Hit Chinese Novel Spark Copyright Debate

The recent TV adaptation of Chen Yan’s “The Protagonist” has inspired hosts to read the novel aloud during livestreams, potentially infringing on copyright.

Boy in the Frame: The Chinese Filmmaker Who Captured Luigi Mangione

Translations, cross-publications, and collaborative projects from Sixth Tone’s external partners. 

SIXTH TONE ×

A documentary director who set out to explore the lives of Chinese and American teens revisits unreleased footage of the murder suspect when he was 16.

Fir  Record

The Dream of the ’90s Is Alive on the Chinese Internet

Contributions from individuals with unique perspectives to share. Hear from everyone, from experts and commentators to those whose voices are often marginalized.

VOICES & OPINION

Chinese dreamcore plays on millennial nostalgia. Why is it so effective?

Pan Zhixin

Handmade: Two Chinese Productions Go Viral for Skipping AI

The productions, made by two amateur teams using their own savings, have garnered hundreds of millions of views on domestic video platforms.

Jiang Xinyi

An Indie Drama About Leaving China Finds an Audience at Home

A film about the life, traditions, and emotional landscape of the Chaoshan region in southern China has struck a chord with viewers for its moving portrayal of local culture and familial bonds.

China and FIFA Face Off Over World Cup Broadcast Rights

The football association asked for a record $250 million from the country’s state-owned TV broadcasting company, with negotiations failing to bring the price down to what the network deemed acceptable.

Fan Yiying

China’s Latest Season of ‘Ride the Wind’ Goes Viral Due to Poor Performances, Drama

Marketed as a platform for female empowerment, the show casts famous women to compete to become part of a girl group. But its latest season is trending for different reasons.

‘The Dark Romance’: Chinese TV Series Spotlights Pickup Artists

The series is intended to raise awareness of psychological manipulation in relationships in China and alludes to several high-profile cases in the media.

China Issues Draft Regulations on AI Copyright Infringement

The draft comes amid growing pressure from the entertainment industry to combat “AI face stealing.”

Chen Yiru

Don’t Hit Paws: Chinese Tech Giant Launches 24/7 Channel for Pets

The channel is the latest instance of companies capitalizing on the nation’s 300-billion-yuan pet industry.

High Rankings of China’s ‘Pursuit of Jade’ Draw Skepticism

The show’s popularity on international and domestic streaming services, combined with polarized comments online, has led some to doubt its true popularity.

Controversy Erupts Over Chinese AI Actors in Upcoming Short Drama

The announcement has sparked debate on social media about the AI performers’ resemblance to real actors, as well as the potential impact on industry jobs.

The Thoughtful Side of Chinese Cinema Was on Display — in Berlin

A new generation of filmmakers debuted at one of the world’s biggest festivals with works that were refreshing, profound, and artistic.

Lin Pin

China’s Surprise New Hit Is a Dating Show for Middle-Aged Singles

Since its December premier, ‘Forever by Your Side’ has exploded in popularity. Viewers say it’s changing how they see aging.

Han Minge

Year of the Robot: Humanoids Lead a Tech-Heavy Spring Festival Gala

Robotics firms took center stage as AI integration and international acts marked this year’s annual gala.

China Moves to Protect Child Actors in Viral Short Dramas

Children have become central to the ultrashort drama industry, with public concerns rising about long hours and the dissonance between dramatic themes and children’s lived experiences.

How ‘Zootopia 2’ Rode China’s Animation Boom to Success

Amid turbulent times, Chinese cinemagoers veer toward the comforting qualities of animated films.

Gan Lin

A Rural Mother’s Unfiltered Rage Gives Chinese Comedy Its Edge

By crafting punchlines from pain, breakout comedy star Fang Shaoli has tapped into the silent angst of many middle-aged Chinese women.