Chinese films seek a bigger stage in North America

Editor's note: Zhang Jing is the editor-in-chief at the Maclmlen Studio. This article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily those of CGTN. It has been translated from Chinese and edited for brevity and clarity.

Chinese films are gaining momentum in overseas markets, with North America emerging as an important testing ground for their global appeal. From science fiction blockbuster The Wandering Earth II to the animated hit Ne Zha 2 and family drama Dear You, a growing range of Chinese productions are reaching international audiences.

The recent screening of Dear You in Edmonton, Canada, offered another example of how Chinese films are connecting with overseas viewers. Set against the backdrop of China's Chaoshan region, the film explores family bonds, migration and memories through the tradition of qiaopi, letters and remittances sent home by overseas Chinese migrants.

Although rooted in a specific cultural setting, the film's themes of family, separation and identity have wider appeal. Its overseas screening reflects the growing interest in stories that provide audiences with a window into different cultures and experiences.

North America remains one of the world’s most competitive film markets. In 2025, the US and Canadian theatrical market generated about $8.87 billion in box-office revenue, according to industry data. For Chinese filmmakers, reaching audiences in the region is not only about commercial returns but also about gaining wider recognition.

In recent years, several Chinese films have achieved stronger visibility in North America.

The science fiction film The Wandering Earth II earned more than $5 million in North America in 2023. Animated blockbuster Ne Zha 2 surpassed $23 million in 2025, becoming one of the strongest recent performances by a Chinese-language film in the market.

These examples show that Chinese films are reaching beyond traditional overseas audiences. While Chinese-language films were once mainly watched by Chinese communities abroad, more titles are now attracting younger viewers and audiences with no direct connection to Chinese culture.

Fu Cong, president of the Alberta Young Entrepreneurs Association of Canada, said the number of Chinese-language films being promoted and screened in Canada has increased significantly compared with several years ago.

However, individual successes do not automatically translate into a lasting international presence.

The overseas performance of Ne Zha 2 highlights both the opportunity and the challenge. A strong domestic box office can create momentum abroad, but building a sustainable audience requires more than a successful film. It depends on distribution networks, promotion strategies and the ability to communicate with viewers from different cultural backgrounds.

Localization remains a key challenge.

For overseas audiences, subtitles are only the first step. Films also need to make cultural references understandable and relevant to viewers who may not share the same background.

"Subtitles alone are not localization", Fu said.

This challenge is particularly important for films like Dear You. The film features regional culture, traditions and language from Chaoshan, but its emotional themes of family ties and migration can resonate with audiences in different countries.

To reach wider audiences, Chinese films need stronger connections with local communities, cinemas, media organizations and digital platforms. Successful overseas expansion requires not only good storytelling but also effective ways to introduce those stories to new viewers.

The future of Chinese cinema overseas will depend on whether individual breakthroughs can develop into a more stable international presence.

The growing visibility of Chinese films in North America suggests there is increasing space for different stories and perspectives. The next step is turning successful releases into a sustainable global journey.