iQIYI's Realism Revolution: Redefining Chinese Cinema

In the ever-evolving landscape of Chinese cinema, iQIYI, the country's leading online entertainment platform, has emerged as a trailblazer, championing realism in cinematic storytelling. With the premieres of "Mumu" and "We Girls" ahead of the Qingming Festival holiday period, iQIYI is not just releasing films; it is making a bold statement about the power of authenticity in storytelling.

The shift towards realism in Chinese cinema is not a fleeting trend but a reflection of a deeper societal appetite for stories that resonate with lived experiences. According to an industry report, in 2023, more than half of the top 20 films in China drew from real-life themes, contributing 32% of the total annual Chinese box office. This trend underscores the market's hunger for narratives that go beyond escapism and delve into the complexities of everyday life.

"Mumu," starring pop star and actor Yixing ZHANG, is a poignant tale of a deaf father's struggle to build a better life for his daughter, who unfortunately falls into a life of crime. The film's authenticity is amplified by the inclusion of nearly 30 hearing-impaired actors, bringing a level of realism that is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. Directed by Mo SHA, "Mumu" is adapted from a short film that earned him the best young director award on "Action!," an iQIYI original variety show designed to empower emerging filmmakers. Early screenings have earned a 9.7 score on China's top ticketing platform Taopiaopiao and generated more than RMB 10.8 million (USD 1.5 million) in pre-screening and pre-sales revenues as of March 30.



"We Girls," directed by award-winning filmmaker Xiaogang FENG and starring Liying ZHAO, follows a mother who risks everything to purchase an expensive cochlear implant for her daughter and is subsequently sentenced to prison. There, she meets a group of other women who help each other reintegrate into society and start anew. With an all-female cast and themes of solidarity and survival, the film is already generating buzz, topping real-time watchlists on ticketing platforms like Maoyan and trending across Weibo, Baidu, and WeChat.

These premieres build on iQIYI's strong portfolio of realism-themed content, highlighted by the theatrical release of "Upstream," a blockbuster portraying the struggles of a laid-off middle-aged programmer who turns to food delivery work. iQIYI has also expanded its premium film offerings through strategic partnerships with filmmakers, delivering commercial hits like "Break Through the Darkness," "Hachiko," and "Wolf Hiding" – all of which grossed over RMB 100 million (USD 13.8 million) and earned prestigious honors, including the Golden Rooster and Hong Kong Film Awards.

Over the years, iQIYI has made sustained contributions to the film industry through content creation, talent cultivation, and innovative business models. iQIYI's Founder and CEO Yu GONG has previously shared the aspirations guiding the company's continued support for filmmakers, including increasing copyright investments to generate sustainable returns, expanding filmmaker collaborations to diversify content, and carefully balancing artistic expression with commercial viability.

This vision is exemplified by initiatives like Golden Screenwriters' Night, a pioneering event in China promoting young screenwriting talent and innovative content, and the Online Film Young Creators Project, which offers emerging filmmakers comprehensive support, including production funding, mentorship, and distribution assistance.



However, iQIYI's focus on realism is not without its challenges. The risk of market saturation or audience fatigue with realism-themed content is a real concern. Additionally, the balance between artistic expression and commercial viability must be carefully managed to ensure sustained success. Despite these challenges, iQIYI's commitment to realism in cinematic storytelling is a strategic move that aligns with current market trends and audience preferences, presenting both opportunities and risks for investors.

In conclusion, iQIYI's latest films, "Mumu" and "We Girls," are more than just cinematic experiences; they are a testament to the power of realism in storytelling. By championing authenticity and relatability, iQIYI is not only redefining Chinese cinema but also setting a new standard for cinematic storytelling that resonates with audiences on a deeper level. As the industry continues to evolve, iQIYI's commitment to realism will undoubtedly shape the future of Chinese cinema, making it a force to be reckoned with in the global film landscape.