Taiwan films debut on mainland screens, highlighting new momentum in cross-Strait exchange

BEIJING, April 1 (Xinhua) -- As spring unfolds, a new wave of Taiwan films is lighting up cinemas across the Chinese mainland, marking a fresh chapter in cross-Strait cultural exchange rooted in shared heritage.

"Where the River Flows" premiered on the mainland last Saturday, to be followed in April by three more titles spanning genres from female-focused drama to action and suspense.

Their clustered release has sparked renewed interaction in cross-Strait cinema, reflecting what observers describe as a deep cultural resonance grounded in common traditions.

One viewer wrote on social media after attending the premiere that the film features a gripping storyline and profound emotions, calling it a "work with warmth, strength and depth."

The film meticulously recreates Taiwan society in the 1960s. One notable feature is its use of dialects from across the mainland, including those from Sichuan and Shanghai. This linguistic diversity reflects the historical backdrop of the Kuomintang's retreat to Taiwan after its defeat in the civil war in 1949, which brought with it migrants from various parts of the mainland.

"Dialects are the voice of one's hometown and also the road home," said Lai Chun-yu, director of the movie.

At a cinema in downtown Beijing, a large poster for "Sunshine Women's Choir" occupies a prominent spot, with trailers playing on nearby screens. Warm-toned scenes of women supporting one another have drawn passersby to pause and watch.

According to Zhi Feina, a professor at the Chinese National Academy of Arts, policy support has facilitated such exchanges. Under the early harvest program of the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement signed in June 2010, the mainland lifted quotas on Taiwan films starting in 2011, a move later reaffirmed by 2013 regulations on cross-Strait film cooperation.

"The mainland film industry is embracing Taiwan filmmakers with an open attitude," Zhi said, noting that the vast and diverse mainland market provides ample space for high-quality productions and continues to generate returns for outstanding Taiwan films.

In 2024, the Taiwan film "The Pig, the Snake and the Pigeon" grossed more than 600 million yuan (about 86.9 million U.S. dollars) on the mainland, achieving both commercial success and widespread acclaim.

Commenting on the film's popularity, Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said it demonstrates that people on both sides of the Strait share a common language and cultural roots, making empathy and resonance come naturally.

Liu Xing-ren, an associate professor at Chinese Culture University in Taipei, said the strong box office performance of Taiwan films shows that they are gradually building a stable audience on the mainland.

"The release of four Taiwan films this spring reflects respect for Taiwan's cultural narratives and the unifying power of Chinese culture," he added.

Shared cultural roots serve as a "natural passport" for Taiwan films in the mainland market, while stylistic diversity enhances their appeal, said Chiu Ching-ling, a producer from Taiwan, adding that deeper collaboration fosters mutual understanding and creates favorable conditions for the film industries on both sides.

In recent years, cross-Strait film exchange has increasingly become a two-way process. In 2025, the mainland animated film "Chang'an" was screened in Taiwan with a Minnan-dialect version.

Although the animated feature "Ne Zha 2" has not had a formal theatrical release in Taiwan, it has generated strong interest, with some young viewers traveling to the mainland to watch it and visit cultural heritage sites linked to the film.

Zhi said cross-Strait film cooperation has evolved from capital-driven partnerships to deeper integration in creativity, talent and resources.

Taiwan filmmakers have actively participated in the mainland's film industry development while sharing in its growth opportunities, she added.

An editorial in Taiwan's Want Daily said that while the two sides have developed along different paths, their shared cultural roots make film and other creative industries a highly viable area for cooperation.