China Pavilion: Low-Budget ‘Big World’ Turns Cameras on the Marginalized

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It’s entirely expected that Ne Zha 2 will be a focal point, given it’s the China Film Pavilion’s fourth consecutive year gracing the stage at Cannes.

The global impact of Enlight Pictures’ $2 billion blockbuster, which tells the story of a young demon boy battling for control of his fate and now holds the title of the highest-grossing animated film ever, is still being felt. It was announced at the end of April through state-run media that Enlight and director Yang Yu are currently in the development stage for “Ne Zha 3,” with a production schedule spanning over five years as they aim to recreate their success once more.

On Chinese soil, the industry is observing if the success of Ne Zha 2 will extend its influence not only within their animation sector but also beyond, as of now – at least in Cannes – there’s an effort to distribute the limelight.

Under the supervision of the Chinese Film Administration, the China Film Co-production Corporation (CFCC) has brought together over 60 companies and more than 180 films to give a glimpse of the skill and momentum propelling the world’s second-largest film market to international audiences.

As various entities such as China Film Co., Ltd., CMC Pictures, Bona Film Group, iQIYI, China Film Archive, China Film Foundation, Beijing Film Academy, and Shanghai International Film Festival receive focus, CFCC has also showcased a selection of films that demonstrate the industry’s increasing emphasis on diversity.

Besides popular animated movies like “Ne Zha 2”, the lineup also features action movies like “Detective Chinatown 1900”, fantasy epics such as “Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force” and “The Legend of the Condor Heroes: The Great Hero”, and documentaries including “The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru”, “A Tapestry of a Legendary Land”, and “Shenzhou 13”.

The Cultural and Creative City Center (CFCC) has arranged a market preview for Gengxi Pictures’ low-budget movie titled “Big World” at PALAIS F on May 14. This film, which garnered unexpected success in China in 2024, amassing over $100 million, is one of the surprise hits from that year. Directed by Lina Yang, the movie chronicles the life of a young man named Liu Chunhe who has cerebral palsy, as he navigates his daily challenges while supporting his grandmother in pursuing her own dreams.

In its debut, Big World generated significant buzz due to the filmmaker’s strategic partnership with the Xinhua News Agency, which led to the creation of the “Moss Flower Convention.” This event was designed to promote equality and provide assistance to individuals with disabilities within our society.

Executive Producer Lu Yin states, “A multitude of recognized brands, businesses, government agencies, universities, and charitable organizations from throughout the nation are participating in this initiative. Moreover, interactions on mainstream social media platforms have surpassed one billion engagements. By collaborating across various societal sectors, we strive to enhance the creation of an accessible environment. We strongly uphold the idea that filmmaking draws inspiration from real-life experiences.

Meanwhile, the film titled Big World was inspired by a heartwarming grandmother-grandson relationship that screenwriter Xiaoying You observed during her mother’s choir practice. Subsequently, the filmmakers sought out stories from within their community to enrich the film with emotions that would resonate deeply.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, you express sincere appreciation for the actual patients and their families. They have graciously taken on the role of confidants off-screen, candidly sharing the intricate details of their personal lives and growth stories, which have been instrumental in our production.

Initially, Director Yang gained recognition for her documentary work, such as the 2020 Cinéma du Réel SCAM Award-winning film titled Old Men. For her latest project, Big World, Yang enlisted Jackson Yee, a previous member of a boy band (known for his role in Better Days), to star as Chunhe. This production garnered the audience award at the 2021 Tokyo International Film Festival last year.

Yang aimed to showcase the ordinary experiences and inner yearnings of people belonging to a unique community, doing so impartially.

The filmmaker explains that their goal is to promote a more profound awareness among viewers about the social struggles endured by this marginalized group, while simultaneously acknowledging their bravery and personal dignity. Chunhe, who lives with cerebral palsy, serves not just as a symbol of his condition but also as an ordinary young person. Much like other young individuals, he has aspirations for the future, treasures the bond with his family, experiences the trials of maturity, and is entitled to the same rights as everyone else to live a fulfilling life.

The movie represents a current trend in broadening the scope of Chinese cinema, exploring subjects that were previously unexplored within society. Similar to last year’s Her Story, directed by Yihui Shao, it made a significant social impact by promoting progressive feminist ideas. This led to numerous discussions and analyses on social media platforms, eventually earning nearly $100 million.

This year, the CFCC in Cannes has scheduled additional unique events, such as the “China Film Promotion” set for May 13 at PALAIS I. Highlights also include “Big World”, animated films like “Mortal World” and “The Tyrannosaurus Rex”, the musical “A Tapestry of a Legendary Land”, and the documentary “The Extraordinary Journey of Pandas”. This film chronicles the lives of six giant pandas at various stages.

According to a spokesperson from CFCC, “We plan on fostering more international partnerships and collaborations in the future, which will help open doors for domestic film companies and Chinese movies to interact on a global scale.

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2025-05-15 09:25