Chongqing - Veteran Chinese director, producer and actor Zhang Jizhong recently sat down with iChongqing to discuss the future of Chinese cinema, the promise of artificial intelligence and the pivotal role of Chongqing as an emerging global film hub. Drawing from decades of experience and a deep personal connection to the city, Zhang shared his vision for the future of storytelling in China and beyond.
A Personal Bond with Chongqing
Zhang’s first creative tie to Chongqing dates back to 1982, when he shot a film scene at Chaotianmen Dock. Now, more than four decades later, he is looking to deepen that connection through a collaborative project.
“I am very confident and have great passion,” Zhang said. “If I didn’t have this plan, I wouldn’t have come to Chongqing.”
Chongqing has become an increasingly popular filming destination. Over the past decade, more than 500 film and television productions have chosen the city as their backdrop, drawn by its layered urban landscapes and cinematic atmosphere.
The city is also actively building infrastructure to support high-tech filmmaking, including the Yongchuan Sci-Tech Film Studio — the largest and most technologically advanced film base in western China. The facility, built in May 2023, leverages AI-driven virtual production, real-time rendering and motion-capture technology to produce films at unprecedented speed and scale.
AI: A Double-Edged Sword
Zhang acknowledged that AI technologies are rapidly transforming the film industry, bringing both opportunities and limitations.
“The arrival of AI can greatly reduce investment costs and make previously impossible blockbusters achievable,” Zhang said. However, he cautioned that AI still falls short when it comes to the nuanced, vivid performances delivered by top actors, which rely on authentic emotional interplay on set.
“For ordinary actors, ‘accuracy’ is just a foundation — ‘vividness’ is what truly matters. The difference between a movie star and other actors lies in bringing that emotion to life,” he explained. While AI technology is developing quickly and can enhance aspects of production, Zhang believes genuine human emotion remains irreplaceable.
Chinese Culture as a Storytelling Wellspring
Zhang, who has built his career adapting Chinese literary classics for the screen, said traditional culture is a vital source of creative inspiration. He noted that even international hits like Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings have drawn elements from China’s Classic of Mountains and Seas (Shan Hai Jing). “We need to create magical stories that integrate our cultural background,” he said, adding that Chinese films have strong potential to reach global audiences by embracing universal human values.
Content Above All
When asked about the impact of short dramas and short-form video content, Zhang argued that such formats often lower aesthetic standards and lack emotional depth. “Cinema exists to pull people back and elevate their appreciation of truth, goodness and beauty,” he said. His parting advice to aspiring filmmakers was clear: “Stay true to your original aspiration. Never abandon your ideals.”