According to Hongxing News, the National Radio and Television Administration issued a directive on 21/7, urging relevant entities to tighten control over short films and internet dramas about China's resistance against Japanese fascism. Officials say numerous films are being released in September to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
However, many short films and web dramas have been criticized for their exaggerated portrayals, making them resemble superhero or fantasy films. The administration has called on production companies to enhance content scrutiny, rejecting films featuring characters with superhuman abilities, actors displaying unrealistic martial arts skills, or storylines that defy military logic.
The directive also mandates the removal of elements deemed childish or illogical, such as depictions of one side possessing god-like powers while the other is portrayed as weak and foolish. Regulators argue that such portrayals distort historical realities and negatively influence the intellectual development of young audiences.
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In "Anti-Japanese Strange Hero," the protagonist sits on a roof, raises a fan, and dozens of opponents fall down. Then, the protagonist lies on the roof and waves the fan. Photo: Bilibili |
In "Anti-Japanese Strange Hero," the protagonist sits on a roof, raises a fan, and dozens of opponents fall down. Then, the protagonist lies on the roof and waves the fan. Photo: Bilibili
The National Radio and Television Administration categorizes short films into three groups based on investment levels. Key Films, with investments exceeding one million CNY (3.6 billion VND), are managed by the administration. General Films, with investments between 300,000 and one million CNY, are overseen by provincial authorities. The remaining group, with investments below 300,000 CNY, is self-regulated by the broadcasting platforms.
Douyin's Safety Center has removed hundreds of non-compliant films in an effort to foster a positive, open, and friendly environment. The platform states it will not tolerate short films with harmful or misleading content.
According to 21st Century Business Herald, short films are booming in China, with the market reaching 50.5 billion CNY (6.9 billion USD) last year, a nearly 35% increase from 2023. The market is projected to exceed 100 billion CNY (13.7 billion USD) by 2027.
Businesses registering in the short film sector are experiencing rapid growth, with over 36% of users watching daily. As of June 2024, the number of short film viewers in China reached 570 million.
Nhu Anh (Hongxing News)