A literature forum was held on Nov. 2 in Xiamen, Fujian province, during the 2023 China Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival. The forum explored the integration and relationship between movies and literary works, while also encouraging filmmakers to read books and draw inspiration from them.

Filmmakers and experts take part in the roundtable discussion at a literature forum during the 2023 China Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival in Xiamen, Fujian province, Nov. 2, 2023. [Photo courtesy of China Film Press]

In his speech, Zhang Pimin, chairman of the China Film Foundation, pointed out that filmmakers should immerse themselves in life, root themselves in the people, and embrace literature and excellent culture. In addition, they should draw nourishment, enrich their thoughts, enhance their qualities and strengthen their abilities by reading classics.

"They should consciously promote cultural innovation by inheriting excellent traditional Chinese culture, continuously creating high-quality works, and using film to trace history, record reality, inherit civilization, pass on cultural heritage, tell China's stories well, spread the voice of China, showcase the unique charm of Chinese civilization to the world and promote China's development into a movie-making powerhouse," he said.

During the roundtable panel discussion themed "The Fusion Journey of Film and Literature," writer and screenwriter Quan Yongxian reflected: "Throughout my years of engagement in film and television script creation, the greatest benefit I have received is from literature. I have always believed that the foundation of film and television literature is to express the poetic essence within the human heart. I appreciate films that have a literary basis, such as 'Doctor Zhivago' and 'The Last Emperor,' as well as some outstanding Chinese films that are adaptations of literary works."

Director Gao Qunshu expressed that with the prevalence of short videos nowadays, people are not reading books as much. Therefore, it is necessary to rekindle genuine respect and integration between film and literature. 

Director Yin Li, vice chairman of the China Film Association, highlighted the rich history of world cinema, where numerous classic works have been adapted from literary sources, ranging from "Les Misérables" to China's own "Hibiscus Town." However, he echoed concerns about the growing prevalence of short videos, as it may divert filmmakers' attention away from drawing inspiration from literary works.

"Chinese cinema has the characteristics of realism, from the 1930s to the 1990s, focusing on reality, being close to China, criticizing social issues and speaking for the people, have been the excellent traditions of Chinese cinema," he said. "Reading more books, reading good books, returning to literature, returning to the present time and paying attention to reality, are not only the responsibilities and commitments of this generation of filmmakers but should also become a tradition."

Director Yin Li introduces his new book "Dream" at a literature forum during the 2023 China Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival in Xiamen, Fujian province, Nov. 2, 2023. [Photo courtesy of China Film Press]

Yin also unveiled his new epic book "Dream" at the forum. The tome combines over 40 years of Yin's artistic creations and insights on life, integrating his creations and perspectives on film, television, drama, fine arts, photography, culture and art education, reflecting the era. Containing 2,158 images and over 868,000 words, the work spans 1,400 pages and weighs a hefty 6 kilograms. The book is among the 30 works recommended by China Film Press in the first batch of its "Filmmakers Reading Books" program.

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