Xun Zhan: Nepal–China cinema partnership needs more dialogue

Chinese media scholar and film jury member Jun Zhan has highlighted the growing potential for stronger collaboration between Nepal and China in the film sector, saying both countries can benefit from deeper cultural exchange, co-productions, and policy-level support for cinema.

Speaking during her visit to Kathmandu for the Nepal International Film Festival (NIFF), Zhan said Nepal and China have significant opportunities to work together in storytelling, filmmaking, and academic exchange. She stressed that despite language and market differences, meaningful collaboration is possible if governments, filmmakers, and institutions take a more active role.

Greater Support Needed for Cross-Border Film Cooperation

Zhan noted that while China’s film industry has expanded rapidly in recent years, smaller markets like Nepal have not yet received sufficient attention. At the same time, Nepali filmmakers continue to face barriers in reaching Chinese audiences due to limited access, policy gaps, and a lack of structured cooperation.

According to her, both governments should introduce supportive measures to make cultural and cinematic collaboration easier. She said official backing could help create pathways for film exchanges, co-productions, and wider distribution opportunities in both countries.

She added that stronger institutional partnerships could allow filmmakers from Nepal and China to learn from one another while building a more sustainable cross-border creative relationship.

Shared Stories Can Create New Opportunities

Zhan said storytelling remains the most powerful bridge between cultures and that language should not be viewed as a major obstacle when a story is emotionally compelling and universally relatable.

She suggested that Nepal and China could begin by working together on script development, joint research projects, and collaborative productions. Such efforts, she said, would help creators from both sides understand each other’s traditions, values, and social contexts more deeply.

Themes rooted in the Himalayas, Buddhist heritage, mountain communities, and shared cultural experiences could serve as strong foundations for future joint film projects, she noted.

Nepali Cinema Has Its Own Unique Strength

Sharing her impressions of Nepali films, Zhan said Nepal’s cinema reflects a distinct cultural identity and vibrant storytelling tradition. She observed that Nepali films often feature more musical and emotional expression compared to Chinese films, which she described as part of Nepal’s unique cinematic character.

Rather than seeing such differences as limitations, she said filmmakers should preserve these unique elements while also improving narrative depth and production quality to connect with broader international audiences.

She emphasized that authenticity is often what gives smaller film industries their strongest global appeal.

Universities and Creative Institutions Can Lead the Way

Beyond mainstream film production, Zhan also encouraged universities, media departments, and research institutions in both countries to take the lead in building long-term cooperation.

She proposed starting with small-scale academic exchanges, workshops, training programs, and collaborative projects involving professors, students, writers, and directors. Over time, she said, these efforts could grow into larger partnerships involving feature films, documentaries, and other creative media.

She also identified areas such as wildlife documentaries, Himalayan studies, cultural heritage, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence as promising fields for future Nepal-China collaboration.

Optimism for the Future

Zhan expressed confidence that Nepal and China can build a stronger relationship in the cultural and cinematic sphere if both sides remain committed to dialogue, creativity, and long-term cooperation.

Her remarks come at a time when Nepal’s film industry is increasingly seeking international partnerships beyond its traditional regional connections. As Nepali cinema looks to expand its global reach, voices like Zhan’s are adding momentum to discussions about how cross-border collaboration can help unlock new opportunities for growth and recognition.