Screen clash of the titans

The Legend of the Condor Heroes brings martial arts nostalgia to the forefront, while Creation of the Gods II offers an effects-heavy spectacle that has drawn comparisons to Hollywood blockbusters. And Boonie Bears, which is celebrating its 11th annual installment, is set for a steady turnout of families seeking lighthearted entertainment.

"The Spring Festival is not just a revenue generator — it sets the tone for the entire year," Yin Hong, vice-chairman of the China Film Association and a professor at Tsinghua University, says in a report that the association and Beacon released on the sidelines of the 2024 China Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival.

"During this holiday, moviegoing remains a key entertainment choice for families, creating robust demand," Yin notes. "If 70 percent of the lineup meets audience satisfaction, we could see two or three major hits — or even more."

Yin emphasizes the importance of the season as a bellwether for the broader industry: "We hope the 2025 Spring Festival will lay a strong foundation for the year ahead, signaling vitality and inspiring anticipation among moviegoers."