New Cinemas in China's Borderlands Enhance Community Through Film Experience

In a remarkable development for local entertainment, the first cinema in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, nestled in the Kashi Prefecture of Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, opened its doors recently, serving as a cultural bridge for diverse ethnic communities. This initiative came to fruition at 4 PM when eager audiences gathered to enjoy the cinematic experience, highlighting the power of film in uniting people.

The establishment of this cinema is particularly significant given its location over 4,000 meters above sea level, bordering countries such as Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan. He Xinyu, the cinema's manager, expressed excitement about providing local residents with access to the latest blockbusters, allowing them to enjoy films simultaneously with viewers across the country. The cinema represents not just a space for watching movies, but a place of connection and improvement in cultural appreciation for residents who previously relied on mobile film screenings.

Further east lies Medog County, in the fascinating valleys of Southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, where the opening of the first cinema has transformed the way locals experience films. Just a month ago, residents were still navigating their movie experiences through mobile screenings, but the new cinema has changed all that, allowing them to buy tickets online and enjoy films in a modern setting.

The evolution in film accessibility across these remote regions illustrates a broader trend within China's film industry, which has progressed greatly over the past 120 years. As He notes, the cinema delivers a sense of belonging and opportunities to explore cultural narratives that go beyond their immediate surroundings, vastly enriching the lives of local audiences. The emotional response to films resonates deeply with the community, emphasizing the connection to societal norms and cultural identity.

In the past, residents often had to wait for mobile film teams to bring the latest movies, which limited their access to cinematic experiences. Zhang Beiyan, an engineer with Ili Film Company, has been a part of rural film screenings since 2009. He recalls how films served as a vital aspect of leisure and culture, bringing together viewers from all backgrounds for a shared love of storytelling.

CEOs and local authorities contributed significantly to setting up the cinema with investments aimed at improving community engagements. The opened cinema featured popular films such as Ne Zha 2 and Detective Chinatown 1900, drawing in enthusiastic crowds eager to experience the immersive environment of the big screen.

Manager He observed that young audiences particularly enjoyed the social elements that accompany cinema visits. Not only do these visits provide entertainment, but they also spark discussions among friends and through social media. As audiences excitedly exited the cinema, they expressed gratitude for convenient access to global cinema, reflecting a joyful shift in local cultural engagements.

Despite the evident excitement, challenges abound. Maintaining sustainability in such initiatives poses a real concern, particularly in rural settings where populations are smaller and contain diverse cultural backgrounds that may not readily embrace a universal cinematic experience. Operators like He are creatively meeting these challenges by programming films that resonate with local history and values, including classics like Visitors on the Icy Mountain.

Furthermore, in Lhunze County of Xizang, opened in May 2024, similar initiatives are underway, featuring films that highlight local culture, such as My Himalaya. This tailored approach to programming is vital to cultivating a deeper connection between the new cinemas and their audiences, fostering a cultural exchange that enriches community life.

As cinemas continue to spring up in these border areas, they not only enhance viewing conditions but also significantly contribute to the cultural and social fabric of remote regions in China. Residents now have a place to explore diverse narratives and engage with film as a critical part of their broader cultural identity.

By prioritizing local tastes and promoting films that speak to the rich tapestry of their communities, these new cinemas are transforming the landscape of entertainment. This intersection of film and cultural connection is paving the way for a vibrant communal life that extends far beyond the movie screen.