Chinese film industry took a huge leap in the past decade. A lot of quality art-house films also played a role in this growth. Unwilling to tell the similar stories, these filmmakers started with their own life experience and presented what they saw as history and reality with their cameras. As these “underground” films came to light, the audience finally had the opportunity to see them at various film festivals and even in theaters.

Internet and social media have kept Chinese students and expatriates in the U.S. updated with the latest news about Chinese cinema, while the limited number of Chinese films shown in U.S. theaters can hardly satisfy their needs. They may come from different backgrounds and speak different dialects, but the theatrically released films cannot measure up to such diversity.

Therefore, film festivals are necessary for bridging the gap, as they introduce China’s rich culture to the North American audience through motion pictures.