Renowned filmmaker Zhang Yimou said that Chinese films should strive to earn their place on the world stage and seek significant global influence at the 2024 Weibo Night in Beijing on Jan. 11.

Director Zhang Yimou receives the most internationally influential director of the year award at the 2024 Weibo Night, Beijing, Jan. 11, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Weibo]

Zhang received the award for most internationally influential director of the year at the event, which is China's most high-profile social network gala. However, he pointed out: "We're not just here to participate in a party. We should remember and pledge to continue our task of taking our films global, which requires great and sustainable efforts from generations on this long and hard road. We will strive to ensure our works and our culture exert a significant influence on the world."

Before the director took to the stage, a montage of his classic works was shown, accompanied by a live folk music tribute performance. "After working in the business for decades, I feel that what we do is humble and small; it doesn't matter as much. Only the final films matter — they remain timeless and everlasting. These pieces of music and scenes from films will become part of an era, history and the best memories of our lifetimes," he said.

Zhang Yimou released "Article 20," a legal drama focused on the contentious legal concept of justifiable self-defense and the complex issues it presents, in 2024. The film earned 2.43 billion yuan during last year's Spring Festival. His recent blockbusters include "Full River Red" and "Snipers." Internationally, he is best known for directing a series of award-winning films such as "Hero" and "Red Sorghum," and two spectacular Olympic opening ceremonies. Currently, he is working on the highly anticipated movie adaptation of "The Three-Body Problem," based on Liu Cixin's Hugo Award-winning sci-fi novel.

One of the highlights of Weibo Night was the assembly on stage of cast and crew from five Chinese productions — "Ne Zha 2," "Legends of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants," "Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force," "Detective Chinatown 1900" and "Boonie Bears: Future Reborn." The filmmakers behind these movies, set to be screened during the upcoming Spring Festival holiday, were there to both promote their own works and encourage each other.

"I saw them introduce their films and I felt that this Spring Festival should be great, as they are all great films," Zhang Yimou added. "I hope the 2025 Spring Festival brings new hope and a new start for us filmmakers to embrace a better tomorrow."

A total of 43 awards were handed out at the ceremony, covering entertainment, sports, e-sports, culture and aerospace to figures and celebrities from various walks of life. The star-studded gala attracted 1.8 billion views during its livestream broadcast on Weibo. For years, the Chinese microblogging platform has served as a premier platform for marketing films and other entertainment projects, as well as a news feed and place for discussing hot social issues and breaking news.