Chinese culture, with its millenniums of history, has always held the sea close to its heart. Stories of vast oceans and adventures on waterways dot the landscape of Chinese literature. Among these, the Classic of Mountains and Seas (Shanhaijing) and the Romance of the Flowers in the Mirror (Jinghuayuan) stand out. Both texts explore the mythology and fascination of ancient China with its maritime world. Yet, despite their profound cultural importance, these subjects have often been overshadowed.
Director Wuershan has now decided to turn the spotlight back on China’s maritime legends. He revealed his upcoming project centered on Zheng He’s iconic voyages to the Western Ocean, aiming to bring China’s seafaring tales to a global audience. He shared this revelation at the Director’s Chair section of the First Golden Panda International Cultural Forum held in Chengdu, Sichuan Province.
The Classic of Mountains and Seas is a revered compilation that melds geography with tales of mythical creatures. Meanwhile, Romance of the Flowers in the Mirror is a fantastical journey of a character sailing across vast waters, penned by Li Ruzhen in the Qing Dynasty era.
Wuershan, already known for his recent hit film “Creation of The Gods I: Kingdom of Storms,” which grossed over 2.6 billion yuan, expressed his admiration for traditional Chinese culture and its vast array of stories and art forms. The film’s depiction of the Shang Dynasty era was often compared to a Chinese version of the Marvel universe, taking inspiration from the celebrated Chinese novel Fengshen Yanyi.
Almost a decade ago, the director had envisioned expanding on the realm of gods from the Fengshen universe, highlighting characters like Ne Za, Yang Jian, and Lei Zhenzi. He envisions these tales not merely as mythological stories but as an avenue to emphasize China’s rich history and the role of mythology in its traditional arts.
After its domestic success, “Creation of The Gods I: Kingdom of Storms” was showcased in theaters across the globe, from Australia to North America. International audiences were captivated by the fresh interpretation of a story rooted in familial bonds and the growth of a young hero – themes universally understood and appreciated. A significant factor behind the film’s international acclaim was the amalgamation of talent from various countries, reflecting the true spirit of global collaboration.
Wuershan believes in the synergy of cultures and emphasizes that film as an art flourishes when multiple nations and cultures collaborate. Events such as the Golden Panda Awards and the International Cultural Forum play a pivotal role in fostering these collaborations, driving the world of filmmaking to new horizons of creativity.
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