By hannover-web.com On October 25, during an interview, Taiwanese producer and director Ruan Qianzhi expressed her deep admiration for the television series “Blossoms,” stating, “I’ve watched it three times; I absolutely love it.” This sentiment was shared by many at the 2024 13th Cross-Strait Television Arts Festival and the inaugural Cross-Strait Chinese Culture Summit Television Forum held in Beijing, where over 40 professionals from both sides of the Taiwan Strait gathered to discuss popular dramas and explore opportunities for audiovisual collaboration.
The forum highlighted various trending series from mainland China, such as “The Long Season,” “Blossoms,” and “Awakening Age,” which resonated with many Taiwanese attendees, who are avid fans of these shows. One notable series, “Blossoms,” which tells the story of a young man named A Bao growing from a regular youth into a business leader in 1990s Shanghai, sparked significant discussion and connection among viewers.
Taiwanese director Qiu Haozhou, a fan of “Blossoms,” mentioned, “It’s a truly outstanding work.” He shared that he has watched both the Mandarin and Shanghainese versions and has even read the original novel. He emphasized the relatable struggle of the characters during such a tumultuous period, believing that “Blossoms” is a piece that resonates with audiences on both sides of the Strait.
In addition to being drawn in by the exceptional mainland productions, many Taiwanese guests have played active roles in fostering cross-strait cultural exchanges. Director Lin Yuxian reminisced about his initial trip to the mainland over a decade ago to promote the film “Go! Crazy! Ashin.” He expressed his reservations back then about whether mainland audiences would appreciate the film. However, through direct engagement, he discovered that many viewers could connect with his intended message. He noted that work appealing to Taiwanese audiences could similarly resonate with those in the mainland.
“There’s a wealth of shared social experiences showcased in cross-strait films and television,” remarked Qiu Haozhou, reflecting on how these works foster better understanding between the two regions. He recounted how watching mainland dramas helped him learn about both similarities and differences, leading to more common ground with his friends on the mainland. “Once social connections begin, relationships are established, which is crucial for enhancing cross-strait exchanges,” he added.
According to mainland director Ma Chengcheng, there is significant complementary potential between the creative outputs of both regions. He noted that while mainland productions often feature grand narratives, Taiwanese works tend to focus on nuanced storytelling. “If we could merge these strengths, it would be an exceptional blend,” he suggested.
The forum was organized by the China Television Artists Association, the Taiwan Chinese Broadcasting and Television Program Production Industry Association, the Beijing Cross-Strait Civil Exchange Promotion Association, and the People’s Government of Xicheng District, Beijing, with the Beijing Radio and Television Station hosting the event.
