The popularity of the domestic animated film "Niu Lai" caused Cui Jingxuan, director of the simultaneously released film "Citywide Pursuit," to break down. He expressed on social media that he couldn't understand why his earnestly made film couldn't get screening slots, while a poorly made film like "Niu Lai" could. He decided not to think about it anymore and stopped making theatrical films.
Director Cui also stated that the movie "Niu Lai" is "like it tore off the last fig leaf of Chinese theatrical films. The creative bottom line that we creators have struggled to uphold suddenly appears so pale."
Director Cui Jingxuan's personal Weibo:
It's late at night, and I can't sleep.
As a director with dreams, I put my heart into writing every scene and pushed the actors hard during filming, all within a limited budget. Theatrical films are ultimately made for the audience. I know it's hard to please everyone, and I never dared to expect everyone to like it. What I fear most is that most viewers feel the ticket price wasn't worth it after watching.
The recently released "Niu Lai" saw its box office surge 1000-fold, competing with "Citywide Pursuit." I struggled internally, filled with helplessness. It seems like it tore off the last fig leaf of Chinese theatrical films. The creative bottom line that we creators have struggled to uphold suddenly appears so pale.
In contrast, my film "Citywide Pursuit" received decent feedback from viewers who saw it. I believed it was a work worthy of the audience, yet it couldn't secure screening slots or generate public discussion.
At this moment, I suddenly figured it out, let go, and gave up. I won't make theatrical films anymore. Perhaps the big screen is no longer meant for me as a director and screenwriter. I never expected to lose to "Niu Lai"!
To the audience, I don't betray their trust. I don't use gimmicky marketing to deceive ticket buyers, nor do I waste their time with poorly made products. For the work itself, I may compromise on pacing due to reality, but I won't castrate its core or abandon the values the story should uphold. For the industry, I respect the rules and don't blindly follow the profit-driven tactics of bad money driving out good. For myself, I want to feel at peace after finishing a project. Reality is harsh. No matter how noisy the outside world gets, when I look back on my work, I have a clear conscience and no reason to feel ashamed!
For me, cinema is a sacred temple of art in my heart.
My first theatrical film, "Citywide Pursuit," was completed with the entire team's utmost effort. We stayed true to our original creative intentions and gained recognition from some viewers, but we lost out in market competition.
Watching this disparity, I fell into self-doubt for countless days and nights.
I start to wonder: Is making movies seriously no longer meaningful?
This isn't complaining about the outcome; it's just the genuine helplessness of an ordinary creator. Facing industry realities with passionate creativity—this sense of defeat can only be understood by those who are part of it.
