Sustainable Production and Making of Chinese Documentary Films: A Cross-Cultural Communication Perspective

Abstract

This study investigates the sustainable development of Chinese documentary films through a cross-cultural communication lens, highlighting how these films navigate global media environments while preserving cultural authenticity. The introduction outlines the increasing relevance of documentary filmmaking in shaping China's international image and cultural soft power. The second section examines cross-cultural communication strategies, such as narrative localization, audience-oriented framing, and symbolic mediation, which enable Chinese documentaries to resonate with diverse international viewers. The paper then explores the cultural characteristics embedded in Chinese documentaries, including collective memory, and social realism, which contribute to their unique cultural identity. Attention is given to the content quality of these productions, emphasizing thematic relevance, informational depth, and audiovisual innovation as critical factors influencing their global reception. In the fifth section, the study analyzes narrative techniques, such as voiceover styles, personal storytelling, and hybrid formats, that enhance the emotional and intellectual impact of Chinese documentaries across cultural boundaries. Finally, the paper discusses the sustainable production of Chinese documentaries, advocating for integrated support through institutional policies, international co-productions, talent development, and platform diversification. This comprehensive analysis offers theoretical and practical insights for enhancing the global reach and enduring viability of Chinese documentary filmmaking.