China’s increasingly strict censorship regime has made it difficult for independent filmmakers to release their work domestically, but a new generation of young creators continues to pursue cinema with determination, often choosing personal storytelling over overt social criticism.
In the central Chinese city of Lingbao in Henan province, aspiring filmmakers are gathering for low-cost workshops conducted by independent director Nan Xin, who has become known for mentoring young talent outside the country’s state-backed film system. The workshops, which last around 10 days, bring together students from across China who spend long days writing scripts, filming and editing short projects under Nan’s rigorous supervision.
Nan, a self-taught filmmaker who left school at the age of 15, is known for his blunt criticism during classes. Students present their work late into the night, only to receive harsh feedback about weak storytelling, cliched dialogue or lack of emotional depth. Despite the tough approach, students continue to attend the sessions, viewing them as one of the few accessible spaces for creative filmmaking in China.
The director rose to prominence with his 2022 low-budget feature “Go Fishing”, set in his hometown. The film, which explored themes of friendship and generational disillusionment, was screened at several international film festivals and earned praise from critics for its realistic portrayal of ordinary life. However, the film was never officially released in China because it failed to receive the mandatory “dragon seal” approval issued by the China Film Administration.
According to reports, officials rejected the application on grounds that the film did not align with “core socialist values”. Without this approval, films cannot be legally screened in China. A law introduced in 2016 further tightened regulations by requiring filmmakers to obtain permission before submitting films to overseas festivals as well.
The situation has become increasingly difficult for independent cinema over the past decade, particularly after a crackdown on once-thriving independent film festivals and cultural spaces. Experts say the restrictions intensified significantly after Chinese President Xi Jinping came to power in 2012, with authorities becoming more wary of films exploring social inequality, political criticism or broader public issues.
Film scholars and directors believe this atmosphere has pushed many younger filmmakers away from socially critical storytelling and toward more personal themes such as relationships, family and emotional struggles. Many students attending Nan’s workshop said they were not overly concerned about censorship because they were more interested in intimate, character-driven stories rather than political commentary.
One student, 24-year-old engineering graduate Han Xizhu, said he wanted to create light-hearted films focusing on personal relationships, similar to romantic dramas, instead of addressing broader societal themes. Others admitted that censorship remains a concern, particularly for feature-length productions that attract greater official scrutiny.
Some students have already encountered restrictions in creative industries. Xu Shuai, another participant, left his job at a theatre in Beijing after becoming frustrated with reviewing and censoring stage performances. According to him, themes involving sex, suicide, criticism of the government and even references to Japan were often deemed unacceptable.
Xu now hopes to make films dealing with depression and mental health, despite uncertainty about whether such topics would be allowed by authorities. He believes cinema can help people facing emotional struggles feel less isolated.
Despite the tightening controls, filmmakers like Nan Xin continue encouraging young creators to focus on improving their craft rather than becoming paralysed by censorship fears. With smartphones and affordable filmmaking equipment now widely available, many believe independent cinema in China may continue to survive through smaller, personal projects even as official restrictions grow stronger.
