Industry insiders recently gathered at the China Science Fiction Convention (CSFC) in Beijing on April 28 to discuss ways to create quality Chinese sci-fi films and TV series. During the event, the development of an online series adapted from Wang Jinkang's "The Magic of Gold" was also announced.

A panel of experts gathers to explore Chinese sci-fi filmmaking at a forum held during the China Science Fiction Convention (CSFC) in Beijing, April 28, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Beijing Yuanyu Science Fiction and Future Technology Research Institute]

"Years ago, I thought the biggest gap between Chinese and Western sci-fi films and TV series was visual effects," said Liu Cixin, China's most renowned sci-fi writer. "But now we have discovered that is no longer the major problem. We still lack core content, which includes original works and creative ideas. This is the very foundation of a sci-fi film project."

He congratulated Wang Jinkang on the adaptation of his classic work "The Magic of Gold" into an online series, calling it "a very good original story."

"The Magic of Gold" follows a physicist unexpectedly drawn into a bizarre cross-temporal gold heist, becoming entangled in a tale seemingly controlled by fate. The series breaks the concept of linear time and explores avant-garde themes and ideas in a wild science fiction setting.

Ye Fangcang, CEO of Quantum Entertainment and producer of "The Magic of Gold," believes that only those with a genuine love for sci-fi can do justice to films and series, injecting soul into the works. However, he noted that despite the abundance of excellent Chinese sci-fi stories, turning them into good scripts remains challenging due to China's insufficient industrialization and lack of talent, which requires time to cultivate.

Sci-fi writers Wang Jinkang, Liu Cixin, and Quantum Entertainment CEO Ye Fangcang announce an online series adapted from Wang's novel "The Magic of Gold" at a forum held during the China Science Fiction Convention (CSFC) in Beijing, April 28, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Beijing Yuanyu Science Fiction and Future Technology Research Institute]

Hong Kong director Derek Hui, executive producer for "The Magic of Gold" series, highlighted that Chinese elements, culture, and traditions set Chinese sci-fi apart from foreign works.

"Science, technology, and the imaginations based on them in China and other countries actually keep pace with each other, but I think what differentiates us is the unique Chinese philosophy of how we understand and reflect on human nature and the world, such as in the Taoist way," Hui said.

Wang Jinkang said that he usually does not interfere in the creative process of filmmakers. However, he believes that if they respect the original writers' opinions and keep the heart of the story, they can work together with the writers to gain a novel perspective while maintaining the core spirit of the novel.

Liu Cixin, who welcomed creative and bold adaptations, stated his belief that successful sci-fi adaptations usually differ significantly from the original work. He expressed his surprise at the phenomenal success of the film adaptations of his novella "The Wandering Earth," which he hailed as a milestone contribution by director Frant Gwo to China's sci-fi film genre and history.

Writer Liu Cixin poses with young winners of the Light-Year Award on stage at a forum held during the China Science Fiction Convention (CSFC) in Beijing, April 28, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Beijing Yuanyu Science Fiction and Future Technology Research Institute]

The Beijing forum also featured discussions on the development of popular science and science education in China. Prizes for the 12th Beijing Science Fiction Creation and Innovation Contest, the "Light-Year Award," were presented, and a book collection of the awarded works was launched. A dialogue between sci-fi writers and youth was also held, and a comprehensive report on various Chinese sci-fi awards and works throughout the years was released.

Dalton Grant Jr., an animation artist who has worked on projects such as Pixar's "Cars" and DreamWorks' "Shrek 2," has lived in China for six years and said he had witnessed the vigorous development of Chinese sci-fi culture. He stated that works like "The Wandering Earth" perfectly demonstrate the strength of the Chinese film industry and stimulate the audience's imagination about the future and their own lives.

"I believe that in the future, science fiction will continue to open more people's minds with its unique charm. In that process, there must be a resounding voice of the Chinese spirit and culture moving forward," Grant said.