Donne manager nell’industria cinematografica contemporanea

This article investigates the role of women producers and distributors in the contemporary Chinese film industry focusing on some key figures currently bridging film activities in Mainland China, Hong Kong and abroad. After having gained international recognition during the late 80s and 90s, Chinese cinema more openly aimed at strengthening its position on the Asian market since the turn of the century. While Mainland China could provide strong financial resources, long term expertise in film production and marketing could better be found in Hong Kong. In the harshly competitive film industry of the former British colony, only few key figures have consolidated their power positions from the beginning of the Hong Kong New Wave in the late 70s up to today. Among them, producer Shi Nansun provides a significant example of a successful businesswoman. Her role as one of the co-founders of the Distribution Workshop together with her husband director Tsui Hark; her successful co-productions with Mainland companies and her ability to establish international networks have made her the ideal figure to convey the image of a healthy Chinese-language film industry. Her participation as a jury member at the Cannes International Film Festival in 2011 further highlights her professional achievements while confirming a solid grasp on marketing and communication strategies to further consolidate her position in the industry. Despite their global range of action, successful women in the Chinese film industry still conforms to the traditional set of values that have long connected private and public roles.