The first Chinese-made film was Dingjun Mountain.
The Genesis of Chinese Cinema
While moving pictures were introduced to China earlier, the true inception of a Chinese film production occurred with Dingjun Mountain. This groundbreaking film, a recording of the renowned Peking opera, was made in November 1905 in Beijing. It is widely recognized as the first movie produced by Chinese filmmakers, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's cinematic history.
Prior to the creation of Dingjun Mountain, foreign films had already made their way to China. The first recorded screening of a motion picture in China took place in Shanghai on August 11, 1896. This event featured a moving picture as an "act" within a variety show, introducing the new medium to the Chinese public. However, this screening consisted of imported content, differentiating it from Dingjun Mountain, which represented the first domestic cinematic effort.
Key Milestones in Early Chinese Film History
| Event | Date | Location | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Motion Picture Screening in China | August 11, 1896 | Shanghai | Introduction of moving pictures to China, featuring foreign content as part of a variety bill. |
| First Chinese-Made Film | November 1905 | Beijing | Production of Dingjun Mountain, a recording of a Peking opera, marking the beginning of independent Chinese filmmaking. |
Understanding this distinction highlights that while the technology of cinema arrived in China in the late 19th century, the creation of an indigenous film industry began with the production of Dingjun Mountain in the early 20th century.
