Ramifications of cultural exports for cultural dynamics: assimilation of McDull, a Hong Kong movie series relocated to China

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper discusses the cultural implications of the assimilation of Hong Kong movie production in the process of China–Hong Kong coproductions. Local Hong Kong cultural products tend to be stripped of their local characteristics to cater to the Chinese market when prosperous businesses become based in China. Moreover, distinctive cultural resources in the Hong Kong movie industry, such as techniques, professionals, and intellectual property (IP), are assimilated and coopted by China’s cultural industry to ensure the success of its future development. This assimilation may result in cultural conflict, which was indicated by the reaction of Hong Kong audiences to China’s embezzlement of their cultural products. This study analyzes three animated movies in the McDull series through focus group interviews with movie investors and audiences in Hong Kong and China. The findings show that assimilation driven by economic factors induces negative sentiment in Hong Kong audiences as they witness the assimilation of their nostalgic icons. Based on these findings, the ramifications of such assimilation for cultural dynamics are considered.