The “Third Pole” film culture may dazzle the world with its unique and elegant artistic achievements

Abstract

Regarding the multi-cultural patterns in the world today, the most influential cultures are the European and the American cultures, which can be called the ‘‘two poles’’ of world culture. With its grand tradition developed over thousands of years, Chinese culture can be called the ‘‘Third Pole’’ for its unique characteristics, as well as its influence on and contributions to the world. The Chinese culture influences, conflicts with and learns from European, American and other cultures, thereby forming a varied cultural landscape. The Chinese culture has an independent, deep-rooted tradition and exhibits continuing vitality. Traditional Chinese culture survived centuries-long, unyielding struggles and trials and, at present, requires reform and innovation. Exploring the road to a renaissance is the essence of Chinese culture today. This ‘‘Third Pole’’, independent of the other two, is constantly absorbing the world’s advanced cultures and going its own way and has already begun to show signs of flourishing. The ideas and feelings that this culture carries forward are consistent with the core values of traditional Chinese culture, which is based on the pursuit of ‘‘harmony’’, reflecting a new cultural paradigm and style of humankind in the process of modern civilization. As the carrier and expression of culture, the worldwide film culture similarly reflects world cultural patterns. The medium of film was born in Europe, and European and American films have constituted the mainstream of world cinema. Although European and American films are characterized by different features and influences, they are intertwined, forming two ‘‘poles’’ of world film culture. If European film stands as one ‘‘pole’’ with its artistic ideas and cultural expression, then American film is another important ‘‘pole’’ with its mature industry and great influence. Outside the mainstream film culture led by Europe and America, Asian films (including those of India, Japan, South Korea, and Iran), as well as the films of South America and South Africa, although developed independently over the years,