Cinematography and social thought: the construction of Chinese identity and the role of individualism and collectivism in film

This article examines how Chinese cinema challenges the dominance of Western narrative structures, particularly Hollywood's individualistic model. While Western liberalism traditionally places the individual at the center of social and cinematic narratives, Chinese films often emphasize collective agency and interdependence. By exploring cinema as a cultural expression of different worldviews, this study contrasts Western and Chinese narrative structures.Drawing on anthropological and cultural studies perspectives, the article argues that cinematic narratives are not neutral but reflect broader geopolitical and ideological disputes. It highlights how the international film industry reinforces Hollywood’s normativity, marginalizing alternative storytelling models. Additionally, it examines the systemic barriers that non-Western cinema faces in achieving global recognition, where productions that do not align with dominant aesthetic and ideological standards often struggle for visibility.Ultimately, this study calls for the recognition of diverse cinematic traditions as legitimate expressions of cultural and social organization. It contributes to the broader discussion on nations’ rights to define their own cultural narratives and challenges the ongoing dominance of Western epistemological frameworks in global media.