Innovation Through Convergence

This interdisciplinary book provides an overview of the global film landscape, focusing on developments from 2023 and early 2024.

Bringing together leading scholars, industry analysts and practitioners, it explores the economic, artistic and technological forces shaping contemporary cinema in North America, Europe and East Asia. Key topics include the commercial and cultural influence of Hollywood; the growing global presence of Chinese cinema; the transformative impact of streaming platforms and artificial intelligence on film production and distribution; and the evolving roles of film festivals and cinema networks. The volume also uses UNESCO Cities of Film as case studies to examine innovation, institutional support and urban cultural development. With detailed analyses of box office trends, market strategies, sustainability initiatives and industry practices — including new approaches to production and distribution — it offers readers both quantitative insights and qualitative perspectives. Through its wide-ranging coverage, the book illuminates the convergence of technology, artistic creativity and commercial imperatives that drive the contemporary film industry.

The book will serve as an invaluable resource for film scholars, students, policymakers and industry professionals seeking to understand global cinema and its emerging trends.

Qiao Li is Associate Professor in Film at Edinburgh Napier University, UK, specialising in Chinese-language cinema, national and cultural identity, global film industries and media convergence. He edited the UNESCO Cities of Film Network research book, curated film festivals and received international awards as a digital filmmaker.

Yanqiu Guan is Associate Professor at Qingdao Film Academy, China. Her research and publications focus on film production and entertainment law, including landmark research on film industry promotion law.

Mengyu Jin is Vice President of Qingdao Film Academy and Professor at Communication University of China, supervising doctoral students. He specialises in and has published extensively on journalism, new media, public communication and brand communication.