Research Article

Cultural Discount and Cultural Proximity:A Comparative Study of Cross-Cultural Communication Effects in Chineseand Foreign Films

Qing ChangZhongnan University of Economics and Law*

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

Given the development of globalisation, movies are now widely spread around the world, but many Chinese films still fail to achieve widespread recognition internationally. This paper investigates Chinese cinema to explore the impact of cultural distance and cultural proximity on the effectiveness of cross-cultural communication. Through theoretical analysis, comparative case studies, box-office data, cross-platform ratings on Douban and IMDb, and audience reception analysis, representative films from different cultural backgrounds have been selected for this study. Based on the above results, cultural distance will limit the dissemination of the work by affecting audiences' understanding and emotional connection. The two factors do not work independently but rather in conjunction; films that integrate local cultural elements with universal themes tend to be more popular globally. Therefore, this study has developed a dynamic interaction model of cultural distance and cultural proximity to add to the existing theory and verify the ameliorative effect of cultural proximity. It also offers some practical measures to strengthen the overseas content design and marketing of Chinese films.

Keywords: Cultural Discount; Cultural Proximity; Cross-Cultural Communication; Film Globalization; Chinese Cinema
Published: June 15, 2026
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/2026.34527
Volume: CHR Vol.111
pp. 140-147
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