2015 Photo Contest, Contemporary Issues, 1st prize

Chollywood

Photographer

Giulio Di Sturco

16 June, 2011

A period street scene is shot at Hengdian World Studios. The studio is the largest in Asia, and features a replica of the Old Summer Palace—the Imperial Gardens, from the 18th and 19th centuries.

The Chinese film industry is booming, and China already forms Hollywood’s largest export market. The Chinese Ministry of Culture and rich local investors see the industry as an instrument of soft power. Films made in China can shape how the country is viewed abroad, as well as uphold traditional values at home. For its part, and in order to circumvent restrictions in China that permit the screening of only 34 foreign films annually, Hollywood has embarked on major co-productions with Chinese studios. In these films, additional characters may be introduced, and scenes tailored, to meet the tastes and censorship requirements of the Chinese market.

About the photographer

Giulio Di Sturco

He has over 15 years of experience working internationally as a professional photographer and currently works primarily throughout Asia and Africa. He has received two World Pre...

Technical information

Shutter Speed
1/30
Focal length
35.0 mm
F-Stop
11.0
ISO
400
Camera
Canon EOS 5D Mark II

This image is collected in