Short film -Inheritance– Let the world see the -new national trend-

The appreciation for intangible cultural heritage is gaining momentum in China and capturing global attention.

During the second edition of the “New Era · New Images” international joint creation project, a short film titled “Kung Fu in My HeART” was crafted to highlight the stories of young Gen Z individuals in Guangdong who are committed to preserving and promoting the unique crafts of Lingnan culture through international collaboration. This film has garnered considerable popularity abroad, especially during the National Day holiday, receiving praise from audiences around the world.

The film features a dynamic group of Chinese Gen Z youth who merge tradition with modernity, crafting innovative “new plays” that resonate with today’s viewers.

One standout is chef Chen Xiaodong, a post-2000s talent revitalizing traditional pastry arts with his innovative “Lion Dance Puff,” which has become a sensation online. Young painter Gao Yishan is experimenting with modern techniques to portray the Lion Dance, seeking to express a spectrum of emotions through each lion he depicts.

Folk artist Jiang Haiqi, an expert in Foshan paper-cutting, blends traditional crafts with contemporary aesthetics to showcase Eastern beauty on a global scale. Meanwhile, embroidered arts specialist Liang Xiaoman reinterprets century-old Guang embroidery techniques, creating a range of home decor and three-dimensional pieces, with the hope of inspiring young people to develop a passion for this art form.

The creative team behind “Kung Fu in My HeART” consists of young faculty members and graduate students from Beijing Normal University’s School of Arts and Communication. Over six months, they dedicated their efforts to listening to, documenting, and articulating the heartfelt concerns of contemporary cultural inheritors. Their mission was to reveal and compellingly present the authentic stories and ambitions of young people in China as they engage with their cultural heritage.

From a cultural perspective, youth discourse, and international expression, “Kung Fu in My HeART” addresses a significant theme for both China and the world: how to inspire Gen Z to appreciate, embrace, and advance outstanding traditional cultures.