National political advisor Donnie Yen calls for quality films to promote Chinese culture globally

National political advisor Donnie Yen, who is also an internationally known action star, told China.org.cn that he hopes there will be more quality films to promote Chinese stories and culture around the world.

National political advisor and actor Donnie Yen speaks to reporters during the ongoing fourth session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in Beijing, March 9, 2026. [Photo by Hu Jun/China.org.cn]

"The continuous expansion of China's film market provides solid support and greater say for Chinese filmmakers going global," he said. "This opportunity has not come easily. I also hope to use my influence to convey Chinese values, Eastern aesthetics and philosophical wisdom through films, allowing the world to gain a more comprehensive understanding of Chinese culture."

Yen, a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), has been attending the ongoing fourth session of the top political advisory body in Beijing. 

The action megastar, 62, said as long as he can perform kung fu, he will keep trying and maintain a high standard. "My mindset now is that if I'm going to make a film, I have to be true to my artistic pursuits. If I take on a role that I've already done before or can't reach the same level as before, I feel like I'd be letting myself down — and letting the audience down. If people want to see me, I need to bring something new to every film and deliver high-quality products to the audience."

For example, he said the massively successful kung fu franchise "Ip Man 5" is in the works, but he is still waiting for ideas that are true to the legacy and story. He doesn't want to ruin the franchise for quick money or to please investors, he wants to be responsible for his own artistic portfolio and pursuit. 

Yen also revealed to China.org.cn that the much-anticipated "John Wick" spinoff movie, starring him as the blind assassin named Caine, is ready to start shooting very soon.

He regrets not having the availability to participate in the acclaimed "Blade of the Guardians," a martial arts epic currently showing in cinemas. He said he had been invited to the project but gave homage and congratulated fellow action star Wu Jing and his master and mentor Yuen Woo-ping on their contributions to Chinese martial arts films.

During the session, he continued to focus on two core issues he cares about most. The first is the cultivation and development of film talent to reserve new strength for the industry. The second is bringing Chinese stories to the world.

"I believe my mission is to use the film experience I've accumulated over the years — through the vast platform of cinema and the most influential and far-reaching medium — to promote Chinese culture," he said. Yen believes that Chinese martial arts films hold a unique advantage in the global action genre and embody the Eastern philosophy and values of Chinese culture.

Donnie Yen believes that the industry urgently needs to improve mechanisms for nurturing new talent and ensuring their development, and that the quality of storytelling also requires further enhancement. "At the end of the day, films need to tell a good story. The characters must move the audience and find that point of connection with them," he said.

He believes that while the vast amount of content on short video platforms may divert some audiences, high-quality cinematic creations will always hold irreplaceable value, because a two-hour story that touches the heart is something fragmented content can never match. He also stated that he does not fear AI, but rather sees it as a creative tool that inspires him to study and create more by making good use of technology.

As his fellow kung fu star Jackie Chan is still making films in his 70s, Yen said he isn't sure yet but would love to do the same. "I still remember when I worked with Jackie Chan, his favorite thing to do on set was sweep the floor and pick things up. I'm not joking, he really did that. He just loved that atmosphere. And I love that atmosphere too. I don't know — when I reach his age, though I'm not young myself — only then can I tell you whether I'll retire."