Recently, the Creative Journey of Literature and Film event took place at the Flower City Literary Institute in Guangzhou, organized by the Guangzhou Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China.
This gathering brought together prominent figures in the literary and film worlds, including Mai Jia, a winner of the Mo Yan Award; Zhang Chao, the general manager of iQIYI’s Lemu Studio; science fiction author Chen Qiufan; and young writer Wang William. They engaged in discussions about the new opportunities and challenges that arise from the fusion of literature and film, moderated by Liu Xinting, an associate professor at Sun Yat-sen University.
Mai Jia, known for his works like “Decoding,” which have been adapted for both film and television, expressed his gratitude for the broader audience that adaptations bring. “I’m fortunate that my novels can reach more people through film,” he stated. He reflected on his early writing days, admitting he never expected his novels would be turned into screen adaptations.
Wang William highlighted the significant impact that well-executed adaptations can have on the storytelling. “If done effectively, a film can amplify the core originality of our stories multiple times over. That’s undeniable,” he asserted.
However, Mai Jia cautioned against writing with an adaptation in mind. “When writing a novel, the goal should be to perfect your craft and ensure it’s unique and original,” he advised. “Your work should reflect your signature style—be it in language, character development, or values, there must be a distinctiveness.”
He also noted that directors and producers should approach novels like readers, but with a specialized focus. “Their recognition of a novel’s uniqueness is what drives adaptations,” he said.
Chen Qiufan echoed this viewpoint, particularly regarding science fiction adaptations. He urged artists not to write solely to meet the demands of adaptation or to chase trends.
Zhang Chao concluded the discussion by stating that literary creators should aim for the highest caliber in their work, leaving adaptations to film producers, screenwriters, and directors. He emphasized that each adaptation has its own destiny and that understanding the unique style and attributes of an author’s work is crucial for maintaining its inherent value and market potential.
