From Drama to Film, as a Genre Bridge and New Main Melody Narrator – A Discussion on the Creation Path of Up-and-Coming Director Rao Xiaozhi

Abstract As a representative of China’s up-and-coming directors, Rao Xiaozhi’s films are characterized by theatrical narratives, genre strategies, and a sense of “community.” He has found his career path within the development trends of the Chinese film industry, while also opening up new creative field. At the same time, he embodies the opportunities and responsibilities for the up-and-coming directors within the New Main Melody. This article focuses on Rao Xiaozhi’s creative path and cinematic texts, exploring the dramatic features, modernist imagery, genre fate, and the transformation of New Main Melody creation in his works, to discuss the relevance of his cinematic creations to contemporary times.