Exploring Transnational Film Distribution: The Impact of Chinese Films on the Malaysian Film Market

2025 marks the 51st anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia, their film cooperation can be traced back to the 1920s. The work of film distributors plays a crucial role in promoting exchanges between the two countries, but it is also the least theorised aspect of film study. This study aims to critically examine the transnational distribution of Chinese films in the Malaysian film market by analysing existing literature, market data, and policy contexts. It assesses the role and positioning of Chinese films and identifies theoretical frameworks that can guide future academic research on film distribution in developing countries. This study adopts a critical review approach, drawing on scholarly literature, industry reports, and box office data to assess the current state and challenges of Chinese film distribution in the Malaysian market. Overall, this study argues that with the expansion of China-Malaysia film cooperation and the continuous development of the film industries of the two countries, the role of film distributors becomes essential, a complete film industry chain is being built through the study of film distribution.