East China's Zhejiang province produced over 100 films in 2017, with total box office earnings of more than 3.75 billion yuan ($572 million), making it a banner year in the region's film history.

Home to a complete industrial chain for film and television production, Zhejiang has about 3,000 film studios, 37 listed companies, three national industrial bases and over 30 shooting locations.

Notable films produced by Zhejiang-based companies in 2017 include Youth, The Chinese Widow and Legend of the Demon Cat. Topically and thematically distinct, these films presented a dynamic cultural environment in Zhejiang. Some went on to win prizes at international festivals.

Mama, a documentary by Jin Xingzheng from Wenzhou about an old woman caring for her ailing son, captured intimate moments of the woman's life. Jin paid frequent visits to his subject's home, a 16-hour trip for the director.

Produced by an associate professor at the China Academy of Art, Liu Jian, Have a Nice Day, won Best Animation Feature at the 54th Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival. Liu spent three years illustrating the more than 800 pieces required to animate his 80-minute film.

Zhejiang has a long history and profound culture. The dynamic market and support from government have helped the film industry gather momentum.

Have a Nice Day producer Yang Cheng left his job in Beijing and moved to Hangzhou in 2017. He said he could feel the deep cultural respect there and valued the community's recognition of films and young filmmakers. "Thanks to the support, we are able to make breakthroughs and innovations in film," Yang said.

The film sector has risen to an important position in Zhejiang's culture industry. In recent years, the province has organized a variety of events to support young filmmakers and encourage them into further production.

Liu Jian (right), associate professor at Hangzhou's China Academy of Art, accepts the prize for Best Animated Feature at the 54th Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival, awarded to his film Have a Nice Day. [Photo/caa.edu.cn]

A scene from Youth, a Zhejiang film production. [Photo/Mtime]