China is now one of the world's largest film markets as well as producers. But when it comes to Chinese films' international influence, one may draw a general conclusion that it pails in comparison with that of Bollywood, let alone Hollywood.

China's latest big-budget blockbuster, the Flowers of War, portrayed in the settings of the 1937 Nanking Massacre and directed by Zhang Yimou, failed to secure nomination of the Oscar Awards even though the film receives high ratings among Chinese movie-goers.

An Oscar trophy may not necessarily be a litmus test for Chinese film industry, but gaining a foothold in the international film industry will certainly be an injection in the Chinese cultural arm as it seeks to boost cultural competitiveness.

So what does it take for Chinese films to win internationally? And what overseas experiences can China borrow to help the industry grow?

Ni hao, you're listening to  People In the Know, bringing you insights into the headline news in China and around the world, I'm Zheng Chenguang in Beijing. In this edition of the program, we are taking a look at the Chinese film industry.

We talk to Sun Shaoyi, School of Film and TV Arts & Technology, Shanghai University and Richard Trombly, Independent Film Maker and Former Business Journalist.