We want to assist China's soft power; we want to develop a vibrant young cinema in China. The average American has no understanding whatsoever of China. We'd like to create a young generation to tell their stories on a world stage. We can make history as well as make money.

In this quote, Robert Friedland, a prominent businessman and entrepreneur, speaks about the potential for China to enhance its soft power through the development of a vibrant young cinema. He emphasizes that the average American has little understanding of China, and he sees cinema as a tool to change that. Friedland envisions a generation of young Chinese filmmakers who can tell their stories on a global stage, offering a more nuanced and diverse perspective of Chinese culture and society, thus fostering better cross-cultural understanding.

Friedland’s statement highlights the growing importance of cultural influence in global politics. Soft power, a concept popularized by Joseph Nye, refers to the ability to shape the preferences of others through appeal and attraction, rather than coercion or military force. By investing in cinema, Friedland believes that China can improve its global image and foster a deeper understanding of its history, values, and people, both within China and internationally. This approach also seeks to create a space where the Chinese voice is represented in global storytelling.

The origin of this quote reflects Friedland’s interest in international relations and his entrepreneurial vision for both cultural development and economic gain. His desire to make history and make money suggests that he sees the entertainment industry not just as a tool for profit, but as a vehicle for change and cultural diplomacy. Friedland, through his ventures in mining and technology, has shown a keen interest in large-scale projects that have the potential to shape the global landscape, and this quote indicates his belief in cinema’s role in that process.

Ultimately, Friedland’s words speak to the dual potential of cinema as a means of promoting both cultural understanding and economic opportunity. By supporting the rise of a vibrant and innovative Chinese film industry, he aims to help shape a new generation of storytellers who can present their own country’s narrative to the world, creating a platform for global dialogue and cross-cultural exchange.