Martial arts, history movies most popular among overseas audiences

Viewers are seen at a theater in Yichang, Hubei province. [Photo by Liu Junfeng / Asianewsphoto]

About 30 percent of overseas filmgoers didn't watch a Chinese film in 2014, according to a report released by Beijing Normal University on Tuesday.

Fifty-three percent said they watched five or fewer Chinese films in the last year, according to the report, which surveyed around 1,600 people in 66 countries and regions.

Free TV channels and video websites are still major channels for overseas audiences to watch Chinese films, the report says.

Oceania had the highest percentage of people who saw a Chinese film, while North America had the lowest.

In 2014, Chinese cinemas took in 29.6 billion yuan ($4.78 billion) in box office revenue, ranking the second in the world after the United States. Chinese films made only 180 million yuan from overseas box office.

Movies about China's history and martial arts are the top draws for overseas audiences. The annual report was put together by the Center of Films, Television, and Dramas at Beijing Normal University to explore the international influence of Chinese films.

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