He also cautioned against over-reliance on blockbuster success, citing Ne Zha 2 as an example. While the film has grossed $2.26 billion worldwide to rank among the highest-grossing films of all time, Zhu said such hits cannot represent the industry as a whole or resolve its structural challenges. Instead, he highlighted the importance of mid-tier productions — those earning between 100 million yuan ($14.65 million) and 500 million yuan — as the backbone of the market.

The report was released during the festival's Investment and Financing Forum, which focused on cross-industry collaboration and the development of the "film+" model. First proposed in 2019, the concept encourages integration between cinema and sectors such as tourism and catering, leveraging the appeal of film locations and featured cuisine to expand consumption.

Bian Jian, deputy editor-in-chief of Beijing Radio and Television Station, said that the industry is shifting from a box office-driven model toward a more diversified consumption ecosystem. He pointed to the rise of "film+technology," "film+cultural tourism", and "film+IP" as key drivers of future growth.