The cinematic landscape of Inner Mongolia: Ethnicity, identity and representation

This article examines the cinema of China's Mongolian ethnic minority, tracing its development from 1942, when the first film focusing on this community was produced, to the present. It also analyzes the international circulation of these films and their role in representing China's ethnic diversity. Drawing on historical and bibliographic research, the study outlines the major stages in the evolution of Mongolian cinema within the broader Chinese film industry, including co-productions related to Inner Mongolia. It argues that, particularly during the Reform and Opening-up period, Mongolian-themed films achieved significant artistic and thematic development. These works portray the culture, traditions, and lived experiences of the Mongolian people while reflecting broader changes in Chinese cinema. The article contributes to scholarship on ethnic minority cinema in contemporary China.