Recently, China has made global headlines with groundbreaking achievements. From DeepSeek's strides in artificial intelligence to Ne Zha 2's cultural success, the country is shaping the future in both technology and entertainment. What does the success of Ne Zha 2 reflect about China's growing cultural confidence and its ability to tell its own stories? And as Africa also boasts rich and diverse cultures, what can be done to transform local African stories into successful productions with universal appeal?