Paola Cortellesi’s directorial debut There’s Still Tomorrow (C’è ancora domani) has achieved remarkable success in China, reflecting the acclaim it received in Italy and other international markets.
Released in Chinese cinemas on March 8, 2025—coinciding with International Women’s Day—the film quickly climbed to the fourth position in the Chinese box office. In just two days, it grossed approximately $2.4 million, with over 378,000 viewers attending more than 59,000 screenings.
This success is particularly notable as There’s Still Tomorrow is one of the very few non-Chinese films to break into China’s Top Ten, alongside Bong Joon-ho’s Mickey 17, which, although directed by a South Korean, is considered an American production.
Chinese audiences have warmly embraced the film. On Douban, China’s most influential film review platform, it holds an impressive score of 9.4 out of 10. This enthusiasm was also reflected at the Pingyao International Film Festival, where the movie won the People’s Choice Award.
To support the release, Cortellesi traveled to China to attend the Italian Film Festival in Shanghai and a special preview in Beijing, events attended by Italy’s Ambassador to China, Massimo Ambrosetti, and Federico Antonelli, Director of the Italian Cultural Institute.
The film’s message about women’s rights and gender equality strongly resonates with Chinese audiences, where discussions around these topics are becoming increasingly relevant. The story’s focus on a woman’s struggle against patriarchal oppression and her path toward self-empowerment has struck a powerful chord.
In conclusion, There’s Still Tomorrow is not only a triumph of Italian cinema but also a testament to the universal power of storytelling. Its impact in China highlights the global relevance of themes such as gender equality and the enduring fight for women’s rights.