I have no clue what films will win Best Picture in the next few years, but it’s safe to predict they won’t be about China’s repression of democracy.

Any movie with scenes referencing the Hong Kong protests or simply showing Chinese people upset with their government may get awards at Sundance, but it won’t become a commercially viable film.

China is a box office behemoth. They control more screens worldwide than any other entity. In 2016, they bought the Legendary Entertainment production company for $3.5 billion. As an actor, if you appear in a film with negative Chinese overtones, you’ll have a harder time being cast in a Legendary movie.

Chinese interests own or control more than 2,400 American businesses. One of them is AMC, America’s largest theater chain. Theaters make much of their profits off inflated drink and snack prices.

Query: Did the CCP invest in AMC to corner the market for buttered popcorn? Or is this another choke point to ensure the “Seven Years in Tibet” sequel isn’t in production?

China is taking advantage of America’s lax regulation system to buy up American business and exert soft power in a lopsided cultural exchange. The film industry is only half of it. The Red Dragon has also grabbed broadcast opportunities through the leasing or purchasing of radio stations across the country.

In the Washington, D.C., market, China gained broadcast control of WAGE radio in Northern Virginia. WAGE originally provided local news using a 5,000-watt signal AM station - barely strong enough to reach beyond the boundaries of rural Leesburg, Virginia.