​Sino-Russian film 'Red Silk' opens in Beijing, deepens cultural ties

The Beijing premiere of the Sino-Russian co-produced action thriller "Red Silk" took place on Sept. 4, with film industry leaders from both countries launching the movie's Chinese theatrical run.

The cast and crew of "Red Silk" and film executives pose for a group photo at the film's premiere in Beijing, Sept. 4, 2025. [Photo courtesy of China Film Group]

China Film Group Chairman Fu Ruoqing called "Red Silk" an "important testament" to China-Russia cultural exchange during his premiere speech. He expressed hope for continued collaboration with Russian film industry partners to strengthen bilateral cultural ties through cinema.

Svetlana Balanova, CEO of Russia's National Media Group, said "Red Silk" would serve as a model of exchange and mutual learning between China and Russia, laying the foundation for deeper cultural integration.

Attendees included China Media Group President Shen Haixiong and China Film Administration Deputy Director Mao Yu.

Directed by Andrey Volgin, the film stars Milos Bikovic, Gleb Kalyuzhny, Zheng Hanyi and Elena Podkaminskaya. It is part of the 2024-2025 China-Russia Years of Culture initiative.

Based on historical events, the film follows Chinese and Soviet operatives on a mission from Siberia to Moscow to transport top-secret documents. Set after the Kuomintang's 1927 anti-communist purge that killed tens of thousands, it depicts cooperation between Chinese and Soviet forces.

The cast and crew from both countries took the stage to interact with the audience at the premiere. General producer Vadim Byrkin said the film's creation represented "a cross-border spiritual bond between the Chinese and Russian teams," adding that their shared passion embodied "respect for each other and a cherishing of our friendship."

"Red Silk" previously achieved commercial success in Russia, premiering in Moscow on Feb. 18 before launching nationwide on Feb. 20 and grossing 690 million rubles ($8.6 million). The film's Sept. 6 Chinese release aims to introduce more Chinese audiences to Russian culture and strengthen bilateral ties.

The Beijing premiere followed the Sept. 1 opening of the 2025 Russian Film Festival, which runs through Sept. 12 in Beijing, Xining and Lanzhou, screening eight Russian films.

A Chinese poster for "Red Silk." [Photo courtesy of China Film Group]

Cultural and people-to-people exchanges between China and Russia have deepened since the countries established diplomatic relations 76 years ago. As a medium that transcends linguistic and cultural barriers, film has become an important bridge for enhancing mutual understanding and preserving shared historical memories between the two nations.

Film exchanges between China and Russia have yielded substantial results this year. The 2025 Chinese Film Festival was held in May across Moscow, Kazan and St. Petersburg, receiving an enthusiastic response from Russian audiences.

The Chinese release of "Red Silk" marks the latest outcome of cooperation between Chinese and Russian filmmakers. Industry professionals from both countries said they would use the opportunity to strengthen creative exchanges and deepen collaboration.