Trailer of China's first 8K ultra-high-definition film shot in space, Shenzhou 13, is released on August 19, 2025. The film is set for a nationwide theatrical debut on September 5. Photo: CCTV

China's first 8K ultra-high-definition film shot in space, Shenzhou 13, released its trailer on Tuesday and is set for a nationwide theatrical debut on September 5. The documentary, filmed by taikonauts Zhai Zhigang, Wang Yaping, and Ye Guangfu during their six-month stay on the Chinese Space Station, captures their lives and work, offering audiences a journey infused with distinctive Chinese space aesthetics.

The film was shot inside the Chinese Space Station using innovative techniques, capturing unprecedented space visuals and intimate details of life in orbit.

Through the collaborative of the in-orbit taikonaut team and creative team on the ground, the movie, presented from Wang Yaping's perspective, delivers a blend of emotional depth, stunning visuals, and profound cosmic reflections, China Central Television reported on Tuesday.

As China's first space-filmed movie, the production used domestically developed 8K ultra-high-definition cameras. The China Media Group (CMG), working with aerospace research teams, employed specialized "8K, 50-frame, full-frame" high-format equipment, overcoming challenges such as rocket vibration tests, space environment testing, and in-station power and storage compatibility. 

In 2021, the filming equipment was delivered to the Chinese Space Station aboard the Tianzhou cargo spacecraft, according to the report.

"This film was only possible due to the remarkable achievements of China's manned space program. The CMG and aerospace teams worked closely together, tackling challenges like space research, cinematic innovation, and cross-atmosphere coordination," said director of the film Zhu Yiran.

Shenzhou 13 was showcased in March as the centerpiece of the China Film Pavilion at Hong Kong's Filmart, according to the Hollywood Reporter. 

The report said that the film follows the Shenzhou-13 mission from launch on October 16, 2021, to landing on April 16, 2022, chronicling the crew's daily tasks including space walks and maintenance onboard Tiangong space station, all shot by the taikonauts themselves.

"We redesigned every part of the camera system to withstand rocket launch vibrations, simplify astronaut operation, maintain handheld stability in zero gravity, allow fixed shooting from any angle, and enable charging in the station," explained Zhu, per the report. 

"We were granted permission to train the three astronauts over a month prior to launch. They were highly intelligent and quickly mastered the use of the equipment. To ensure the film's completion, backup astronauts and crews for subsequent missions also received training."

Recently, China Media Group (CMG) unveiled its film logo, adding it to the family of Chinese film opening credits. Shenzhou-13 is the first film led by CMG since the release of its logo, CCTV reported.



Global Times