Red Silk Photo: VCG

Some members of the creative team behind the China-Russia co-production Red Silk shared their insights into the film at a screening event in Beijing on Thursday, during which many Chinese audiences said they were captivated by the action-packed thriller. 

Inspired by true historical events, Red Silk recounts the gripping tale of Chinese and Soviet revolutionaries who, in 1927, risked their lives to protect and deliver critical secret documents. Shot on locations ranging from the frozen surface of Lake Baikal to Hengdian World Studios in East China's Zhejiang Province, the film highlights the shared vision and collaborative artistry of the Chinese and Russian creative teams.

The adventure film, directed by Andrey Volgin and featuring Chinese and Russian actors, is set to be released in China on Saturday.

The film features smooth camera transitions and cuts, with fast-paced editing that delivers a strong visual impact. Interestingly, there are some lighthearted moments, such as Russians struggling to speak Chinese, which add humor and a playful contrast, a viewer surnamed Yang told the Global Times after the event.

Vadim Byrkin, general producer of the film, told the Global Times at the Beijing event that the film conveys a shared history between China and Russia, and its detective and thriller elements can easily resonate with audiences. 

Aleksei Rodionov, a Russian professor of Chinese studies at Saint Petersburg University, told the Global Times on Thursday that the film is a hit in Russia as it not only depicts historical events but also weaves in a romantic storyline.

"I saw the film when it premiered in Russia in February. The Chinese elements and narratives featured in the movie are quite appealing, and I hope Chinese audiences will enjoy them as well," said Rodionov. 

The people of China and Russia share a solid foundation of public support in the field of cultural exchange, and films serve as an important bridge in this regard, Sun Jiashan, a researcher at the Central Academy of Culture and Tourism Administration, told the Global Times. 

Shot across multiple locations in both countries, the film allows audiences not only to immerse themselves in its narrative but also to appreciate the unique landscapes and cultural features of China and Russia, said Sun.

Tatiana Urzhumtseva, director of the Russian Cultural Center in Beijing, told the Global Times that the film also serves as a reminder of the important historical events that shaped relations between Russia and China. 

After it premiered in Russia in February, the film attracted 1.47 million moviegoers to Russian cinemas. Currently, it is among the top 10 highest-grossing films in Russia for 2025 with a box office of 689 million rubles ($8.49 million), according to a report by the Russian media outlet Izvestia on August 29.

The film is one of the major projects within the framework of China-Russia Years of Culture in 2024 and 2025. The year 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Russia. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin told the Xinhua News Agency on Saturday, "We anticipate the release of many new Russian-Chinese films in the near future. Films that will promote sound moral principles and traditional spiritual and ethical values, while presenting truthful accounts of important historical events."

Zhang Hanhui, Chinese ambassador to Russia, said at the Moscow premier of the film that cooperation in film and television is an important part of cultural exchanges between China and Russia. The official release of Red Silk will help audiences in both countries remember history, carry forward traditional friendship, and strengthen bonds of goodwill across generations, according to a report by the embassy. 

The co-production was selected as the opening film for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Film and Television Week in August.