"A Tapestry of a Legendary Land," a new musical film adapted from a popular stage dance drama, showcases the poetic beauty of China's traditional culture, impressing audiences at its Beijing premiere on Sept. 19.

The cast and crew pose for a photo on stage, holding a replica of "A Panorama of Mountains and Rivers," at the premiere of "A Tapestry of a Legendary Land" at Peking University's Khoo Teck Puat Gymnasium in Beijing, Sept. 19, 2024. [Photo courtesy of China Film Group]

The film and its original stage drama, "The Poetic Dance: The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting," draw inspiration from a masterpiece by Wang Ximeng, an 18-year-old artist from the late Northern Song dynasty (960-1127).

The story follows a fictional cultural relics researcher from China's Palace Museum who travels back in time to observe Wang's creative process. It showcases Wang's journey in creating the vibrant silk scroll painting characterized by its blue and green colors, highlighting his struggles and the skilled artisans involved in making seals, silk, brushes, ink, and paints. The film builds upon the original painting's aesthetic with creative additions, such as featuring female dancers in traditional blue and green dresses.

The film's poetic beauty and choreography drew applause from experts, guests, faculty and students at the premiere held at Peking University's Khoo Teck Puat Gymnasium. After the screening on a temporary screen using advanced Cinity projection technology, dancers from both the stage drama and film performed additional dances and rituals as a curtain call. The live performance, seeming to bring the screen characters to life, elicited more cheers and applause.

Director Zhou Liya expressed excitement about the film's potential to reach a broader audience. "It's like we've taken the baton and are passing it on bit by bit, hoping that everyone can appreciate the beauty of our Chinese traditional culture," she said at the premiere.

Co-director Han Zhen, visibly moved, said, "Whether it's a dance drama or a film, we want to contribute to these historical legacies." She thanked the dancers and filmmakers for their efforts in producing a film without dialogue, adding, "This endeavor is driven by the charm of China's outstanding traditional culture."

Actor Zhang Han, who portrays Wang Ximeng in the film, said that before going on stage, he silently addressed his character: "Ximeng, do you see? So many people have come to see your work." Zhang expressed excitement about showcasing the stories of Wang, the artisans and the cultural heritage conservators.

"We feel immensely honored and hope to contribute our modest efforts to inspire more people to love and take an interest in Chinese traditional culture," Zhang said.

A poster for "A Tapestry of a Legendary Land." [Image courtesy of China Film Group]

To ensure authenticity, the film's producers invited several national-level experts on intangible cultural heritage as consultants. This approach aimed to accurately portray traditional Chinese heritage skills.

Fu Ruoqing, chairman of China Film Group and China Film Co. Ltd., said he was inspired to adapt the dance drama for the big screen after watching it two years ago. The film represents the realization of that vision.

"This film is made for 'A Panorama of Mountains and Rivers,' and even more for the inheritance of excellent traditional Chinese culture. Our purpose in making this film is to allow more Chinese people to appreciate the beauty of Chinese culture, while simultaneously defending, protecting and inheriting our culture, and extolling it to the world," Fu said.

Jing Xiaoyong, chairman of China Oriental Performing Arts Group, which provided the cast and crew, hopes the film will appeal to a broad audience, particularly young people. "We will be very happy and very willing to join hands with young people and the audience to work together to let our excellent traditional Chinese culture shine with the splendor of the new era," he said.

"A Tapestry of a Legendary Land" will be released in Chinese theaters during the upcoming National Day holiday.

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