Premiere Event
On September 29, the grand premiere of the large-scale epic stage art film "The Great Journey" was held in Beijing. The film is scheduled for nationwide release on October 16.
Produced by the Central News Documentary Film Studio (Group), "The Great Journey" is a film adaptation of the same-named stage art performance celebrating the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China in 2021. It is the first 4K panoramic sound large-scale epic movie in China that integrates music, dance, drama, and cinema into one.
Still from the film "The Great Journey"
The film uses a grand perspective and vivid narrative to reflect the glorious 100-year journey of the Communist Party of China, showcasing the great leap of the Chinese people under its leadership from standing up, becoming prosperous, to becoming strong. As a reinterpretation of a stage performance using modern filmmaking techniques, the film features both the majestic beauty of grand scenes and heartfelt details, silently immersing the audience in a "time tunnel" that resonates with the struggles and triumphs of the past century.
Yao Yonghui, chairman of the Central News Documentary Film Studio (Group), stated in his speech that from "The East is Red" to "Fight on, Sons and Daughters of China", and now with the release of "The Great Journey", it embodies the glorious mission of passing down the legacy of Central News Documentary Film, as well as a significant responsibility that cannot be ignored. "To create a grand film using modern cinematic techniques, we assembled a creative team of over 100 people centered around Central News Documentary Film. We invested 18 8K film cameras to complete all front-end shooting in just 15 days, and through relentless efforts in editing, post-production effects, and sound design teams, we fully restored the resounding and breathtaking visual and audio scenes of the performance."
Still from the film "The Great Journey"
"The film highlights two 'greats'—grand momentum and impressive scenes; embodies three 'feelings'—cinematic feel, spatial feel, and artistic feel; and achieves four 'integrations'—integration of large-screen video and stage performance, integration of live performance with audience reactions, integration of artistic performances with real footage, and integration of grand scenes with detailed shots. This presents a more three-dimensional, vivid, and multi-faceted audio-visual feast," said Yao Yonghui.
Bai Yimin, chairman of Huaxia Film Distribution Co., Ltd., remarked that "The Great Journey" successfully combines ideology, artistry, and visual appeal, achieving a remarkable artistic transformation from live performance to the film screen. "As the distributor of the film, Huaxia Film has invested significantly in its distribution and promotion. We hope that audiences not only feel the grand historical narrative but also encourage people from all walks of life to appreciate the artistic masterpiece and truly experience the arduous journey and glorious achievements of the past century, evoking deep affection for the Party and the nation, while inspiring more to partake in the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation."
Still from the film "The Great Journey"
"The memories of the performance staged at the Bird's Nest (National Stadium) remain vivid in my mind," said Chen Weiya, the chief director of the large-scale epic "The Great Journey," reflecting on the production. The live performance depicted the struggle of the Chinese people under the leadership of the Communist Party of China through drama, music, and dance, presenting a spirit of national unity and courageous progress. "Today, this magnificent dance work, now presented through the cinematic language, undoubtedly has a broader platform for dissemination. It is not only a crystallization of art but also a powerful testament to the steadfast beliefs and courage of new era artists on a new journey."
"The film emphasizes one word—'emotion', fully expressing the deep love that the masses have for the Party and the nation," introduced Hou Keming, the chief director of the large-scale epic stage art film "The Great Journey." "We strive to accurately grasp a clear historical narrative logic and focus on the dual narrative functions of historical imagery and music and dance, using innovative and precise cinematic language to reconstruct the stage performance, fully reflecting a sense of participation and modernity, allowing the epic to shine brilliantly on film."
Additionally, during the premiere, the Central News Documentary Film Studio (Group) donated a digital copy of "The Great Journey" to the history exhibition hall of the Communist Party of China, where the film will be screened long-term.