Sun Hengqin, president of China Movie Metropolis, told China.org.cn that at the Moscow International Film Week (MIFW) he attended in-depth exchanges and would love for more communication and collaboration with Russian studios and filmmakers.
Sun Hengqin, president of China Movie Metropolis, speaks at a media event as part of the Moscow International Film Week (MIFW) in Moscow, Russia, Aug. 26, 2024. [Photo courtesy of China Movie Metropolis]
During his time in Moscow, Sun toured the Moscow Film Industry Moskino Cluster and its Moskino Production and Experience Park. This 1,000-hectare project, which is expected to be completed by 2030, impressed him with its existing sets, long-term planning and expansive but reasonable layouts. He believes it is bound to become a rare and outstanding international film studio.
As the top executive of China Movie Metropolis, Sun said he expects more exchanges in the future and will continue to pay attention to the construction of Moskino.
He told China.org.cn that he looks forward to building relationships with Russian colleagues that are mutually beneficial. "I always think that communicating with peers is a good thing, as we can inspire each other. In the coming years, we can learn from each other's advantages and then improve together."
Sun added, "in our Chinese delegation this time, there were several producers who work on Russian films; they often come to Russia. In Russian films, Chinese cities are rare, but I remember Qingdao appeared once. I hope in-depth film industry communication and people-to-people exchanges will become deeper and closer, and that our collaboration can be long-lasting and steady."
A photo captures the China Movie Metropolis Hills with a huge sign and studios in the background. [Photo courtesy of China Movie Metropolis]
During MIFW, Sun introduced his China Movie Metropolis, located in Qingdao, Shandong province, to international filmmakers. The Chinese film complex, one of the largest of its kind, spans 3.76 million square meters. Besides housing film studios, the complex also has a grand theater, a cluster of hotels and resorts, a yacht club, a hospital and an international school, etc.
China Movie Metropolis' core studios park occupies a total area of 1.7 million square meters and meets international standards. According to Sun, it is committed to providing comprehensive and advanced services to global film producers.
Since opening in April 2018, the studio complex, which features 40 state-of-the-art studios, an underwater stage, a post-production center, a film and TV virtualization production platform and backlots, has provided services for a number of films. It has earned high recognition within the industry and has been praised by some media outlets as "the cradle of Chinese sci-fi blockbusters." The complex has supported the production of domestic hits like "The Wandering Earth" series, "Moon Man" and the Russian-element-heavy "Wonder Family," as well as international blockbusters including "Pacific Rim: Uprising" and "The Great Wall."