Crossing, the Spotlight Film of the 16th BJIFF Opening Ceremony, Opens Nationwide Today
Crossing, the Spotlight Film of the 16th BJIFF Opening Ceremony, officially hits theaters nationwide today. As one of the major historical epic films of 2026, the film revisits the legendary Four Crossings of the Chishui River, a classic battle in the history of the Long March. Rooted in historical events, the film combines sweeping battlefield sequences with an intimate portrayal of human emotions. Following the bloody battles along the Xiangjiang River, the story unfolds around the Zunyi Conference, where Mao Zedong regained military command of the Red Army. Facing a massive encirclement by approximately 400,000 enemy troops, the Red Army maneuvered through Sichuan, Guizhou and Yunnan, crossing the Chishui River four times to break through the blockade. Told through the parallel perspectives of Red Army soldier Zhao Defa and orphan A Jin, the film recreates this legendary military turning point by showcasing the Red Army's extraordinary strategic brilliance and unwavering revolutionary faith.
Poster of Crossing at the 16th Beijing International Film Festival
The full casts and crews of Crossing appeared on the Opening Ceremony Red Carpet of the 16th Beijing International Film Festival. The appearance attracted extensive attention from media representatives and industry professionals. Leveraging the BJIFF's influential industry platform, the event introduced the film's historical epic vision to a wider audience of filmmakers and moviegoers in China and around the world, further raising anticipation for this major production inspired by the history of the Long March.
Casts and Crews of Crossing Appearing at the Opening Ceremony Red Carpet of the 16th BJIFF
The appearance of the casts and crews of Crossing at the BJIFF Opening Ceremony brought audiences closer to the extraordinary history of the Four Crossings of the Chishui River, highlighting the remarkable strategic ingenuity and unwavering determination that enabled the revolutionary forces to achieve victory despite overwhelming disadvantages. More than a film portraying a major chapter in modern Chinese revolutionary history, Crossing serves as a spiritual link connecting the battlefields of the past with contemporary life. Through cinematic storytelling, it allows today's audiences to engage in a profound dialogue across time and space with the revolutionary predecessors who shaped history. Featuring acclaimed actors from three generations and crafted according to contemporary industrial filmmaking standards, the film also expands the expressive possibilities of revolutionary historical cinema. It demonstrates the dedication and creative strength of a new generation of Chinese filmmakers in honoring history and telling compelling Chinese stories through modern cinematic language.
Casts and Crews of Crossing Appearing at the Film Presentation Session of the 16th BJIFF Opening Ceremony
Created as a commemorative film marking the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Red Army's Long March, Crossing presents a comprehensive recreation of the Four Crossings of the Chishui River, an iconic military campaign in the history of the Long March. To achieve historical authenticity, the creative team conducted extensive research into authoritative historical materials and invited military experts to provide guidance throughout the filmmaking process. From major elements such as the timeline of military operations and strategic deployment logic to finer details including insignia designs and the textures of soldiers' uniforms, every aspect was carefully researched and meticulously refined. Through this rigorous approach, the filmmakers sought to achieve a balance between historical fidelity and artistic storytelling. Crossing portrays not only a remarkable military triumph that reshaped the course of history, but also the profound spiritual journey of the Red Army as its soldiers endured extraordinary hardship and adversity.
Film Crossing Featured in the BJIFF's "Stay Tuned" Lineup
With its deeply immersive storytelling, Crossing brings audiences into a pivotal chapter of history, revealing the inner struggles and unwavering determination of revolutionary leaders, including Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai and Zhu De, as they searched for a way forward through times of uncertainty and hardship. The film portrays the young Red Army soldiers' struggles and choices amid extreme cold, hunger and sacrifice, while capturing how the revolutionary pioneers forged resilience through fear, found direction amid confusion, and achieved a breakthrough against overwhelming odds in the face of a vastly unequal balance of power.
A Still from Crossing
To portray the power of survival and breakthrough in the face of adversity with a heightened sense of realism, Andrew Lau, President of the 16th BJIFF Shorts Jury and Executive Producer of the film, led the creative team in visiting more than 30 revolutionary historical sites and established a creative approach centered on extensive location shooting. Director Xu Zhanxiong traveled 1,800 kilometers to survey the entire route of the Four Crossings of the Chishui River campaign, precisely aligning the filming schedule with the timeline of the historical battle. Military experts were involved throughout filmmaking to provide professional guidance, while tactical movements, costumes and props were meticulously recreated in accordance with historical records. During filming, the crew overcame numerous challenges in the cold, damp conditions of mountainous terrain. More than 2,000 local students voluntarily participated as extras, repeatedly marching along muddy mountain paths in straw sandals without hesitation. Lead actor Liu Ye lost 8.5 kg to better portray his role, delivering a powerful and emotionally charged performance in the extended solo scene depicting the Gouba Conference, where he vividly captured the character's anxiety and determination. The cast conducted extensive historical research to refine their performances, while young actors personally performed their own action sequences throughout the production. With deep respect for history, the entire team brought this legendary chapter to life with authenticity and a palpable human warmth.
A Still from Crossing
From meticulous historical research to location shooting, and from the dedication of the creative team to the cast's committed performances, Crossing faithfully recreates this magnificent revolutionary journey with craftsmanship and sincerity. The film is now officially screening nationwide, inviting audiences to return to cinemas and revisit this legendary military campaign on the big screen, while experiencing the enduring faith and strength of revolutionary pioneers who rose to extraordinary challenges in the face of adversity.
