The two-episode English version of a documentary about Confucius made its debut during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to the UK. [Photo/China.com.cn]
A documentary film on Confucius, made jointly by Chinese and British companies, will launch its six-episode Chinese version at the end of 2016. It is the only Sino-foreign project on Confucius as well as the most expensive Chinese documentary film.
The large-scale documentary was co-produced by China Central Television, the British Lion Corporation, China International Television Corporation and Dazhong News Group of Shandong province. In October 22, during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to the UK, the two-episode English version made its debut in London.
The Chinese version is still undergoing post-production and will be launched at the end of next year. It is listed as one of the most major projects of 2016.
With an investment of 30 million yuan ($5 million), the documentary took more than two years of research, filming, interviewing and producing. The crew traveled throughout the United States, Britain and China's Shandong, Beijing, Hebei, Sichuan, Guangdong, Hunan, Hubei, Guizhou and Xinjiang. It introduced Confucius' life history, ideology and its far-reaching impact on future generations.
Staff members from China and the UK kept the idea of "harmonious but different", which was one of Confucius' well-known sayings, and finished the shooting and production of the English version through continuous communication, argument and cooperation.
Guo Weimin, deputy director of China's State Council Information Office, said the documentary kept both distinct Chinese character and broad international perspective. It would be a classic work worthy of long-term memory for Chinese and foreign audiences, and a new model for historical documentary co-production between China and other countries.
"The documentary is not only full of distinctive Chinese elements and rich Chinese style, but also reflects a broad international perspective and a rich world of expression," he said.
In a recent interview with Chinese media, Gan Chunsong, professor of the Philosophy Department at Peking University and one of the screenwriters, said Confucius was "the most familiar stranger" to many people in the world, even to a lot of Chinese.
“There are misunderstandings of Confucius' life story and thoughts in society. That's why we decided to shoot such a movie. We seek to present his life accurately and objectively," Gan said.
Deputy editor in chief of China Central Television Li Ting also told Chinese journalists that Confucius is the most emblematic cultural symbol of Chinese civilization. His thoughts have helped the world understand China; his wisdom has also crossed time and borders.
