Creators and guests attend the premiere of the documentary "In the Footsteps of Marco Polo" in London, Britain, July 3, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Ying)
LONDON, July 4 (Xinhua) -- A documentary retracing the ancient journey of Marco Polo premiered here on Wednesday.
Titled "In the Footsteps of Marco Polo," the film was produced by One Tribe TV and stars Stanley Johnson and Max Johnson. The father and son duo followed Marco Polo's 13th-century route through China, starting from the land port on the China-Pakistan border, traversing the highlands of Inner Mongolia, and ending in Beijing.
Stanley Johnson, former British politician and father of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, told Xinhua that he initially began the journey with his friends in 1961 from Venice but stopped at the border between Afghanistan and China.
"We took this chance as a way to build bridges between East and West," said Stanley Johnson. "It's important nowadays because we are confronting global issues like climate change, and we have to work together."
Chinese Ambassador to Britain Zheng Zeguang said in his opening address that the movie is not only about pursuing dreams but also about China-Britain collaboration.
This movie will inspire more people in Britain to make similar travels, meet the people, learn the culture, and appreciate the landscapes and accomplishments in China, said Zheng, inviting the British people to visit China.
"It's exciting to follow the journey of Marco Polo, and as the son, I have to follow in my father's footsteps. It's a very beautiful moment for me," said Max Johnson, the youngest son of Stanley Johnson, who has lived and studied in China.
"A lot of people say things about China, but they haven't even been there. It's important to go to China and see it for yourself," Max Johnson said. ■
Max Johnson attends the premiere of the documentary "In the Footsteps of Marco Polo" in London, Britain, July 3, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Ying)
Stanley Johnson attends the premiere of the documentary "In the Footsteps of Marco Polo" in London, Britain, July 3, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Ying)
Stanley Johnson attends the premiere of the documentary "In the Footsteps of Marco Polo" in London, Britain, July 3, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Ying)
Chinese Ambassador to Britain Zheng Zeguang addresses the premiere of the documentary "In the Footsteps of Marco Polo" in London, Britain, July 3, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Ying)
Creators and guests attend the premiere of the documentary "In the Footsteps of Marco Polo" in London, Britain, July 3, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Ying)
Creators and guests attend the premiere of the documentary "In the Footsteps of Marco Polo" in London, Britain, July 3, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Ying)
