MOSCOW, May 5 (Xinhua) -- On the outskirts of Moscow, the set of the spy thriller "Black Silk" is more than a filming location -- it offers a glimpse into a growing cinematic partnership between China and Russia.
During a recent visit to the set, Russian Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova described such large-scale international cooperation as "unimaginable" a decade ago. She noted that the task now is to employ modern cinematic language to create emotional resonance for audiences in both countries.
The collaboration is underpinned by a strategic action plan signed in May 2025, in which film authorities from China and Russia were committed to a long-term roadmap for cooperation through 2030. The plan prioritizes joint productions and cross-border film exchanges to deepen cultural ties through cinema.
At the production site, actors from China, Russia, Serbia, Japan and Germany are preparing for their roles. Costumes from different eras and regions coexist, while scripts annotated in multiple languages reflect the multilingual nature of the set.
"Black Silk" follows the success of its predecessor, "Red Silk," a flagship project under the China-Russia Years of Culture framework. With a global box office of 1.8 million U.S. dollars, "Red Silk" became a successful Russian film overseas in 2025. The new production aims to build on that momentum with enhanced scale and quality.
Set in 1930s Shanghai, "Black Silk" unfolds against a backdrop of international intrigue, centering on a high-stakes search for a mysterious cargo.
While rich in action, the film also draws on historical narratives. Screenwriter Maria Nefedova said the creative team seeks to present history in a way that resonates with contemporary audiences. "Russia and China share a long history of good-neighborly relations. We have faced challenges together, and I hope the film reflects the mutual support between our peoples," she said.
To recreate scenes at sea, the production team constructed a large vessel mounted on a hydraulic platform, equipped with a water-discharge system to simulate waves and storms. The set allows for dynamic, immersive filming conditions.
Chinese actress Zheng Hanyi, who also appeared in "Red Silk," said the experience goes beyond filmmaking. "It is also a process of cultural exchange. You can feel the two cultures learning from each other," she said, expressing hope for more joint projects in the future.
Lyubimova said film plays an important role in cultural exchange. She expressed confidence that "Black Silk" will further advance cooperation between filmmakers of the two countries.
Production is ongoing, with the film slated for release in 2027. ■