''Horse Power'': A Zodiac Documentary Film Premieres at BJIFF

On April 21, 2025, as part of the Technology in Cinema section of the 15^th Beijing International Film Festival—hosted by the China Science and Technology Museum (CSTM)—the world’s first documentary film centered on the theme of Chinese zodiac animals, Horse Power, co-planned, co-produced and co-presented by the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum (SSTM), held a special screening at CSTM’s giant screen cinema, emerging as one of the most anticipated highlights of the festival.

The film was jointly produced by the SSTM in collaboration with institutions such as China Central Television (CCTV) and Xinjiang Juvenile Publishing House. It brought together an international top-tier production team led by Mark Brownlow, the executive producer of BBC’s Blue Planet II and Frozen Planet II, to film six of the world’s most iconic horse species across six countries on four continents. Centered on the heartwarming story of an eight-year-old Mongolian girl, Jula, and her racehorse Tulai, the documentary weaves together the life narratives of these six horse species. It not only showcases the speed, endurance, courage, loyalty, freedom, and spirituality of horses but also seamlessly integrates the Eastern philosophy of “harmony between humans and nature,” achieving an international expression of Chinese zodiac culture.

In the early planning stage, the SSTM proposed the core idea of “weaving traditional Chinese zodiac culture into a global ecological narrative,” aiming to create an international communication model that combines creativity, artistry, scientific rigor, and educational value. The film will not only be released in IMAX, 4D, and dome theater formats, but will also be accompanied by a comprehensive suite of educational resources, including themed lesson plans, science books, a concert series, NFTs, interactive exhibitions, short video campaigns, and science-themed board games. This initiative will provide China’s science museum network with a systematic “watch-learn-engage” educational experience.

The film is set for a global premiere on January 1, 2026.