From Russia with love

Noting that China has a yearly output of around 1,000 feature-length films, while Russia's number is estimated at around 200, Bagirov says he wishes to see more collaboration between the two nations. "Russia has many beautiful landscapes that would make excellent film sets. We hope more Chinese filmmakers will come to shoot here."

Director Korotaev also highlights the major strides made by the Chinese film industry — an impression formed during his three trips to China — with the earlier two visits to Chongqing and East China's Zhejiang province.

"Cinema is a major driver of cultural promotion in the global entertainment market. I believe stories that resonate with a Russian audience can also touch audiences in China. The most successful movies share a key similarity: they focus on individual fates and introspection, carrying a universal power that transcends borders," says Korotaev.