Left: Deng talks with then US President Jimmy Carter in the White House on Jan 29, 1979. Right: The poster for the documentary Mr. Deng Goes to Washington. [Photo/Xinhua]

It is uncommon for Chinese documentaries to focus on state leaders - one reason that director Fu Hongxing labels it "a historical thriller".

"Deng is a superhero and a big star who won for China the chances to develop in that complicated world," the director says.

"The film, with a different storytelling method, will offer new acoustic and visual enjoyment for audiences who have a stereotype view against documentaries."

Surprisingly, the trailer shows scenes of pro-Kuomintang protestors against Deng's visit at the time, as well as footage of the attempted assassination,

Fu is famed for his Zhou Enlai's Diplomatic Career in 1998. The documentary recording the former Chinese premier's skills and devotion to the country's international relations beat blockbusters to become that year's highest grossing movie on the Chinese mainland.

Nevertheless, Fu made only 50 million yuan ($8.14 million) in ticket sales then. He was reluctant to predict the box-office performance of his latest work.

Interviews are weaved into the film, and they include former US president Jimmy Carter and his national security adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski as well as other witnesses from both countries who participated in the visit.

"I was really cheered when President Carter told me that period of history was also appreciated by the American public," Fu says.

"He also expected the film to be eventually screened in America."

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