Cooking a peaceful plotline

Mohamed Osama, the Egyptian talent producer in charge of casting the Egyptian actors, says China and Egypt, as two ancient civilizations, share many similarities. He hopes to play a role in strengthening those cultural ties and creating compelling stories that resonate with audiences worldwide.

The cultural exchange has also left its mark on Sherif. During his time in China, he has learned that herbs can be used as medicine — a common principle in traditional Chinese medicine — and that drinking warm water is widely regarded as part of a healthy lifestyle.

For a teenager whose connection to China once came mainly through his great-grandfather, the experience has given the country a new meaning.

"At first, China was simply the homeland of my great-grandfather. Now, it has become a place where I work, have friends, and where people know me. I love this country," says Sherif.

The movie has so far grossed 2 billion yuan ($298 million) at Chinese mainland box offices. It is set for overseas release, opening in Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia on Sept 11, Singapore on Sept 17, and in Japan on Sept 18. It will also be released in Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand, Laos, and the Philippines in October.