On April 21, 2026, the documentary film Ma Dao Gong Cheng (translated as Horseback to Success) premiered at the 16th Beijing International Film Festival’s Science and Technology Unit, held at the China Science and Technology Museum in Beijing. The screening marked the film’s official debut in China’s capital, following a three-year production journey that spanned six countries across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas.
The film, directed by Mark Brownlow, centers on the coming-of-age story of an 8-year-old Mongolian girl named Zhula and her horse, “Letu,” as they prepare for and compete in the Naadam endurance race. This personal narrative is interwoven with broader ecological and cultural threads, tracing the lives of eight distinct horse breeds from around the globe to illustrate the deep bond between humans and horses, while too reflecting on the symbolic significance of the horse in Chinese zodiac culture.
Produced with technical expertise from former BBC Blue Planet II and Frozen Planet crew members, Ma Dao Gong Cheng was filmed in ultra-high definition using a specially developed 8K horse-back camera system. The documentary is presented in giant-screen format, designed to immerse audiences in the vast landscapes and intimate moments of equine life across continents.
The film’s narration is delivered by Chinese actor Yu Shi, who brings his equestrian background to the role, adding authenticity to the voiceover that guides viewers through the visual journey. His involvement underscores the production’s commitment to blending artistic expression with genuine horsemanship insight.
Following its premiere, the film is scheduled for a three-year touring exhibition, with plans to screen in over 80 science and technology museums nationwide. This extended outreach is supported by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, which serves as the film’s exclusive public welfare partner, contributing to its distribution and public engagement initiatives.
At the opening ceremony, Li Hongsen, director of the China Science and Technology Museum’s cinema management department, emphasized the event’s role in fostering dialogue between science, culture, and art. He expressed hope that such initiatives would continue to strengthen the ecosystem of scientific filmmaking in China and deliver high-quality scientific visual works to the public.
Li Xiangdong, deputy convenor of the China Media Group’s Film and Television Documentary Center, described Ma Dao Gong Cheng as a follow-up to the acclaimed Window to the Blue Star, reiterating the organization’s commitment to the “thought + art + technology” creative philosophy. He noted that the film represents both an innovative interpretation of zodiac culture and a new pathway for international cultural communication.
Tan Zhiyuan, executive director of corporate affairs at the Hong Kong Jockey Club, highlighted the dual significance of the project: as a vessel for preserving traditional heritage and as a tool for public welfare and cultural dissemination. He expressed the hope that the film would allow global audiences to appreciate the charm of horse culture and recognize China’s contribution to the shared understanding of zodiac traditions.
The film will remain on display at the China Science and Technology Museum’s IMAX theater through May 17, 2026, with tickets available via the museum’s official WeChat account. This extended run allows local and visiting audiences multiple opportunities to experience the documentary in its intended large-format presentation.
As part of the broader Science and Technology Unit at the Beijing International Film Festival, the screening of Ma Dao Gong Cheng aligns with the festival’s mission to explore the intersection of scientific innovation and artistic storytelling. The unit features a range of programs that examine how emerging technologies—such as ultra-high-resolution imaging and specialized filming apparatuses—can enhance documentary realism and emotional resonance.
The production’s leverage of custom-built 8K horse-back cameras represents a notable advancement in wildlife cinematography, enabling stable, high-resolution footage from dynamic, close-proximity perspectives that were previously difficult to achieve. This technological innovation not only supports the film’s visual ambition but also sets a precedent for future nature documentaries seeking to capture animal behavior with minimal disturbance.
By focusing on the universal themes of perseverance, companionship, and cultural identity through the lens of human-horse relationships, the film seeks to transcend regional boundaries while remaining rooted in specific cultural narratives. Its portrayal of the Naadam festival—a traditional Mongolian celebration of horsemanship, wrestling, and archery—offers international viewers a window into a living cultural practice that continues to thrive in Central Asia.
The decision to feature eight horses from diverse geographic regions reflects a deliberate effort to showcase biodiversity and the varied roles horses play in different ecosystems and societies. From the steppes of Mongolia to the ranches of the Americas, each animal’s story contributes to a mosaic of equine life that underscores adaptability, strength, and interconnectedness.
In addition to its cultural and scientific dimensions, the film carries a clear public welfare mandate. Through its partnership with the Hong Kong Jockey Club—a long-standing advocate for charitable causes in Hong Kong and beyond—the production aims to leverage its reach for educational outreach, particularly in underserved communities where access to science and nature programming may be limited.
As the film prepares for its nationwide museum tour, organizers emphasize that screenings will be accompanied by educational materials and, in some locations, moderated discussions involving scientists, filmmakers, and cultural experts. These supplementary elements are designed to deepen audience engagement and encourage reflection on the film’s themes beyond the viewing experience.
The timing of the film’s release coincides with growing global interest in the preservation of intangible cultural heritage, including traditional animal husbandry practices and indigenous knowledge systems. By presenting the horse not only as a biological subject but also as a cultural symbol, Ma Dao Gong Cheng contributes to conversations about how modernity can coexist with and learn from long-standing human-animal relationships.
Looking ahead, the film’s three-year exhibition schedule ensures sustained visibility across China’s science museum network, which collectively attracts tens of millions of visitors annually. This distribution model reflects a strategic effort to maximize public impact while maintaining the integrity of the film’s educational and artistic goals.
For audiences interested in following the film’s tour schedule or accessing behind-the-scenes content, updates are expected to be posted regularly on the official platforms of the China Science and Technology Museum and its partner organizations. These channels will serve as primary sources for screening locations, event dates, and related public programs.
As the documentary continues its journey from premiere to public exhibition, it stands as a testament to the power of collaborative filmmaking—bringing together international talent, technological innovation, and cultural insight to tell a story that is both locally grounded and globally resonant.
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