"SHENZHOU 13", China's first space documentary filmed in 8K ultra-high-definition cameras by its astronauts has grossed over 50 million yuan (about 7 million U.S. dollars) at the box office, with a cumulative audience of over 1.3 million.
The film, also titled "Blue Planet Outside the Window," has recently achieved the highest ratings across major film-rating platforms among this year's Chinese documentaries.
Produced by China Media Group, the film chronicles the Shenzhou-13 mission, which featured China's first six-month manned space station stay and the first spacewalk by a Chinese female astronaut.
It shows breathtaking real-life footage and details of life in orbit, resonating widely with the audience.
"It helps us to have a more complete understanding of the astronauts. What struck me most was seeing the countless lights of cities on Earth from space -- I found that truly breathtaking," said an audience member in Beijing.
"When the lens focuses on the deep cosmos outside the capsule and our beautiful blue planet, I become fully aware of the glorious achievements of China's space program. This is not only a leap in technology but also the result of the silent dedication and collaborative efforts of countless individuals in the space industry," said Xu Jie, an audience member in Qindao, east China's Shandong Province.
According to a cinema satisfaction survey in China, "Blue Planet Outside the Window" ranks first in audience satisfaction among all documentary films released since 2018, and also tops charts in both viewing experience and popularity.
Besides, the film also has been warmly received overseas. It has been screened and featured in special events in over 35 countries and regions, including the United States, Italy, Hungary, and the United Arab Emirates.
Not only does the film showcase China's aerospace technological achievements, but it also connects with global audiences through the universal spirit of exploration and emotional resonance.
"It's an amazing piece of work, made in outer space as I understand, using the 8K camera. So the images are fantastic and they just blow your mind away," said Alexandre Mansourov, a professor at Johns Hopkins University.
"This film is fantastic -- I love it. It's rare to see such stunning space imagery. I think it's an incredible experience for everyone, especially for me," said Szabo, a Hungarian astronomer.
China's first space-shot film grosses over 50 mln yuan at box office
