In September 2025, the Sino-Russian co-produced spy thriller Red Silk (红丝绸) premiered in Chinese cinemas. A major project of the "China-Russia Culture Year," the film had already been a hit with Russian audiences earlier in the year. It follows Chinese and Soviet agents in 1927 as they unite to protect a vital secret document aboard the Trans-Siberian Railway. More than an adventure, the film stands as a significant milestone in collaborative filmmaking between the two nations.
A Shared Creative Vision
The project began with a goal to create a story resonating with both Chinese and Russian viewers. Producer Vadim Birlkin, inspired by a 2019 visit to Hengdian World Studios (横店影视城), envisioned a film about "China and Russia safeguarding justice together" that was also commercially viable.
Director Andrey Volgin defined the movie as a suspenseful spy film set primarily on a train, using the confined space to heighten tension. The title, Red Silk, was chosen for its symbolism. For Russian audiences, red silk evokes China, while the color red signifies love and victory. The director saw the red silk as a narrative thread connecting the characters' fates.
Overcoming Technical Challenges
To achieve historical authenticity, the production team undertook ambitious technical work. Since real train doors were too narrow for cameras, the art department built custom train cars 1.5 meters wider. These cars were placed on air cushions to simulate motion, with massive LED screens creating dynamic outside landscapes. Director Volgin noted that such large-scale set construction and use of new technology were unprecedented in Russian filmmaking.
Enduring Extreme Conditions
The shoot was a test of endurance against harsh climates. The crew filmed in -40°C cold on the ice of Lake Baikal, then relocated to Hengdian studios in China to work in 42°C heat. Russian lead actor Milos Bikovic joked about his four costume layers becoming drenched with sweat. Chinese actress Zheng Hanyi (郑涵艺), who plays courier Wang Lin (王琳), recalled her initial nervousness at Lake Baikal being quickly replaced by a fight against the freezing cold.
Fostering Cross-Cultural Camaraderie
Despite the physical challenges, a warm and supportive atmosphere prevailed on set. Zheng Hanyi shared how the Russian team ensured she was warm and well-fed. She also took part in a traditional Russian film-opening ceremony where the cast and crew, holding hands, smashed a plate inscribed with the film's title.
The cultural exchange was mutual. The actors taught each other phrases in their respective languages. Bikovic, visiting China for the first time, found the experience fueled his curiosity about Chinese culture and its people. He praised the dedication of his Chinese co-star Huang Haonan, who continued filming after an injury without complaint.
A Lasting Cultural Impact
Red Silk has proven to be more than a movie. Its Russian release in February 2025 was a commercial success, earning over 690 million rubles. It has also sparked cultural interest; Zheng Hanyi shared a story of a Russian couple who used red silk as their wedding backdrop after seeing the film.
Producer Vadim Birlkin likened the co-production to "tasting an unknown fruit," initially uncertain but ultimately finding it "sweet and precious." The success paves the way for future collaborations, with a sequel tentatively titled Black Silk in preparation. The new story will shift from a train to a ship, with parts set in 1930s Shanghai.
The mission of Red Silk, as articulated by its creators, extends beyond entertainment. It aims to carry the weight of shared history and pass that memory to younger generations in both countries.
