On the afternoon of February 20, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School (Tsinghua SIGS) hosted the screening for the Sino-French co-produced documentary film “Kangxi & Louis XIV”, followed by an exchange session with creators. The event attracted over 300 faculty and students to attend.
Group photo at the screening event
As a special tribute to the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France, the documentary was jointly produced by Chinese and French teams with cross-border filming. The film unveils the little-known historical connection between two great monarchs, Kangxi and Louis XIV, showcasing over 300 years of Sino-French exchanges in science, trade, and cultural thought. With its superb quality and profound historical insights, the film was nominated for Best Documentary/Science and Educational Film at the 37th China Golden Rooster Awards, and received the Golden Angel Award for Best Documentary Film at the 20th Chinese American Film Festival.
Film still
The film’s planner Liu Wei shared the creative origins of the film. He mentioned that the idea was conceived in 2021, with filming starting in 2023 in both countries. The film made its global debut at the 10th France-China Film Festival in Paris in May 2024, receiving widespread praise from both Chinese and foreign audiences. “Kangxi and Louis XIV” has become a significant achievement in the Sino-French film industry’s effort to look back at history and strengthen cultural exchanges.
Exchange with creative team representatives (center: Chen Minghui, right: Liu Wei)
Chen Minghui, the film's editor in charge, discussed the challenges of collaboration between the Chinese and French teams, including dealing with time zone differences. The historical details presented in the film were double-checked by experts from both countries to ensure accuracy and authority. The film aimed to be meticulous and objective in its production, catering not only to Chinese audiences but also to French and global audiences.
Audience actively engaging in Q&A session
During the Q&A session, the audience engaged in a lively discussion about the historical context, creative concepts, and cultural significance of the film. Liu Wei explained that the film is divided into three chapters: science, trade, and cultural thought. This structure, inspired by traditional Chinese novels in chapters, aims to better illustrate the complex historical context.
Tao Yi, Director of the Student Affairs Office at Tsinghua SIGS, stated that the film not only showcases the convergence and mutual learning between Eastern and Western cultures but also conveys the spirit of cultural confidence and openness. He encouraged SIGSers should learn and embrace the valuable achievements of other civilizations with a broad perspective, while actively promoting the essence of Chinese culture.
Edited by Peng Bin & Huang Xiaojia
Reviewed by Nie Xiaomei
