New documentary reveals rare panda footage at Beijing film festival

An upcoming documentary featuring rare footage of China's beloved giant pandas drew significant attention at the 15th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) through promotional events and advance screenings.

"The Adventures of the Panda" crew and a giant panda performer pose for a photo on the red carpet at the opening of the 15th Beijing International Film Festival, April 18, 2025. [Photo courtesy of the BJIFF Organizing Committee]

"The Adventures of the Panda," directed by Liang Bibo, is a film adaptation scheduled for June release. It builds upon a successful six-episode TV documentary series previously co-produced by Beijing Radio and Television Station and Sichuan Radio and Television, which followed the lives of six giant pandas.

The documentary traces the complete life cycle of giant pandas – from birth through development, wilderness training, release into the wild, international exchange programs and retirement – highlighting China's notable successes in panda conservation and breeding.

"The film will guide audiences to deeply understand the giant panda's extraordinary yet challenging life as a species and appreciate the meaningful emotional connection between humans and animals," said Yu Junsheng, president of Beijing Radio and Television Station and vice chairman and secretary-general of the BJIFF Organizing Committee.

Yu Junsheng, president of Beijing Radio & Television Station and secretary-general of the BJIFF Organizing Committee, speaks at the opening of the second Diplomat Filmfest in Beijing, April 25, 2025. [Photo courtesy of the BJIFF Organizing Committee]

He continued: "The TV show of the same name sparked a global panda craze, attracting widespread attention and a strong public reaction. We hope this panda adventure film in theaters will reignite audience enthusiasm. Viewers will experience three journeys: learning about panda reproduction, discovering the pandas' cultural significance and witnessing China's ecological conservation efforts in action."

The documentary presents groundbreaking footage that goes beyond the typical cuddly image of pandas, including the first public images of the 47th giant panda fossil found in Guizhou province, the complete birth process of twin pandas and rare footage of wild pandas raising their young.

These scenes prompt reflection on humanity's relationships with nature while emphasizing the ecological importance of pandas as an ancient species dating back 8 million years that now serve as China's natural ambassadors.

A poster for "The Adventures of the Panda." [Image courtesy of BRTV]

The film combines scientific documentation with human storytelling as it follows pandas' complete life cycle, offering viewers a deeper understanding of panda conservation efforts through a compelling narrative.