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| All Eyes on Dongji Island: Zhu Yilong, Ni Ni, Wu Lei Talk Underwater Action & Heroic Fishermen |
The 27th Shanghai International Film Festival officially kicked off at the grand Shanghai Grand Theater, and one of the biggest buzz moments on the red carpet came courtesy of the cast and crew behind Dongji Island — a summer blockbuster-to-be that’s got both star power and emotional punch.
Director Guan Hu, known for gritty yet heartfelt storytelling, took the stage alongside chief producer Liang Jing and the film’s lead actors Zhu Yilong, Wu Lei, Ni Ni, and Li Jiuxiao. The team rocked up in full force to promote the film, which is set for an 8 August release across China.
Speaking to media, director Guan Hu shared that Dongji Island isn’t just your standard summer action flick — it’s rooted in something deeper.
“Chinese people are not only kind, but also brave,” he said, noting the film’s goal is to celebrate everyday courage and kindness through the lens of a remote island community. “That’s what we want to show.”
Zhu Yilong, who plays one of the film’s key roles, teased some of the technical ambition behind the scenes.
“There are lots of scenes shot underwater, which was challenging but also incredibly exciting,” he said. “We also worked hard to authentically restore the environment and lifestyle of the islanders.”
Ni Ni, radiant as ever on the red carpet, spoke about the film’s physical demands and the powerful spirit of the characters they portray. “All of us had to go through fitness and physical training,” she shared. “The fishermen we’re portraying are resilient, brave, and full of spirit. That energy really drives the story.”
Rising star Wu Lei couldn’t hide his excitement either. “I’ve already seen a few clips — and let me tell you, the visual effects are next-level,” he grinned. “It really feels like a proper large-scale industrial production. I hope people will go and watch it in cinemas this August.”
Dongji Island is gearing up to be one of this year’s summer heavy-hitters — a sweeping, visually rich drama about ordinary people doing extraordinary things. With a powerhouse cast and a director who knows how to stir the soul, it’s definitely one to watch when it hits theatres on 8 August.