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| Zanilia Zhao Shows True Friendship, Books 10 Screenings for Xin Zhilei’s New Movie |
Zanilia Zhao (Zhao Liying) just proved that sisterhood in showbiz isn’t just a PR phrase. The beloved actress went all out to support her close friend Xin Zhilei by booking an entire cinema hall for a private screening of Xin Zhilei’s latest film The Sun Rises on Us All (日挂中天) — the same movie that earned Xin the Best Actress award at the 82nd Venice Film Festival earlier this year.
Zhao Liying’s studio shared the wholesome gesture on Weibo on 4 November, posting the film’s official poster with the caption:
“Zhao Liying booked a private screening to support her big sister Xin Zhilei’s new film The Sun Rises on Us All.”
They even added, “November 7th, the start of winter, go see Meiyun,” referring to Xin’s character in the film.
Soon after, the topic “Zhao Liying booked 10 screenings to support Xin Zhilei” began trending on Weibo, racking up millions of views and comments praising Zhao Liying’s genuine friendship and low-key gesture of support.
From Onscreen Sisters to Real-Life Besties
The two actresses first met while filming The Unseen Sister (乔妍的心事) back in 2024.
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In the movie, Xin played the strong and mature older sister Qiao Lin, while Zhao Liying portrayed the bright and caring younger sister Qiao Yan.
Their chemistry onscreen was so natural that fans immediately fell in love with the sisterly duo — and it turns out that bond carried over into real life.
Both women are known for their straightforward, hardworking personalities, and Xin even revealed in an earlier interview that she accepted the role thanks to Zhao’s encouragement.
One moment that fans still talk about: during a rainy night shoot for The Unseen Sister, both actresses were drenched from head to toe, and Xin was seen rushing over to towel Zhao Liying’s hair dry after the director yelled “cut.”
That little moment says it all — genuine care, no cameras needed.
Xin Zhilei’s Big Win at Venice
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| Xin Zhilei’s Venice-Winning Film ‘The Sun Rises on Us All’ |
Despite not being a big-budget production, the film stunned critics worldwide.
Xin Zhilei’s deeply emotional performance as Meiyun earned her the Best Actress Award at the Venice Film Festival, making her only the third Chinese actress in history to win the honour — following the legendary Gong Li and Deanie Ip.
Zhao Liying’s Subtle Move Wins Netizens’ Hearts
When Xin Zhilei bagged the Venice award, Zhao Liying was reportedly one of the first to send her a message of congratulations:
“Big sister, I’m truly happy for you. Still feels like Qiao Yan talking to Qiao Lin.”
Now that The Sun Rises on Us All is officially hitting theatres, Zhao Liying’s decision to buy out ten full screenings is being praised by Chinese media as a “benchmark for genuine female solidarity” — a refreshing contrast to the so-called “plastic friendships” that often dominate celebrity circles.
Eagle-eyed fans also noticed that while The Sun Rises on Us All features Zhao Liying’s former husband Feng Shaofeng, her studio’s post only tagged Xin Zhilei — a smooth move that subtly shifted the focus away from gossip and kept the spotlight on women supporting women.
TL;DR
Zanilia Zhao didn’t just talk about sisterhood — she showed it. By privately booking cinemas to back Xin Zhilei’s film, the Unseen Sister duo just gave everyone a masterclass in genuine friendship and quiet strength.
Source: World Journal