China's first documentary filmed entirely in space to debut in September

"The process of making this space film is itself a creative practice combining thought, art and technology," said director Zhu. "A space film is only possible because of China's remarkable achievements in manned spaceflight. The CMG team worked closely with the aerospace team, and the filming process integrated the challenges of tackling space research projects, exploring cinematic creation and coordinating across the vast distance between Earth and space."

The film sets multiple records in imaging quality, resource allocation, scope of content and production scale, distributors said. 

Distributors also announced large-format versions of the film for IMAX and Cinity to provide a more immersive experience.

A still from "Shenzhou 13." [Photo courtesy of China Media Group]

IMAX stated in an announcement that space-themed films have always been well-suited to the IMAX format. The rare footage shot in outer space, combined with IMAX's immersive viewing environment, will allow audiences to experience an almost firsthand journey through space with breathtaking views rarely seen in person, the company said.

"IMAX will take audiences across the boundary between Earth and space, offering a more authentic perspective to touch the stars and the vastness of the cosmos," IMAX said in a statement.