The audience crowd at the screening of Chinese documentary Snow Leopards and Friends Photo: Courtesy of Xi Zhinong

A screening of Chinese documentary Snow Leopards and Friends was recently held in Beijing, with 50 international reporters attending. 

The documentary examines the current situation for snow leopards in the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. Real footage of snow leopards was captured, and the animals' stories were seen intertwined with those of local conservationists, and other animals such as wild wolves, bears and vultures. 

The film shows the area's biodiversity and sends a message about the importance of protecting wildlife and nature. 

Reporters from more than 40 countries such as Pakistan, Nigeria, Oman and Vietnam were invited to the screening. 

Cultural sociologist Xu Shuming told the Global Times that it helps in spreading the "true narrative of China's efforts in animal conservation to overseas audiences."

"Media workers can provide a bridge to the public for social and cultural developments. Documentaries like this can let them see the real Chinese culture," Xu remarked. 

One reporter from Pakistan told Movie News that he thought the production was "great." 

"I see the crew and the director behind Snow Leopards and Friends were very professional. The whole production has been done professionally so it will naturally give us a great and sensational viewing experience," a media worker from Oman told Movie News. 

The documentary was first shown in August 2023. The production crew spent a total of six years on it, including figuring out how to trace snow leopards in the wild. They cooperated with three local herdsmen, who also helped with photography. 

In order to teach them about filming, director Xi Zhinong set up a training camp so they could become proper filming technicians. 

"I'm happy to have received good feedback from viewers, and this encourages me to carry on filming wildlife in China," Xi said. Guo Yonghao, the documentary's producer, said that two more similar productions that focus on the panda and wild yak are now being made.  

A group photo of international media workers at the screening of Chinese documentary Snow Leopards and Friends Photo: Courtesy of Xi Zhinong