Xin Zhilei poses with the trophy after winning the Best Actress award at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival in Venice, Italy, Sept 6, 2025. (Photo: Xinhua)
Chinese actress Xin Zhilei has won the Best Actress award at the Venice International Film Festival for her role in The Sun Rises on Us All, directed by Cai Shangjun.
The 39-year-old portrays a woman trying to reconcile with her former lover, who was imprisoned for a crime she committed.
Stills from The Sun Rises on Us All
In her acceptance speech, Xin reflected on her long-held dream of international recognition, once dismissed by others. "To all the girls out there, if you have a dream, dare to imagine it and go after it — you never know, it might just come true," she said.
Born in 1986 in Heilongjiang Province, Xin rose to wider recognition with her acclaimed performance in Wong Kar-wai's TV series Blossoms Shanghai (2023).
The film, produced by Guangzhou-based Qianlu Pictures, was shot across several cities in Guangdong Province, including Guangzhou, Shaoguan, and Dongguan.
According to Nanfang Daily, filming in Guangzhou took place at locations such as Wuyangcun, Dongshankou, Shisanhang, Taojin, and Xiaogang.
Guangzhou’s Dongshankou, an area filled with old villas and an artistic vibe. (Photo: Nanfang Plus)
In Shaoguan, the crew filmed at East Street, a century-old Qilou (arcade-style) commercial street, and at Shaoguan East Railway Station. In Dongguan, locations included the Shilong Bus Terminal, the Shilong pedestrian overpass, and other sites.
East Street, a century-old street now thriving as a commercial hub in Shaoguan. (Photo: Nanfang Plus)
According to the Guangdong Film Administration, The Sun Rises on Us All is the first Guangdong-produced film to win an award in the main competition of Europe's three major film festivals.
In May this year, Guangdong introduced 15 new measures to support the film industry, offering financial backing for film production, talent development, and technological innovation.
Reporter | Chen Siyuan
Editor | Hu Nan, James Campion, Shen He
