Trinity CineAsia Secures European Rights to War Epic 'Dong Ji Island'

A New Chapter in War Cinema: "Dongji Rescue" Makes Its Way to Europe

Trinity CineAsia, a prominent European distributor, has secured exclusive rights to the war epic Dongji Rescue, a film inspired by a remarkable true story from World War II. The movie, which is set to debut across Europe, tells the tale of Chinese fishermen who rescued British prisoners of war (POWs) after a Japanese cargo ship was mistakenly torpedoed by an American submarine.

The film, co-directed by acclaimed filmmaker Guan Hu, known for his large-scale war epics such as Black Dog and The Eight Hundred, will be released in the UK and Ireland on August 22, 2025, with other European territories following from August 29. Domestically, it will open on August 8, with the UK premiere scheduled for August 15 at Odeon Leicester Square in London. This event coincides with the 80th anniversary of WWII VJ Day and will feature the cast, including Zhu Yilong, Ni Ni, William Franklyn-Miller, director Guan Hu, and executive producer Liang Jing.

The True Story Behind the Film

Dongji Rescue is based on the real-life events surrounding the Lisbon Maru, a Japanese cargo ship that transported approximately 1,800 British POWs from Hong Kong. In October 1942, the ship was mistakenly torpedoed by an American submarine, making it one of the deadliest maritime disasters involving British servicemen during the war. Despite the chaos, over 800 survivors managed to escape death thanks to the heroic efforts of Chinese fishermen from nearby Dongji Island.

This act of kindness and bravery became the foundation for the film, highlighting the spirit of humanity even in the darkest times of war. The movie brings this untold story to life, emphasizing the importance of remembering those who risked everything to save others.

A Star-Studded Cast and Production Team

The film features a mix of established and emerging talent. Zhu Yilong, known for his roles in Only the River Flows and Lost in the Stars, plays a central role alongside Wu Lei, famous for his performances in Shadow and Nirvana in Fire. Ni Ni, who has appeared in The Flowers of War and The Rise of Phoenixes, also stars in the film. Adding to the ensemble is rising British actor William Franklyn-Miller, making his debut in the film Neuromance.

Guan Hu’s direction is expected to bring a powerful narrative to the screen, combining historical accuracy with cinematic excellence. His previous works have been recognized internationally, including a prize at the Cannes Film Festival for Black Dog and significant box office success with The Eight Hundred, which grossed over $400 million globally.

Strategic Expansion for Trinity CineAsia

Cedric Behrel, Executive Director of Trinity CineAsia, expressed excitement about the film's release. “After our recent success releasing films in Europe, we found now was not the time to stop,” he said. He praised Guan Hu’s work and highlighted the company’s third collaboration with 7th Art Pictures, following their successful partnerships on Black Dog and The Eight Hundred.

Liang Jing, representing 7th Art Pictures, emphasized the significance of the film’s international release. “The UK and subsequent European release of Dongji Rescue is significant for the international distribution of the film,” he said. “We are delighted to collaborate with Trinity CineAsia to bring this touching story, buried in the dust of modern history, to global audiences.”

He added, “The descendants of British soldiers who survived that disaster know: we are still here, we still remember this story! Director Guan Hu has been brewing this story for years. Today, we have finally fulfilled his wish, letting the 'those in peril at sea must be saved' spirit of the Dongji Islanders live again.”

Expanding Horizons in the Film Industry

In addition to Dongji Rescue, Trinity CineAsia has also acquired the rights to other notable films, such as the Chinese record-breaking animation Ne Zha 2, which will be distributed across 37 territories in the UK and Europe. The company has also secured the rights to the Hong Kong action film Stuntman for the UK and Ireland.

These acquisitions underscore Trinity CineAsia’s growing influence in the European market and its commitment to bringing diverse and compelling stories to international audiences. As the film industry continues to evolve, the release of Dongji Rescue marks a significant milestone in bridging cultural narratives and honoring historical events through cinema.