Distributors of the Russian anti-fascist war drama "Blood Type" recently announced the film will be released on Sept. 5 in China to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in World War II and the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War.

Producers and distributors of "Blood Type" launch the film at a premiere event in Beijing, Aug. 30, 2025. [Photo courtesy of China Film Group]

Directed by Maksim Brius and starring Karina Andolenko and Petar Zekavica, the film is based on true events from November 1943. It tells the harrowing story of children imprisoned in a Nazi "orphanage" in Vyritsa in the Soviet Union's Leningrad region. Systematically starved, beaten and forced into labor, they were also used as blood donors for German soldiers, often being drained of blood to the point of death. Amid this darkness, a compassionate nurse and a group of brave youths resolved to fight back, secretly plotting a daring escape under the enemy's noses.

"I'm honored to be here today to present 'Blood Type' to you. The camaraderie forged between our two peoples during World War II remains a solid foundation for the mutual trust and friendly relations between our nations today," said Alexander Zharov, CEO of Gazprom-Media Holding and a producer of the film, at the premiere in Beijing on Aug. 30.

Zharov remarked on the unique historical significance of the year for both nations, noting that 80 years ago, China and the Soviet Union decisively contributed to the victory in World War II and achieved great triumphs in their respective struggles against fascism. The Soviet Union defeated the German invaders in the Great Patriotic War, while China defended its freedom against Japanese aggression. Both countries suffered immense losses, with the USSR losing approximately 27 million people — including 18 million civilians targeted by Nazi genocide — and China suffering as many as 35 million military and civilian casualties.

"The sacrifices endured by our two peoples must never be forgotten," he stated. "'Blood Type' was born to safeguard this memory, to prevent history from being diluted by time, and to ensure that the victims of war crimes do not fade silently into the passage of years."

Zharov added that although the film depicts an extremely tragic chapter in Russian history, their more important mission is to convey universal core values and show care for every individual.

"We have 'three nos': We firmly say 'no' to the repetition of historical tragedies, 'no' to attacks against the legacy of our forebears and martyrs, and 'no' to the distortion and falsification of historical facts," he added. 

Under the framework of the China-Russia Years of Culture in 2024 and 2025, Zharov noted that the Chinese film "Dead to Rights," which depicts the 1937 Nanjing Massacre, will soon be released in Russia. He stated, "I believe that promoting such meaningful films and exchanges will bring the hearts of our two peoples even closer."