From left to right: Actress Zhou Xun, producer Roy Conli and Lu Chuan at a promotional event in Beijing.[Photo provided to China Daily]

"It's rare to find films focusing on Chinese animals on the big screen," says Zhang Wei, president of Shanghai Oriental Pearl Media Co Ltd, which owns SMG Pictures.

"It will remind people to respect nature and life through the recording of growth of these rare species.

"High-quality films telling Chinese stories abroad are still few. Perhaps this is the start when more 'made in China' productions will take Chinese culture overseas."

Born in China will be translated into 16 languages for global audiences. It will play in North American theaters on April 22, 2017, when Earth Day is celebrated.

Contact the writer at wangkaihao@chinadaily.com.cn