The Sino-Kazakh coproduction, Composer, a biographical film about Chinese composer Xian Xinghai, has begun filming in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, and is set to premiere on June 13, 2018. Photo provided to China Daily

"A sensational, memorable journey"

Shen's shooting plan was echoed by Kazakhstan's national Kazakhfilm JSC. The two governments, ready to sponsor more cultural exchanges and people-to-people communications, also voiced their support.

During Xi's visit, the movie, widely taken as an exemplification of film cooperation between China and Kazakhstan, became a pilot project of the inter-government co-production shooting agreement signed on Thursday.

"What we are doing is symbolic," said Kairbekov Bakhyt, president of Kazakhfilm JSC. "Film makers, directors and actors/actresses will get acquaintance and forge friendship in this process. I wish to see more exchanges as such going on between China and my country."

Composer, directed by China's Uygur director Sherzat Yahuf, stars famous Chinese actor Hu Jun and Berik Aitzhanov, a well-known Kazakh artist that has played President Nazarbayev for many times in his biographical film series.

It was the second work of Shinework Picture's co-production shooting plan with countries along the Belt and Road. The first movie, Kung-Fu Yoga, was a comedy co-produced with India and top the Chinese box office in February.

On Almaty's quiet Xian Xinghai Boulevard stands a monument marking the Chinese composer. Words engraved on it read: "Xian Xinghai has built a bridge of friendship between the two peoples with his music. May his name be remembered forever, and the China-Kazakhstan companionship be passed on from generation to generation."

"It is not accidental that the friendship of Xian and Bakhitzhan Baykadamov could attract President Xi and Nazarbayev," said Kazakh actor Aitzhanov.

"The two composers, with life-long commitment to and passion for music, are role models for later generations. Their friendship is also an outstanding example of our two peoples' exchanges," said Aitzhanov.

Wang Xiaoyan, also a producer of Composer, said that "Xian belongs to both China and Kazakhstan."

"His symphony pieces like Amangeldy, with distinctive Kazakh musical touch, have contributed to the country's cultural development in and after the war. Tears and sufferings may fade away, so do political disputes, but music will never," said Wang.