A film event commemorating the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up is being held in Beijing.

The event aims to introduce a series of newly produced quality Chinese films to audiences and tell the inspirational stories of the Chinese people and how their lives were transformed over the past four decades. 

Among the films is "Dr. Huang Danian," which depicts the life of Chinese geophysicist Huang Danian, who devoted himself to scientific research. Moreover, Huang is remembered as a great scientist who devoted his life to the country's reform and opening-up.

The film's director Cheng Ke said: "Our film team were deeply impressed and moved by the spirit of Huang while making the film. I would say most of the people who learned about the work he did would be touched. So what we were trying to do was to put his story on the screen, to let more people know about this great scientist."

Huang was known for his expertise in deep earth exploration technology. He worked and studied in Britain for 18 years before returning to China in 2009.

Over the following years, he helped China advance in a number of technical fields, putting China at the forefront of deep earth exploration. The geophysicist died from illness in January this year at the age of 58.

Zhang Qiuge, who plays Huang Danian in the film, said: "It is really a great honor for me to play the role of Huang Danian. I remember the geophysicist once said that 'we are not working for money, we should devote ourselves when our country needs us.' That really touched me. So at this moment, I would like to say our scientists and our artists should learn from him, to help make a better China."

The film is produced by China's Changchun Film Studio. As witness and chronicler of China's reform and opening-up, the studio has made a great number of classic films over the past 40 years, leaving a lasting impression on the collective memory of Chinese citizens. 

(Cover: A poster for "Dr. Huang Danian." /Photo via Mtime.com)