Feng Xiaogang, one of most promising directors on the Chinese mainland, has turned to dramatic disaster movies in recent years. And his latest work "Back to 1942" is about to hit the market soon, joining a fearsome force of new blockbuster releases set for the end of this year.

Feng Xiaogang, the director of the film 'Back to 1942'

'Back to 1942' has just won two awards at Rome Film Festival. Now the director and cast are all back in China, touring the country and promoting their works which will hit the market this Thursday. According to Feng Xiaogang, the director of the film, the story is all about reflection of history and keeping the past tragedies unforgotten.

'Back to 1942' has just won two awards at Rome Film Festival. Now the director and cast are all back in China.

No applause for "Back to 1942"

18 years fermenting, 9 months in preparation, shot and made in one year. There was a lot of buzz ahead of the 210-million-yuan-epic "Back to 1942." Director Feng Xiaogang said on his weibo account that he would bet all the popularity gained from his past 12 films on "1942." However, as the premiere came to a close, there was scarcely any applause, as most audiences remained in shock and silent.

Feng Xiaogang, Director of "Back To 1942", said, "We have done many test screenings and sometimes audiences wouldn't leave after the film ended. They are deeply impressed and touched."

Just back from Rome, the film scooped the AIC Award for the Best Cinematography and Golden Butterfly Award. Feng said, "For most western audiences, they have only heard of the famine in China in the 1960s. So it is necessary to make this film to make up for the missed lesson."