The global premiere of "The First One" kicks off in Jiading district, Shanghai, on April 16. [Photo/jiading.gov.cn]
In a historic moment for Chinese motorsport, the global premiere of the documentary "The First One", chronicling the journey of Zhou Guanyu, China's first Formula 1 (F1) driver, took place at the Shanghai Poly Grand Theatre in Jiading district, Shanghai on April 16.
The film is scheduled for official release on April 19, the first day of the 2024 F1 Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai. Zhou will continue to make waves in the F1 circuit, and the Shanghai native will get the chance to race in front of his home crowd at the Shanghai International Circuit.
"The First One" not only portrays Zhou's love, dedication, focus, and perseverance in realizing his racing dreams, telling the story of how an ordinary boy with a passion for racing became one of only 20 top professional race car drivers in the world, but also serves as an incredibly motivational work of art.
To this end, the event saw the launch of the "The First One" campus promotion plan, which will include film screenings for young people, "Me and F1" essay competitions, and the introduction of racing culture into schools, all aimed at inspiring the next generation of racers.
During the event, Zhou was presented with the title of "Ambassador of the Shanghai Auto Culture Festival" by local government officials. The 2024 Shanghai Auto Culture Festival will be held in Jiading district from April 19 to May 31, celebrating the return of the F1 Chinese Grand Prix and the 20th anniversary of its coming to Shanghai, as well as showcasing the distinctive allure of local car culture.
Before the premiere, Lu Fangzhou, Party secretary of Jiading district, and Zhou engaged in a face-to-face exchange. Lu offered his congratulations on the premiere of "The First One" in Jiading and wished Zhou good luck in the upcoming F1 Chinese Grand Prix, expressing excitement for his success and his role as an ambassador in promoting the Shanghai Auto Culture Festival. He also encouraged Zhou to continue striving to create new historical milestones in Chinese racing.
Lu Fangzhou(R) meets with Zhou Guanyu. [Photo/jiading.gov.cn]
The poster for "The First One". [Photo/jiading.gov.cn]