Sirius 9 is an independent film studio focused on bringing to the world an insider's view of China’s development and its impact on the world. The relationship between China and the world is a source of fascination, curiosity, and sometimes even trepidation. Sirius 9's aims to source stories which do not fit the stereotypes about China that often hit international headlines. We tell these stories from fresh and hitherto unexplored angles. We want to inform, entertain and generate new conversations and reach new audiences. Our teams both inside and outside China are working on projects which aim to allow viewers to see China from unexplored angles. Sirius 9 often works with likeminded companies in other sectors to find new and exciting stories. We have worked with other pioneering companies that are prominent in the intersection between China and the world.

A Shared Future

Two films examine the state of human condition today. What unites us and what makes us different?

"As humanity faces existentialist challenges from inequality, global warming, and growing instability, to name but a few, the films explore the concept of a shared future and what that implies for each one of us.

Across Generations

This film speaks to the innate human trait for wanting to create a better future for our children and grandchildren.

Societies today are facing many challenges, from inequality, to environmental disaster, poverty, security to name a few.

Many people today feel that they are alone, yet, it is only through reaching out to others can we make a difference to the ills facing our societies today.

This film is a reminder that our shared humanity and our shared aspirations for our children, binds us together. That ultimately, we are all the same, and we all want a better future for our children and grandchildren. Yet, this can only happen once we identify that we have a “ shared” future.

Hearing our elders articulate what they desire for us on a universal level, in a direct and honest manner is a rare occurrence. It even catches the children and grandchildren of our interview subjects off guard as we see how they react to their wise, loving and hopeful messages.

Bound by Destiny

Continues the theme, that in order to tackle the problems of our times, we need to overcome our differences and see that we all have a shared future.

This short-filmed experiment demonstrates that whilst across the globe each person is unique, what we share is far greater than what divides us.

The film shows that we are all connected through our humanity. And that it is these connections that make us binds us to one another.

In a wider sense, this film highlights that we are also united by the problems we must tackle from poverty, to inequality to environmental damage…. and it is only by working together can we overcome these challenges.

For queries about the films please email: luca@sirius9.com.

NEW DAWN

As Myanmar makes history by electing its first civilian president Htin Kyaw, after 50 years of military rule, we examine a story that helped shape Myanmar's relationship with its neighbours and the world.

"New Dawn" is an unprecedented film that comes at a historic time in Myanmar’s history.

"New Dawn" charts the story of an unlikely comeback tale. These are the chronicles of Myanmar Wanbao, a Chinese mining company based in Myanmar's mineral rich Sagaing province, and the people of its local community. Together, they were caught in the political change facing the country. Pitted against each other by factors outside their control, they learned to move away from crisis to cooperation. This is their story.

Myanmar Wanbao was forced to stop construction in 2012 due to local opposition to the project. Another major Chinese project, the Miytsone dam had been halted in September 2010. And it seemed that the country’s new found democracy and voice would be used to push away its neighbouring country and its investment. Myanmar Wanbao and the people of Letpadaung found themselves in the eye of a geopolitical storm.

On 29th November 2012, the situation came to a head. The mine site had been barricaded for days by demonstrators and activists. Myanmar police tried to break the stranglehold and the violence that ensued caused an international outcry. The mine's future couldn't be more uncertain. It appeared doomed.

None other than Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was tasked with chairing an investigation commission that recommended that the mine should continue, given that it adheres to certain recommendations.

Yet, the company hard to learn the hard way, that a legal license from the government does not mean a “social license”, the approval of the people. This short film charts how the company learnt to listen to its commdunity, and both community and Wanbao come together to chart a new dawn together for themselves and for Myanmar.

This is ultimately a story of hope and the humbling power of dialogue based on mutual respect. With unparrelled access to both the community and to the Chinese company management, the film offers a glimpse of what happens when two conflicting groups come together for a better tomorrow in the difficult terrain that was Myanmar.

"New Dawn" broke new ground. We worked with Wanbao's risk management advisors, China-i (华誉公司) to provide a visual case study of how Chinese companies are adapting to the changing world around them and dealing with non-conventional risks in a methodical and institutional way.

For queries about the films please email: luca@sirius9.com.