"The opera performers have struggled and strived for generations to earn the respect and recognition. They deserve a film to tell their stories," says Hu.

The cast includes actress Ma Yili, actors Fu Dalong and Ma Jinghan.

Fu, who plays the devoted performer Yue, recalls that he insisted on living near the home of his opera teacher instead of staying in a luxury hotel with the other stars when the shoot was on.

Explaining why he did this, he says: "This was so I could practice the opera sequences every day with the teacher, who transformed me from a person who knew nothing about Peking Opera to a real performer. It was amazing."