Nanjing Massacre Drama titled 'Dead to Rights' Prepares for North American Premiere
"Dead to Rights," a moving Chinese wartime drama set during the Nanjing Massacre of 1937, is set to make its North American debut on August 15, 2025. This poignant film, directed by Shen Ao, follows A Xiang (played by Liu Haoran), a young postman who disguises himself as a photo studio worker to evade military persecution.
The film, originally titled Nanjing Zhao Xiang Guan, was released in mainland China on July 25, 2025. The studio, Jixiang Photo Studio, becomes a sanctuary where civilians shelter and secretly document Japanese atrocities while developing film for the occupiers. This photographic evidence becomes a crucial tool to preserve the historical truth amidst brutal violence.
Niu Vision Media and Echelon Studios have collaborated to bring this powerful film to North American audiences. This collaboration is part of their commitment to bringing auteur-driven Asian cinema to international markets. Sandro Gohoho, president of licensing and operations at Echelon Studios, has expressed his enthusiasm for "Dead to Rights," calling it a story that demands to be seen.
"Dead to Rights" emphasizes the human stories behind the atrocity, consciously avoiding graphic violence and focusing instead on fleeting moments of humanity during wartime. The film commemorates the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-1945). It has received widespread acclaim in China, achieving high box office revenue and strong ratings on platforms like Douban and ticketing sites.
Toronto-based Niu Vision Media specializes in the global distribution of Asian films, bringing titles to theaters across multiple countries through partnerships with major international theater chains. The streaming rollout for "Dead to Rights" is planned for later this year.
In "Dead to Rights," A Chang covertly shelters Chinese soldiers and civilians in a Japanese-controlled studio as an act of quiet resistance. The film is based on documented historical events and is produced by Gong Geer, known for "The Wandering Earth" franchise.
This film provides a poignant and humanizing lens on a painful chapter of Chinese history through the unique perspective of a photo studio caught in the conflict. "Dead to Rights" is the second collaboration between Niu Vision and Echelon, following their work on the Chinese thriller "Malice." Echelon Studios acquires and distributes features to various platforms, including VOD, FAST streaming, pay-per-view services, home entertainment, hotel lodging, airline, and ancillary markets.
"Dead to Rights" is a must-see for those interested in historical dramas and moving stories of resilience in the face of adversity. With its release on August 15, 2025, audiences in the U.S. and Canada will have the opportunity to experience this powerful film.
References: 1. Niu Vision Media 2. Echelon Studios 3. Dead to Rights on Douban 4. Dead to Rights on Maoyan 5. Dead to Rights on IMDb
This August 15, 2025, 'Dead to Rights' will debut in North America, marking its entry into the movies-and-tv scene of the region. Niu Vision Media and Echelon Studios have collaborated to bring this powerful entertainment to international audiences, including North America, as part of their commitment to bringing auteur-driven Asian cinema to global markets.
