Filmed across three continents – Shandong in China, Houston, Texas in the US, and Sydney, Australia, Mao’s Last Dancer traces the real life, inspirational journey of Li Cunxin’s hard-won success.

Born into a life of utter poverty in a rural village in communist China, Li was selected to train in Madame Mao’s Beijing Dance Academy at the tender age of 11. From his gruelling apprenticeship as a classical dancer, to the pain of exile from his homeland and eventual rise to international fame as one of the best dancers in the world, the film captures Li’s relentless quest for self-expression and freedom.

Backed by a top-notch Australian filmmaking team comprising the Academy Award-winning team of producer Jane Scott and screenwriter Jan Sardi (Shine), and director Bruce Beresford (Driving Miss Daisy), the film also features top acting talents such as actress-director Joan Chen (Xiu Xiu: The Sent Down Girl), Wang Shuang Bao (Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress), Bruce Greenwood (I’m Not There; Star Trek) and Kyle MacLachlan (Blue Velvet; Twin Peaks). First-time actors Chi Cao, Guo Chengwu and Huang Wenbin deliver notable performances as the adult, teen and child Li Cunxin respectively. Birmingham Royal Ballet principal dancer Chi Cao in particular has received much praise for his convincing portrayal of Li’s journey through the latter’s blood, sweat and tears and emotional travails.

An audience winner at the Toronto International Film Festival, Mao’s Last Dancer was runner up for the People’s Choice Award. It was the biggest Australian film opening for 2009 and fifth biggest Australian film opening ever.

Find out what director Bruce Beresford and lead actor Chi Cao had to say about making the film when they were in town to promote the movie earlier this year.

Plus, read what author Li Cunxin had to say about the movie adaptation of his bestselling memoir in "Mao’s Star Dancer".