Atlantic Rhapsody

Atlantic Rhapsody (2026)



大西洋

7.8 2026 100 min —

Director: Zhong Kaifeng

Cast: Yin Fang, Roy Wang, Li Xueqin, Huang Miyi, Zhang Benyu

A supermarket worker named Ding Mao makes an unusual mistake: he cooks the store’s ornamental shark. Soon after, a strange voice begins speaking to him. Leaving a southern city behind, he ventures into the untamed landscapes of Northeast China in search of his missing father. Along the way, he reconstructs his father’s odd life through the clues scattered across an abandoned amusement park, a frozen zoo, and the very supermarket now selling shark meat. Guided by that mysterious voice, Ding Mao’s path collides with a quirky experimental musician, a blind fortune-teller who speaks with animals, a trainer whose legs were taken by a shark, and a female picture-book artist—each soul pulled into a strange, shared orbit.

More About This Film

Atlantic Rhapsody is a 2026 Chinese comedy fantasy film that marks the feature debut of director Zhong Kaifeng. The project originated from the director's own experimental music experiences and was inspired by news reports dating back to 2005. As a surreal journey, the narrative centers on Ding Mao, a supermarket clerk who begins hearing strange voices after an accidental incident, leading him into a bizarre and imaginative world.

The film has garnered significant attention in the international festival circuit, premiering in the main competition of the Golden Goblet Awards at the Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF). It was selected as one of twelve films for this prestigious showcase, highlighting its status as a notable contender in the genre of fantasy comedy. The movie explores themes of perception and reality through its protagonist's auditory hallucinations, blending mundane life with fantastical elements.

Set against the backdrop of contemporary China, Atlantic Rhapsody combines humorous storytelling with experimental cinematic techniques. The production leverages the unique voice of a first-time director to create a distinct visual and auditory experience, aiming to captivate audiences with its unconventional plot structure and whimsical tone.

  • The film is the feature-length directorial debut of Zhong Kaifeng.
  • It premiered in the main competition of the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival's Golden Goblet Awards.
  • The story draws inspiration from the director's personal background in experimental music.
  • Key plot elements were influenced by media coverage from 2005.
  • The protagonist, Ding Mao, works as a supermarket clerk before his surreal adventure begins.

Where to Watch

As a 2026 release, availability may vary by region and time since premiere.