SOFIA, Bulgaria – China’s groundbreaking space documentary “Blue Planet Outside the Window” (also known as “SHENZHOU XIII”) received its Bulgarian premiere on November 30, 2025, marking a significant moment in Sino-Bulgarian scientific collaboration. The historic screening, jointly organized by the Chinese Embassy in Bulgaria and the Space Research and Technology Institute of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, showcased extraordinary footage captured during China’s space missions.
The event, held at the prestigious headquarters of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, featured an immersive exhibition including large-scale models of the Chinese space station and the Long March 2F carrier rocket. Attendees also received curated collections of China-related literature, enhancing the cultural exchange dimension of the gathering.
Chinese Ambassador Dai Qingli highlighted the symbolic importance of the timing, noting that the screening commemorated the first anniversary of the “Talking with Taikonauts” event held at the same venue. Exactly one year prior, Bulgarian primary and secondary school students had engaged in a direct dialogue with the three Shenzhou-19 mission astronauts while they were in orbit.
The documentary itself provides an unprecedented glimpse into the six-month mission aboard China’s space station from October 2021 to April 2022, documenting both the professional responsibilities and daily routines of Chinese astronauts. Notably, it captures the historic first spacewalk conducted by a Chinese female astronaut, representing a milestone in space exploration.
In her written address to attendees, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences President Evelina Slavcheva praised the film as both “exciting” and intellectually stimulating, emphasizing its capacity to showcase remarkable achievements in space exploration. She specifically highlighted the documentary’s potential to inspire younger audiences to pursue careers in scientific exploration and innovation.
The screening generated enthusiastic responses from viewers, with Veronika Prezhdarova noting China’s demonstration of technological leadership through its space advancements, particularly appreciating the focus on female participation. Iliya Valov from Pazardzhik described the film as “extremely fascinating and very emotional,” reflecting the documentary’s powerful impact on space enthusiasts.