Swallowtail & Dragonfly – Coming Soon

Based on the remarkable true story of distinguished Chinese artist Lianxia ‘Ziyi’ Zhou, new period drama Swallowtail & Dragonfly charts the courageous woman’s journey from stardom, in the glamorous high society of 1930s Shanghai, to war and revolution, sustained by her gift for beautiful paintings and an epic love story spanning decades.

Swallowtail & Dragonfly is a powerful and beautiful film that celebrates art, culture and the indomitable spirit of a woman who carved out her own. Produced by Lianxi’s granddaughter Evelyn Xu (The Bay) and written and directed by Julia Jay Pierrepont III (Lost in the Pershing Point Hotel), the film features a stellar international cast including Vanessa Yao (Kung Fu), Vivian Dawson (Sorry I Love You), Russell Wong (The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, Romeo Must Die), Jim Lau (Big Trouble in Little China) and Cici Lau (Babylon).

Following its award-winning run on the festival circuit Swallowtail & Dragonfly is set to make its UK debut on digital on 14 September 2026, courtesy of Miracle Media.

We meet a young Ziyi in 1914 where her adventurous nature is stifled by a cruel stepmother and the patriarchal expectations of early 20th Century China. Her life changes when she is permitted to study under some of the nation’s most prominent painting masters – an honour previously only reserved for men. As her creative spirit soars, she begins to break down barriers and forges a path to become one the leading women in Shanghai’s dazzling art scene.

When she meets and falls in love with photographer Wanping Xu (Dawson), the talented couple take the city by storm, enjoying the riches of their lavish lifestyle as they join a circle of high-profile international creatives. But when World War II breaks out, a cruel twist of fate tears the soulmates apart, plunging Ziyi and their five children into dire straits that leaves them struggling to survive.

Filled with the hope that she will one day be reunited with her beloved Xu, Ziyi fights on, keeping her family and dreams alive in a nation ravaged by war and political struggles. legacy that continues to inspire generations.