WWII Drama 'Doolittle Raid' Hits Busan Market

A China-U.S. co-production titled "Operation Doolittle" is set to be presented at the Busan International Film Festival's Asian Contents & Film Market. This nine-part espionage drama delves into a fictional intelligence narrative surrounding the historical Doolittle Raid of 1942. It features an international cast including Edward Zhang, Casper Van Dien, and Jeff Fahey.

The series opens with an American intelligence officer downed over a Japanese-occupied island near China's coast, carrying vital bombing plans. A Chinese agent and a local doctor collaborate to retrieve these plans and ensure the Doolittle airmen can reach China. Characters communicate in English, Chinese, and Japanese, blending battlefield action with themes of conflicted allegiances and the perils of undercover work.

Initially released in China as "River Sunset" ("Chang He Luo Ri") earlier this year, the series was later re-edited into "Operation Doolittle" for international audiences. Zhao Jun penned the drama, with directing duties shared by Zhao Yilong and Shaun Piccinino. Han Sanping serves as executive producer. Cappu Films is handling worldwide sales, seeking distributors for the program.