"Never Give Up," a new film releasing in August, portrays the inspirational journey of parents who use love and wisdom to support their daughter's pursuit of ice hockey glory against all odds.

"Never Give Up" actors Pan Binlong, Hou Jiayin and Zuo Xiaoqing pose for a photo at the opening of the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival in Shanghai, June 14, 2025. [Photo courtesy of SIFF Organizing Committee]

Written and directed by Qi Xing, the film stars Pan Binlong as a father whose unbreakable perseverance drives a decade-long mission to cure his daughter's severe Achilles tendon contracture while nurturing her dream of playing ice hockey. With unyielding spirit, he helps her conquer physical and psychological barriers, proving extraordinary growth comes through relentless determination.

Pan sheds his comedic persona to portray a father who gives everything to champion his daughter, played by Hou Jiayin. "The father figure I play in this film is completely different from my previous roles," Pan said at a press event in Shanghai on June 15. "To give his daughter a better life, he challenges societal prejudices with wisdom and unyielding determination to overcome all obstacles. This father resembles the ordinary community elders I knew growing up — love was their greatest and most abundant resource."

Playing his wife is Zuo Xiaoqing, who takes on the role of a passionate mother who frequently clashes with him over their daughter's welfare. Their dynamic as unconventional Chinese parents delivers compelling on-screen chemistry.

Cast and crew of "Never Give Up" pose for a photo at a press event in Shanghai, June 15, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Huaxia Film]

Director Qi stated at the press event that "Never Give Up" uses ice hockey as its backdrop because the sport epitomizes strength and tenacity. Through its portrayal of an unsung heroic father, the film delivers an emotionally powerful story about familial love, relentless perseverance and chasing one's dreams.

At the Shanghai press conference, held on Father's Day, with the theme "tearing off old labels and redefining fatherly love," the cast and crew shared their own heartwarming family memories and stories about fathers.

"Never Give Up" will open in theaters nationwide on Aug. 8.