Shakespeare’s plays amazingly retain their popularity after more than 400 years. But they’re far from being in first place when it comes to staying power. The Chinese opera “Through the Five Passes” was first performed in the 14th century! Now director Peng Fei gives his take on the classic in an Apple-produced 18-minute film celebrating the Chinese New Year. Born into a family of opera performers in Beijing, Peng celebrates a young performer’s determination to keep the tradition alive. In a making-of video (below), the director discusses the advantages of shooting with a smartphone.

The Making of “Through the Five Passes”

The editors of MobileMovieMaking have chosen “Through the Five Passes” as the Mobile Movie of the Week.