Horse Power held a special preview at London’s Science Museum on 19th March, attended by special guests and industry figures.
The film is a fascinating IMAX documentary celebrating humanity’s enduring relationship with horses. Narrated by Josh Brolin, Horse Power takes audiences on a journey across the globe. At its heart is the story of Julaa, an eight-year-old girl from Inner Mongolia, and her horse Tuulai, as they prepare for a gruelling endurance race. Their coming-of-age narrative forms the emotional backbone of a wider exploration of equine life across continents.
From there, the film expands into a richly woven global portrait: wild mustangs navigating the American West, a legendary Arabian stallion in Qatar pushing the limits of speed and endurance, a Dutch Warmblood training to become a mounted police horse in Amsterdam. British audiences were particularly interested in miniature guide horses Digby and Hazel, whose work supporting people with disabilities and mental health challenges highlights the evolving role of horses.
Filmed for IMAX and Giant Screen theatres across multiple countries over two years, Horse Power blends cutting-edge camera technology with traditional storytelling. In stunning 3D, the giant screen transforms the thunder of hooves, the intimacy of connection and the sheer presence of these animals into a visceral experience.
The brainchild of Sun Shuyun, creative director of Eos Films, Horse Power brings together an exceptional international team, with Emmy Award-winning natural history filmmaker Mark Brownlow at its helm, the man behind BBC’s Blue Planet II and Frozen Planet II. Twice Emmy Award-winning Composer Barnaby Taylor brings his cross-cultural talents to the score.
The production team worked in unique environments, from the plains of Inner Mongolia to the American West on the project, even developing special cameras in order to get unique shots of the horses.
At London’s Science Museum on the evening of 19th March, a special preview screening was organised, sponsored by The Hong Kong Jockey Club.
As well as screening the 45-minute-long film, the preview on 19th March also saw a VIP reception. Distinguished guests from UK horse circles attended, including horse lovers, polo players, and members of equestrian clubs. This included representatives from the Horse Trust, the UK’s oldest Horse Charity, and HPower Group, who organise major horse shows.
Following the reception, there were opening remarks from industry and cultural figures. In his opening remarks Li Liyan the Chinese Minister Counsellor for Cultural Affairs said, “In Chinese culture, the horse symbolises strength, resilience, loyalty and an enterprising spirit, while also embodying people’s aspirations for success and journeys afar.” Adding, “the horse has long been a shared symbol transcending geography and culture.”
Amanda Bond, Head of Equestrian Affairs at the Hong Kong Jockey Club, started her speech by saying Horse Power “could not be more fitting as we usher in the Year of the Horse.” She went on to say that the “enduring connection and partnership between humans and horses” shown in this film is what led the Hong Kong Jockey Club to support it.
Julian Bellamy the Managing Director of ITV Studios said Horse Power “stands as a testament to the creative collaboration and cultural ties between the UK and China that results in the creation of films like this.” Adding, “We hope that this project is just the beginning of many successful collaborations between ITV Studios and China.”
Finally, Lord Rupert De Mauley, Chairman of the Horse Trust, explained in his speech how horses have played an important role in the development of British society, from transportation and agricultural production to public services and the military. Thanks to their history, horses have become part of the national identity in British culture. He hoped Horse Power would further explain the importance of horse welfare and protection by participating in this event.
Following the screening, there was a unique panel discussion exploring the theme “Horses as a Bridge: Horses Across Cultures and Horse Power.” Perhaps the highlight of the night, there were also two of the films stars present at the screening – miniature horses Digby and Hazel to welcome guests to the Science Museum.
Speaking ahead of the event, director Rob Sullivan said he wanted to make this film because of his “love” of horses. Explaining: “We have two living with us at home and over the years I’ve come to appreciate their intelligence and sensitivity. I swear they have a sense of humour.”
He hoped audiences would take away from the film an understanding of “how special horses are”. Going on to say, “They’re such noble, beautiful, sensitive animals, and they still have a unique role to play in the modern world.
“I want audiences to enjoy a glimpse into different horse cultures around the world and take away a sense of how much the horse has shaped who we are.”
The work put in by director Rob Sullivan and the entire team was felt by the audience reactions. One audience member said it was a “surprising and very beautiful experience”. They felt the film was very appealing on an emotional level, “it is not only about horses, but also a reflection of the relationship between people, which brings a sense of empowerment”.
The preview in London follows the world premiere in China at the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, and a North American premiere at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History in the USA.
Horse Power is produced by Eos Films and Plimsoll Productions, and is commissioned by China Media Group, the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum and Pop Star Culture, with support from the Hong Kong Jockey Club, and American Wild Horse Conservation. The film is distributed worldwide by SK Films for IMAX and Giant Screen theatres and by ITV Studios for global television and streaming platforms.
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