Apple Debuts Retro 2025 Chinese New Year Film Shot On iPhone 16 Pro

Video screenshot via Apple

Apple has ushered in the Chinese New Year with a nostalgic short film, I Made a Mixtape for You, the latest in its long-running Shot on iPhone campaign.

Directed by Michael Gracey of The Greatest Showman fame, the video revisits the 90s through the eyes of Wei, a young man reconnecting with his family’s past. Armed with the cinematic capabilities of the iPhone 16 Pro, Gracey brings a heartwarming tale of love and self-discovery to life.

The story follows Wei as he returns home for the New Year and stumbles upon a mixtape his parents created decades ago. As the music plays, Wei finds himself transported to a vivid, dreamlike version of a 1990s dance club. The experience not only immerses him in a bygone era but also reignites his belief in love. 

Gracey worked with Oscar-winning cinematographer Erik Messerschmidt and Hollywood choreographer Ashley Wallen to recreate the authentic energy of the 1990s. Using the iPhone 16 Pro’s advanced features, such as 4K video at 120 frames per second, the team captured intricate dance sequences and cinematic slow-motion shots.

This release marks the eighth installment in Apple’s annual Lunar New Year series.

Alongside the film, Apple has shared a behind-the-scenes featurette offering a glimpse into the effort behind this emotive and visually striking project.

At its core, I Made a Mixtape for You is a celebration of love, family, and cultural identity. Through its nostalgic aesthetic and relatable themes, the film resonates with audiences while demonstrating the cinematic potential of the iPhone 16 Pro. Apple continues to leverage its Shot on iPhone campaign to inspire creativity and highlight how its devices can bring meaningful stories to life.

[via AppleInsider and Campaign Brief Asia, video and cover image via Apple]