At the Far East Film Festival (Feff) in Udine, Italy, Mitsuhiro Mihara’s Takano Tofu clinched the Golden Mulberry prize, the top honor at the festival’s audience awards.
Family drama Takano Tofu follows a father and daughter as they run a tofu shop in a small town, and stars Tatsuya Fuji and Kumiko Aso. The title also won the Purple Mulberry Award, chosen by users of Italian film fan platform MYmovies.
Feff hosted a parallel online component through the MYmovies One platform, where Takano Tofu came in as the second most-streamed film after Korean film Alienoid.
Taking second prize at the audience awards was another Japanese film, Confetti, directed by Naoya Futjita. The coming-of-age film follows Yuki (played by Matsufuji Shion), who takes on female roles for his father’s traveling theater troupe. Hong Kong film Time Still Turns the Pages by Nick Cheuk came in third.
The White...
Family drama Takano Tofu follows a father and daughter as they run a tofu shop in a small town, and stars Tatsuya Fuji and Kumiko Aso. The title also won the Purple Mulberry Award, chosen by users of Italian film fan platform MYmovies.
Feff hosted a parallel online component through the MYmovies One platform, where Takano Tofu came in as the second most-streamed film after Korean film Alienoid.
Taking second prize at the audience awards was another Japanese film, Confetti, directed by Naoya Futjita. The coming-of-age film follows Yuki (played by Matsufuji Shion), who takes on female roles for his father’s traveling theater troupe. Hong Kong film Time Still Turns the Pages by Nick Cheuk came in third.
The White...
- 5/3/2024
- by Sara Merican
- Deadline Film + TV
Mitsuhiro Mihara’s Takano Tofu won two awards including the top Golden Mulberry prize at the closing of Far East Film Festival (Feff) in Udine, Italy, where the honours were dominated by titles from Japan and South Korea.
The family drama centres on a father and daughter who run a tofu store, and stars Tatsuya Fuji and Kumiko Aso. It received its European premiere at Feff, where director Mihara accepted the award, decided by audience votes, on Thursday (May 2).
The film also won the Purple Mulberry Award, selected users of Italian film fan platform MYmovies. The online component of Feff,...
The family drama centres on a father and daughter who run a tofu store, and stars Tatsuya Fuji and Kumiko Aso. It received its European premiere at Feff, where director Mihara accepted the award, decided by audience votes, on Thursday (May 2).
The film also won the Purple Mulberry Award, selected users of Italian film fan platform MYmovies. The online component of Feff,...
- 5/3/2024
- ScreenDaily
Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou this week made his first-ever trip to the Far East Film Festival in Italy’s Udine, and appeared to fall in love with the theatrical and festival experience all over again.
At a masterclass on Thursday morning, Zhang spoke of his filmmaking techniques and priorities, his enduring quest for the human touch and why not all films need to be masterpieces.
“Nobody has pure talent. Success also comes from hard work and the kind of luck that pull together an optimal crew and a cast that gels. I don’t believe that all films can be masterpieces and I doubt that I’ve made my best possible film yet. I’m still on the way,” he told a packed audience at Udine’s Teatro Nuovo, most of which had moments earlier watched a screening of his sensational “Raise the Red Lantern,” which had been restored to 4K.
At a masterclass on Thursday morning, Zhang spoke of his filmmaking techniques and priorities, his enduring quest for the human touch and why not all films need to be masterpieces.
“Nobody has pure talent. Success also comes from hard work and the kind of luck that pull together an optimal crew and a cast that gels. I don’t believe that all films can be masterpieces and I doubt that I’ve made my best possible film yet. I’m still on the way,” he told a packed audience at Udine’s Teatro Nuovo, most of which had moments earlier watched a screening of his sensational “Raise the Red Lantern,” which had been restored to 4K.
- 5/2/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Veteran Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou will receive both the Lifetime Achievement Award and the 2023 Highest-Grossing Asian Film Award for his last feature Full River Red at this week’s Asian Film Awards.
The Asian Film Awards body has said the two awards are a “testament to Zhang’s extraordinary achievements but also to his continued success.” He was last feted by the awards body in 2021 when he picked up best director for One Second. In 2010 he was also handed the Asian Film Contribution Award.
Widely credited as one of the central figures of China’s Fifth Generation Cinema, Zhang made his directorial debut with Red Sorghum (1987). Since then, he has tackled a wide range of film genres in work like The Story of Qiu Ju (1992), To Live (1994), The Road Home (1999), House of Flying Daggers (2004), The Great Wall (2016) and Cliff Walkers (2021). Full River Red was released during the 2023 Chinese New Year...
The Asian Film Awards body has said the two awards are a “testament to Zhang’s extraordinary achievements but also to his continued success.” He was last feted by the awards body in 2021 when he picked up best director for One Second. In 2010 he was also handed the Asian Film Contribution Award.
Widely credited as one of the central figures of China’s Fifth Generation Cinema, Zhang made his directorial debut with Red Sorghum (1987). Since then, he has tackled a wide range of film genres in work like The Story of Qiu Ju (1992), To Live (1994), The Road Home (1999), House of Flying Daggers (2004), The Great Wall (2016) and Cliff Walkers (2021). Full River Red was released during the 2023 Chinese New Year...
- 3/7/2024
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Acclaimed Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou is to be feted with two honours at the Asian Film Awards on Sunday (March 10) in recognition of his career and recent box office success.
Zhang will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award and the 2023 Highest-Grossing Asian Film Award for Full River Red, which made $667m worldwide according to ticketing agency Maoyan following its release in January last year.
It marks a return to AFAs for the director, who won the Asian Film Contribution Award at in 2010 and best director in 2021 for One Second.
“Having been in the industry for over four decades, I am grateful...
Zhang will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award and the 2023 Highest-Grossing Asian Film Award for Full River Red, which made $667m worldwide according to ticketing agency Maoyan following its release in January last year.
It marks a return to AFAs for the director, who won the Asian Film Contribution Award at in 2010 and best director in 2021 for One Second.
“Having been in the industry for over four decades, I am grateful...
- 3/7/2024
- ScreenDaily
Veteran mainland Chinese director Zhang Yimou is to be honored twice over at the Asian Film Awards ceremony on Sunday. He will be presented with a lifetime achievement award and a separate prize for directing the highest-grossing Asian film of 2023.
“These two awards are not only a testament to Zhang’s extraordinary achievements, but also to his continued success, having won the Asian film contribution award at the 4th AFAs in 2010 and the best director award at the 15th Asian Film Awards in 2021 for ‘One Second’,” Afa organizers said.
“I consider myself very fortunate to have chosen filmmaking as my lifelong profession. Having been in the industry for over four decades, I am grateful to everyone who appreciates my films [..] I will keep learning and strive to surpass myself. Always having anticipations for the future, I hope that my best film will be my next one,” said Zhang in a prepared statement.
“These two awards are not only a testament to Zhang’s extraordinary achievements, but also to his continued success, having won the Asian film contribution award at the 4th AFAs in 2010 and the best director award at the 15th Asian Film Awards in 2021 for ‘One Second’,” Afa organizers said.
“I consider myself very fortunate to have chosen filmmaking as my lifelong profession. Having been in the industry for over four decades, I am grateful to everyone who appreciates my films [..] I will keep learning and strive to surpass myself. Always having anticipations for the future, I hope that my best film will be my next one,” said Zhang in a prepared statement.
- 3/7/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
“The last thing I hate is that life always forces us to keep moving forwards.”
In the aftermath of the New York Film Festival, reporter Vincent Canby wrote an article about the films of the festival he aptly named “Why Some Films Don't Travel Well”. Works such as Zhang Yimou's “Red Sorghum”, Andrei Konchalovsky's “Asya's Happiness” and Hou Hsiao-Hsien's “Daughter of the Nile” are mostly relevant thanks to their “sociology factor” Canby begins his article, an aspect that these works are and have been applauded for around the world while as films themselves they are not that interesting. Hou Hsiao-Hien, one of the most popular directors of Taiwanese New Cinema along with Edward Yang, was still trying to find a cinematic language for his films, one which strongly resembled the works of Yasujiro Ozu in terms of style and content, the sense of resignation, as he writes...
In the aftermath of the New York Film Festival, reporter Vincent Canby wrote an article about the films of the festival he aptly named “Why Some Films Don't Travel Well”. Works such as Zhang Yimou's “Red Sorghum”, Andrei Konchalovsky's “Asya's Happiness” and Hou Hsiao-Hsien's “Daughter of the Nile” are mostly relevant thanks to their “sociology factor” Canby begins his article, an aspect that these works are and have been applauded for around the world while as films themselves they are not that interesting. Hou Hsiao-Hien, one of the most popular directors of Taiwanese New Cinema along with Edward Yang, was still trying to find a cinematic language for his films, one which strongly resembled the works of Yasujiro Ozu in terms of style and content, the sense of resignation, as he writes...
- 2/13/2024
- by Rouven Linnarz
- AsianMoviePulse
Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou has been set as the recipient of this year’s Lifetime Achievement award at the forthcoming Tokyo Film Festival (TIFF), running October 23 – November 1.
He will receive the award at the TIFF opening ceremony on October 23. After graduating from the Beijing Film Academy in 1982, he made his directorial debut with Red Sorghum (1987). Since then, he has tackled a wide range of film genres in work like The Story of Qiu Ju (1992), To Live (1994), The Road Home (1999), House of Flying Daggers (2004), The Great Wall (2016) and Cliff Walkers (2021).
Yimou’s latest work, Full River Red, was released during the Chinese New Year this year and is currently the highest-ranking 2023 Chinese film in the country. The film has also been selected as part of the Gala Selection section at this year’s TIFF. As part of his time in Tokyo, Yimou will take part in a keynote session co-hosted by the Japan Foundation.
He will receive the award at the TIFF opening ceremony on October 23. After graduating from the Beijing Film Academy in 1982, he made his directorial debut with Red Sorghum (1987). Since then, he has tackled a wide range of film genres in work like The Story of Qiu Ju (1992), To Live (1994), The Road Home (1999), House of Flying Daggers (2004), The Great Wall (2016) and Cliff Walkers (2021).
Yimou’s latest work, Full River Red, was released during the Chinese New Year this year and is currently the highest-ranking 2023 Chinese film in the country. The film has also been selected as part of the Gala Selection section at this year’s TIFF. As part of his time in Tokyo, Yimou will take part in a keynote session co-hosted by the Japan Foundation.
- 10/10/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Chinese filmmaking icon Zhang Yimou will receive the Tokyo International Film Festival’s lifetime achievement award, the event’s organizers revealed Tuesday. Zhang will be presented with the honor at the Tokyo festival’s opening ceremony on Oct. 23 in “recognition of his extraordinary career and long-standing contributions to the film industry.” The director will later participate in a special talk session at the TIFF Lounge, a panel series curated by noted Japanese auteur Hirokazu Kore-eda.
The most prominent of China’s fabled “Fifth Generation” of filmmakers, Zhang made his directorial debut in 1988 with Red Sorghum, which won the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival. He has directed 25 features since, including Ju Dou (1990), Raise the Red Lantern (1991), and Hero (2003) — all Oscar nominees in the best international film category. Hero and his 2004 follow-up, House of Flying Daggers, are among China’s most internationally successful commercial films of all time, having earned $147 million and $83 million,...
The most prominent of China’s fabled “Fifth Generation” of filmmakers, Zhang made his directorial debut in 1988 with Red Sorghum, which won the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival. He has directed 25 features since, including Ju Dou (1990), Raise the Red Lantern (1991), and Hero (2003) — all Oscar nominees in the best international film category. Hero and his 2004 follow-up, House of Flying Daggers, are among China’s most internationally successful commercial films of all time, having earned $147 million and $83 million,...
- 10/10/2023
- by Patrick Brzeski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Leading Chinese film director Zhang Yimou is to receive a lifetime achievement award at the Tokyo International Film Festival later this month.
The award will be presented to him during the festival’s opening ceremony on Oct. 23.
Later, Zhang will take part in a special talk session at the TIFF Loungeco-hosted by the Japan Foundation.
Additionally, his “Full River Red,” which was a box office sensation in China at the beginning of the year, will play as a gala selection during the Tokyo festival.
Zhang, consider to be among China’s “fifth generation” of filmmakers, has had an extraordinary career that he has sustained for over three decades. His first film as director was “Red Sorghum,” which he has followed with pictures in a wide range of genres, including “The Story of Qiu Ju” (1992), “To Live” (1994), “The Road Home” (1999), “House of Flying Daggers” (2004), “The Great Wall” (2016) and “Cliff Walkers” (2021).
He...
The award will be presented to him during the festival’s opening ceremony on Oct. 23.
Later, Zhang will take part in a special talk session at the TIFF Loungeco-hosted by the Japan Foundation.
Additionally, his “Full River Red,” which was a box office sensation in China at the beginning of the year, will play as a gala selection during the Tokyo festival.
Zhang, consider to be among China’s “fifth generation” of filmmakers, has had an extraordinary career that he has sustained for over three decades. His first film as director was “Red Sorghum,” which he has followed with pictures in a wide range of genres, including “The Story of Qiu Ju” (1992), “To Live” (1994), “The Road Home” (1999), “House of Flying Daggers” (2004), “The Great Wall” (2016) and “Cliff Walkers” (2021).
He...
- 10/10/2023
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
‘Decision To Leave’ won three and Hirokazu Kore-eda named best director.
The Asian Film Awards (Afa) celebrated its comeback edition in Hong Kong tonight (March 12) and named Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Drive My Car best film.
The Japanese film, which premiered at Cannes in 2021 and won best international feature at last year’s Oscars, won a further two awards at the AFAs: best editing for Azusa Yamazaki and best original music by Eiko Ishibashi.
Scroll down for full list of winners
Park Chan-wook’s Decision To Leave went into the night as the favourite, with a leading 10 nominations for the South Korean film,...
The Asian Film Awards (Afa) celebrated its comeback edition in Hong Kong tonight (March 12) and named Ryusuke Hamaguchi’s Drive My Car best film.
The Japanese film, which premiered at Cannes in 2021 and won best international feature at last year’s Oscars, won a further two awards at the AFAs: best editing for Azusa Yamazaki and best original music by Eiko Ishibashi.
Scroll down for full list of winners
Park Chan-wook’s Decision To Leave went into the night as the favourite, with a leading 10 nominations for the South Korean film,...
- 3/12/2023
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Somewhere in the land of worn-out metaphors, there’s a drawer overflowing with love letters from all the filmmakers who ever thought to make cinema of the making of cinema. But it feels inadequate to file Zhang Yimou’s “One Second” alongside those when it is the most direct and heartfelt valentine to the medium the revered Fifth Generation filmmaker has ever composed — even though, in the four decades between his 1981 debut “Red Sorghum” and this year’s “Cliff Walkers,” he has rarely made a film that could be considered anything but.
This time, in language as simple and lovely as a close-up on Liu Haocun’s grimy, radiant face and in sentences made from strips of sticky celluloid glinting in a projector’s glare as they dry, cinema has written back. “One Second” is not just about the magic of the movies, it’s about their resilience, and so...
This time, in language as simple and lovely as a close-up on Liu Haocun’s grimy, radiant face and in sentences made from strips of sticky celluloid glinting in a projector’s glare as they dry, cinema has written back. “One Second” is not just about the magic of the movies, it’s about their resilience, and so...
- 9/19/2021
- by Jessica Kiang
- Variety Film + TV
A Cliff Too Far: Yimou Navigates Tortured Times in Period Espionage Thriller
Arguably the most successful and prolific of the Fifth Generation of Chinese filmmakers, Zhang Yimou shows no signs of slowing down in nearly forty years of making films. While many of his cohorts from the Beijing Film Academy remain steadfast and relevant (including his Palme d’Or winning cohort Chen Kaige), the Golden Bear and two-time Golden Lion winner continues with a new spate of recent projects, including espionage period drama, Cliff Walkers (formerly known as Impasse).…...
Arguably the most successful and prolific of the Fifth Generation of Chinese filmmakers, Zhang Yimou shows no signs of slowing down in nearly forty years of making films. While many of his cohorts from the Beijing Film Academy remain steadfast and relevant (including his Palme d’Or winning cohort Chen Kaige), the Golden Bear and two-time Golden Lion winner continues with a new spate of recent projects, including espionage period drama, Cliff Walkers (formerly known as Impasse).…...
- 5/1/2021
- by Nicholas Bell
- IONCINEMA.com
You never really know what you’re going to get with a Zhang Yimou movie these days. Then again, perhaps that was always the case to a certain degree. Once a leading light of the so-called Fifth Generation of Chinese Filmmakers, Zhang graduated from the Beijing Film Academy with the vision and confidence of a well-established auteur; his debut feature “Red Sorghum” won the Golden Bear at the 1987 Berlinale, paving the way for an unimpeachable string of contemporary social dramas (“The Story of Qiu Ju”) and florid historical epics that examined the plight of the working people and raised the international profile of Chinese cinema even when they were banned from screening in the country’s theaters.
Frequently overlooked, however, is Zhang’s little-seen second film, a frivolous action thriller called “Codename Cougar” about an airliner that’s hijacked by terrorists from Taiwan. So it was hard to predict Zhang...
Frequently overlooked, however, is Zhang’s little-seen second film, a frivolous action thriller called “Codename Cougar” about an airliner that’s hijacked by terrorists from Taiwan. So it was hard to predict Zhang...
- 4/30/2021
- by David Ehrlich
- Indiewire
Zhang Yimou’s “Cliff Walkers” is kicking off a multi-territory release this weekend, with day and date outings in North America, New Zealand, and Singapore coordinating with the espionage thriller’s official launch in mainland Chinese theaters on Friday.
That makes it one of the first major Chinese pictures to take advantage of the improving theatrical conditions in the U.S. since the coronavirus sent movie distribution and exhibition industries into near lockdown. That has been a contrast with Chinese cinemas which have been operating largely normally since October, and which enjoyed a record box office at Lunar New Year in February.
The film is a showcase for Zhang’s ability to deliver spectacle with vast numbers of moving parts in different settings. He’s put on live theater performances with several hundred horse-riding extras at an altitude of over 3,000 meters, staged the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games,...
That makes it one of the first major Chinese pictures to take advantage of the improving theatrical conditions in the U.S. since the coronavirus sent movie distribution and exhibition industries into near lockdown. That has been a contrast with Chinese cinemas which have been operating largely normally since October, and which enjoyed a record box office at Lunar New Year in February.
The film is a showcase for Zhang’s ability to deliver spectacle with vast numbers of moving parts in different settings. He’s put on live theater performances with several hundred horse-riding extras at an altitude of over 3,000 meters, staged the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games,...
- 4/30/2021
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
The Film and Television Institute of India (Ftii) has given rise to a considerable number of terrific directors. Some of India’s greatest filmmakers such as Mani Kaul and Adoor Gopalakrishnan have come out of Ftii. The most credible representative of Indian arthouse cinema in the last decade, Amit Dutta, is also an Ftii product. Prantik Basu has had the same background, having studied film direction and screenplay writing at the institute. His short film “Sakhisona” (2016) won the Tiger Award for Short Film at the 2017 edition of the International Film Festival Rotterdam.
Mogulmari is a typical village of Bengal. It has its own local folkloric stories, with belief in them fluctuating from person-to-person. A mound exists in the village and it is named after Sakhisona, a legendary figure of one of these folklores. However, the destiny of the village changes completely when archaeological experts dig through the mound to find...
Mogulmari is a typical village of Bengal. It has its own local folkloric stories, with belief in them fluctuating from person-to-person. A mound exists in the village and it is named after Sakhisona, a legendary figure of one of these folklores. However, the destiny of the village changes completely when archaeological experts dig through the mound to find...
- 3/30/2021
- by Raktim Nandi
- AsianMoviePulse
Chinese moviegoers can expect to see Dante Lam’s “The Rescue,” Jackie Chan film “Vanguard” and two titles involving helmer Zhang Yimou this year, says a top Chinese distribution executive. He also confirmed National Day releases for two propaganda films — the first concrete information on upcoming theatrical debuts for new titles in months.
China’s cinemas shuttered in late January to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus. A bevy of blockbusters expecting to see record box office returns over the Lunar New Year holiday were pulled at the eleventh hour and have not been given new release dates.
But new information from Fu Ruoqing, chairman of major state-owned distributor Huaxia, says audiences will be able to catch the delayed Chinese New Year films “The Rescue,” Dante’s epic actioner about the Chinese coast guard, and Stanley Tong’s “Vanguard” in the second half of 2020, as well as Zhang’s new spy thriller “Impasse.
China’s cinemas shuttered in late January to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus. A bevy of blockbusters expecting to see record box office returns over the Lunar New Year holiday were pulled at the eleventh hour and have not been given new release dates.
But new information from Fu Ruoqing, chairman of major state-owned distributor Huaxia, says audiences will be able to catch the delayed Chinese New Year films “The Rescue,” Dante’s epic actioner about the Chinese coast guard, and Stanley Tong’s “Vanguard” in the second half of 2020, as well as Zhang’s new spy thriller “Impasse.
- 5/18/2020
- by Rebecca Davis
- Variety Film + TV
As coronavirus restrictions begin to ease up in China, film and TV production is reportedly starting up again, albeit under strict health guidelines. According to China Global Television Network, some crews have started to resume work following weeks on hiatus due to the outbreak.
Back in February, Xiangshan Film and Television Town in Ningbo, in the Zhejiang Province of eastern China, was among the first to reopen, with four crews going back to work and at least 50 readying to go back. The administrator of Xiangshan, however, mandated epidemic emergency precautions to be taken on set, limiting the number of gatherings of crew members to 50. Crew members were also asked to take an exam on epidemic prevention consisting of 25 questions, and all with a perfect score.
The news comes as China starts to recover its economy and ease up quarantine protocols, though movie theaters — which briefly reopened this month before shuttering again — remain closed due to concerns over a possible second wave of infection.
On March 28, Hengdian World Studios, which is one of China’s biggest production hub, reopened five shooting bases and brought more than 20 crews back to work. Films have also resumed shooting, including “Hero,” “House of Flying Daggers,” and “Red Sorghum” director Zhang Yimou’s upcoming film “Impasse,” starring Zhang Yi and Zhu Yawen. Production was taking place in Datong, northern China’s Shanxi Province, after shutting down operations for more than 50 days.
Also resuming filming, in the Hada Bay Old Industrial Zone in northeastern China’s Jilin Province, is director Zhang Ji’s “Moses in the Plain,” produced by “Black Coal, Thin Ice” Berlinale Golden Bear winner Diao Yinan, whose most recently film was sleek Chinese noir and 2019 Cannes selection “The Wild Goose Lake.”
Local governments in China have offered subsidies to the struggling film industry. The government of Dongyang City, in Zhejiang Province, offered 10 million yuan (equivalent to about $1.4 million) to cover overhead costs at Hengdian World Studios and provide for the crews. Hengdian also exempted its rental fees, discounted its hotel accommodation, and gave those quarantine in Hengdian 500 yuan per person. Xiangshan also took similar measures to provide for crew members by cutting accommodation and rental fees, and for equipment.
These developments come as production remains halted indefinitely in the United States, with studios anticipating going back to work in the summer, while continuing to shift release dates for their finished tentpoles.
Back in February, Xiangshan Film and Television Town in Ningbo, in the Zhejiang Province of eastern China, was among the first to reopen, with four crews going back to work and at least 50 readying to go back. The administrator of Xiangshan, however, mandated epidemic emergency precautions to be taken on set, limiting the number of gatherings of crew members to 50. Crew members were also asked to take an exam on epidemic prevention consisting of 25 questions, and all with a perfect score.
The news comes as China starts to recover its economy and ease up quarantine protocols, though movie theaters — which briefly reopened this month before shuttering again — remain closed due to concerns over a possible second wave of infection.
On March 28, Hengdian World Studios, which is one of China’s biggest production hub, reopened five shooting bases and brought more than 20 crews back to work. Films have also resumed shooting, including “Hero,” “House of Flying Daggers,” and “Red Sorghum” director Zhang Yimou’s upcoming film “Impasse,” starring Zhang Yi and Zhu Yawen. Production was taking place in Datong, northern China’s Shanxi Province, after shutting down operations for more than 50 days.
Also resuming filming, in the Hada Bay Old Industrial Zone in northeastern China’s Jilin Province, is director Zhang Ji’s “Moses in the Plain,” produced by “Black Coal, Thin Ice” Berlinale Golden Bear winner Diao Yinan, whose most recently film was sleek Chinese noir and 2019 Cannes selection “The Wild Goose Lake.”
Local governments in China have offered subsidies to the struggling film industry. The government of Dongyang City, in Zhejiang Province, offered 10 million yuan (equivalent to about $1.4 million) to cover overhead costs at Hengdian World Studios and provide for the crews. Hengdian also exempted its rental fees, discounted its hotel accommodation, and gave those quarantine in Hengdian 500 yuan per person. Xiangshan also took similar measures to provide for crew members by cutting accommodation and rental fees, and for equipment.
These developments come as production remains halted indefinitely in the United States, with studios anticipating going back to work in the summer, while continuing to shift release dates for their finished tentpoles.
- 4/5/2020
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Mainland China has as many outstanding movies to offer as Hong Kong, even though they are sometimes overshadowed by international releases. Many people might not even know that China has one of the biggest movie scenes, with the six generations of talented filmmakers. Thanks to them, Chinese film culture is growing bigger. And better! Here are six outstanding Chinese films that cover all the basic genres. Expect nothing short of outstanding performances and director talent.
Red Sorghum (1987)
This is a classic example from the Golden Age of the Chinese cinema. It portrays the life of a Chinese peasant girl, who is supposed to get married to a leprous man. The film shows common hardships, associated with the Japanese military intervention in the 1930s. Red Sorghum is a true classic, which embraces unique Chinese film and visual culture. Here, historic themes are always relevant and popular. The cinematography is very bright and full of contrasts,...
Red Sorghum (1987)
This is a classic example from the Golden Age of the Chinese cinema. It portrays the life of a Chinese peasant girl, who is supposed to get married to a leprous man. The film shows common hardships, associated with the Japanese military intervention in the 1930s. Red Sorghum is a true classic, which embraces unique Chinese film and visual culture. Here, historic themes are always relevant and popular. The cinematography is very bright and full of contrasts,...
- 2/12/2020
- by Guest Writer
- AsianMoviePulse
Crouching Tigers includes titles such as Cesar Diaz’ Our Mothers and Anthony Chen’s Wet Season.
Pingyao International Film Festival (Pyiff) has unveiled the bulk of its programme for this year’s edition, including the world premiere of Indian filmmaker Tushar Hiranandani’s sports drama Bull’s Eye, which will screen as a special presentation on Pingyao Night.
Hong Kong filmmaker Jacob Cheung’s The Opera House, starring Mason Lee and Ouyang Nana, will also receive its world premiere at Pyiff as the closing film.
So far the festival, founded by Chinese filmmaker Jia Zhangke with Marco Mueller as artistic director,...
Pingyao International Film Festival (Pyiff) has unveiled the bulk of its programme for this year’s edition, including the world premiere of Indian filmmaker Tushar Hiranandani’s sports drama Bull’s Eye, which will screen as a special presentation on Pingyao Night.
Hong Kong filmmaker Jacob Cheung’s The Opera House, starring Mason Lee and Ouyang Nana, will also receive its world premiere at Pyiff as the closing film.
So far the festival, founded by Chinese filmmaker Jia Zhangke with Marco Mueller as artistic director,...
- 9/17/2019
- by Liz Shackleton
- ScreenDaily
Chinese indie films and Indian fare dominate the lineup of the Pingyao International Film Festival. The main selection for the festival’s third edition will include 28 world premieres, organizers said. The event will screen 52 films from 26 countries and territories, with all of them having their China debut.
The opening film is set as the world premiere of Indian director Tushar Hiranandani’s biographical film, “Bull’s Eye.” It tells the story of two real-life female sharpshooters from the same village who learned to shoot late in life, but went on to achieve national fame. The women are now in their 80s.
Chinese films that will have their world premieres at the festival include: “Summer Is the Coldest Season” by Zhou Sun; “Wisdom Tooth” by Liang Ming; “Single Cycle” by Zhang Qi; “Blood Daisy” by Xu Xiangyun; “An Insignificant Affair” by Ning Yuanyuan; “A Trophy on the Sea” by Ju Anqi...
The opening film is set as the world premiere of Indian director Tushar Hiranandani’s biographical film, “Bull’s Eye.” It tells the story of two real-life female sharpshooters from the same village who learned to shoot late in life, but went on to achieve national fame. The women are now in their 80s.
Chinese films that will have their world premieres at the festival include: “Summer Is the Coldest Season” by Zhou Sun; “Wisdom Tooth” by Liang Ming; “Single Cycle” by Zhang Qi; “Blood Daisy” by Xu Xiangyun; “An Insignificant Affair” by Ning Yuanyuan; “A Trophy on the Sea” by Ju Anqi...
- 9/17/2019
- by Rebecca Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Cannes Lens 2019: Kering Presents the Fifth Women in Motion Award to Actress Gong LiThe Young Talent Award will be presented to director Eva Trobisch.
François-Henri Pinault, Chairman and CEO of Kering, Pierre Lescure, President of the Festival de Cannes, and Thierry Frémaux, Festival General Delegate, will present the Awards at the official Women In Motion dinner on Sunday May 19, 2019.
Gong Li, an iconic figure of Chinese cinema, has established a truly global renown during a remarkable, most singular career. She is the first Chinese actress to have achieved success at the major international festivals, such as Berlin, Venice and Cannes, where her performances have won great critical acclaim. Her prominence in the movie industry and her strong personality have also led to her presiding at many of the world’s film festivals.
She has played central leading roles, bringing life and success to the works of famous directors such as Zhang Yimou,...
François-Henri Pinault, Chairman and CEO of Kering, Pierre Lescure, President of the Festival de Cannes, and Thierry Frémaux, Festival General Delegate, will present the Awards at the official Women In Motion dinner on Sunday May 19, 2019.
Gong Li, an iconic figure of Chinese cinema, has established a truly global renown during a remarkable, most singular career. She is the first Chinese actress to have achieved success at the major international festivals, such as Berlin, Venice and Cannes, where her performances have won great critical acclaim. Her prominence in the movie industry and her strong personality have also led to her presiding at many of the world’s film festivals.
She has played central leading roles, bringing life and success to the works of famous directors such as Zhang Yimou,...
- 5/14/2019
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Actress Gong Li will become the first person of Asian descent to win the Kering Group and Cannes Film Festival’s annual women in motion award. The prize will be presented by Kering’s chairman and CEO Francois-Henri Pinault and the festival’s president Pierre Lescure and general delegate Thierry Fremaux at a dinner on Sunday.
The award is intended to celebrate the careers of leading female figures in cinema, and has previously been presented to Jane Fonda in 2015, Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon in 2016, Isabelle Huppert in 2017 and Patty Jenkins in 2018.
Gong said it would be a “true honor” to accept the accolade. “Making films is fundamental in my life, and I am most grateful to be able to continue to share my work and my passion,” she said. The actress is known for her starring role in films such as Zhang Yimou’s “Red Sorghum,” “Raise the Red Lantern” and “To Live,...
The award is intended to celebrate the careers of leading female figures in cinema, and has previously been presented to Jane Fonda in 2015, Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon in 2016, Isabelle Huppert in 2017 and Patty Jenkins in 2018.
Gong said it would be a “true honor” to accept the accolade. “Making films is fundamental in my life, and I am most grateful to be able to continue to share my work and my passion,” she said. The actress is known for her starring role in films such as Zhang Yimou’s “Red Sorghum,” “Raise the Red Lantern” and “To Live,...
- 5/13/2019
- by Rebecca Davis
- Variety Film + TV
This last week in April has seen, with Avengers: Endgame and the Battle of Winterfell episode of Game of Thrones, the culmination on the largest scale possible in our fractured culture of a long-simmering trend in American action filmmaking away from color in favor of a grim, murky, monochrome darkness. The TV show was immediately criticized for being nigh unwatchable on a normal television, its images being so dark and cluttered with digital artifacts, while the Marvel movie chose to stage its splash page final battle, the climax of a decade of franchise-building, not as a triumph of four-color majesty but as a dull smear of muddy gray. I’m not sure where exactly the trend started, it might have been when Tim Burton’s shadowy Batman movies outpaced Warren Beatty’s lively Dick Tracy, or it might have been when the pseudo-realism of Steven Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan...
- 5/11/2019
- MUBI
Shah Rukh Khan-starring romance “Zero” has been set as the closing film of the Beijing International Film Festival. The sprawling festival will open with “The Composer,” a forthcoming Chinese-Kazakh co-production, as its opening title.
The festival, which runs April 13 to 20, 2019, has revealed its full selection of 261 titles. The decision to program “Zero” in such a prominent slot underlines the growing success which Indian films are enjoying with Chinese audiences. Directed by Aanand L. Rai and released in December, the Hindi-language “Zero” is Khan’s most expensive film yet. It features the star as a person with dwarfism in a love triangle with a scientist with cerebral palsy (Anushka Sharma) and a famous actress (Katrina Kaif).
“The Composer” is the first movie to emerge from a cooperation agreement between China and Kazakhstan under Chinese president Xi Jinping’s infrastructure-building project, the Belt and Road Initiative. Directed by Kazakhstan’s Xirzat Yahup,...
The festival, which runs April 13 to 20, 2019, has revealed its full selection of 261 titles. The decision to program “Zero” in such a prominent slot underlines the growing success which Indian films are enjoying with Chinese audiences. Directed by Aanand L. Rai and released in December, the Hindi-language “Zero” is Khan’s most expensive film yet. It features the star as a person with dwarfism in a love triangle with a scientist with cerebral palsy (Anushka Sharma) and a famous actress (Katrina Kaif).
“The Composer” is the first movie to emerge from a cooperation agreement between China and Kazakhstan under Chinese president Xi Jinping’s infrastructure-building project, the Belt and Road Initiative. Directed by Kazakhstan’s Xirzat Yahup,...
- 4/3/2019
- by Rebecca Davis
- Variety Film + TV
By Alex DeleonDieter KosslickThe 69th edition of the Berlin Film Festival was the last one under the auspices of director Dieter Kosslick, 70, who has run the event since 2002 with a certain flamboyance and an occasional flub.
Inevitably seen in the company of the big Hollywood stars while sporting various floppy hats and a red scarf, Kosslick has been accused of catering too much to the Hollywood mainstream at the expense of the festival’s long established emphasis on art and intellectual fare during his eighteen year reign, but he has definitely transformed the festival into one the world’s most important cinema events. In addition to being the world’s largest public film festival selling nearly half a million tickets per year to ordinary film fans, Berlin also hosts the European Film Market (Efm) the world’s second-largest film market which is, In effect, a parallel film festival in its own.
Inevitably seen in the company of the big Hollywood stars while sporting various floppy hats and a red scarf, Kosslick has been accused of catering too much to the Hollywood mainstream at the expense of the festival’s long established emphasis on art and intellectual fare during his eighteen year reign, but he has definitely transformed the festival into one the world’s most important cinema events. In addition to being the world’s largest public film festival selling nearly half a million tickets per year to ordinary film fans, Berlin also hosts the European Film Market (Efm) the world’s second-largest film market which is, In effect, a parallel film festival in its own.
- 2/14/2019
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Zhang Yimou’s “One Second” has been removed from the Berlin Film Festival, with officials for the competition citing “technical difficulties.”
There will now be just 16 films chasing Bear awards.
Below is the full Berlinale statement on the matter.
Also Read: 'Driveways' Film Review: Impeccable Performances Enhance Charming Tale of Intergenerational Friendship
Due to technical difficulties encountered during post-production, “Yi miao zhong” (“One Second”) by Zhang Yimou unfortunately cannot be presented on February 15 in the scope of the Competition section of the Berlinale. The competition will thus feature a total of 16 films vying for the coveted Bear awards.
The festival will instead show another film chosen from Zhang Yimou’s previous body of work at the Berlinale Palast on February 15. Further information will be announced as soon as possible.
Zhang is the Chinese director of films such as “Hero,” “The House of Flying Daggers” and more recently “The Great Wall” with Matt Damon.
There will now be just 16 films chasing Bear awards.
Below is the full Berlinale statement on the matter.
Also Read: 'Driveways' Film Review: Impeccable Performances Enhance Charming Tale of Intergenerational Friendship
Due to technical difficulties encountered during post-production, “Yi miao zhong” (“One Second”) by Zhang Yimou unfortunately cannot be presented on February 15 in the scope of the Competition section of the Berlinale. The competition will thus feature a total of 16 films vying for the coveted Bear awards.
The festival will instead show another film chosen from Zhang Yimou’s previous body of work at the Berlinale Palast on February 15. Further information will be announced as soon as possible.
Zhang is the Chinese director of films such as “Hero,” “The House of Flying Daggers” and more recently “The Great Wall” with Matt Damon.
- 2/11/2019
- by Tony Maglio and Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Film pulled for “technical reasons with the post-production”.
Zhang Yimou’s One Second has been withdrawn from the Berlinale Competition line-up, the festival has confirmed.
A Berlinale spokesman said this was because of “technical reasons with the post-production”. The scrapped world premiere was hastily replaced with Zhang’s 2003 Berlinale selection and best foreign-language Oscar nominee Hero, which will play out of competition on February 15 and 16.
One Second is the second Chinese-language film to be withdrawn from the festival at short notice, after Derek Tsang’s Better Days was pulled from Berlin’s Generation 14Plus section last week, also because of...
Zhang Yimou’s One Second has been withdrawn from the Berlinale Competition line-up, the festival has confirmed.
A Berlinale spokesman said this was because of “technical reasons with the post-production”. The scrapped world premiere was hastily replaced with Zhang’s 2003 Berlinale selection and best foreign-language Oscar nominee Hero, which will play out of competition on February 15 and 16.
One Second is the second Chinese-language film to be withdrawn from the festival at short notice, after Derek Tsang’s Better Days was pulled from Berlin’s Generation 14Plus section last week, also because of...
- 2/11/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
For its 69th edition of the festival, Berlin presents a varied and unpredictable lineup of international auteurs. Plenty of returning luminaries are present, including some of Germany’s most noted directors, while Canada, Poland, Turkey, Italy, Mongolia, Bulgaria, Spain, France, Austria and Norway all have bids for the 2019 Golden Bear. Notably, the Berlinale features three new features from Chinese directors, including Zhang Yimou’s One Second, Wang Quan’an with Öndög (who won the Golden Bear in 2006 for Tuya’s Marriage and a Silver Bear in 2010 for Apart Together), and Wang Xiaoshuai with So Long, My Son (who won Silver Bears for 2001’s Beijing Bicycle and 2008’s In Love We Trust).…...
- 2/6/2019
- by Nicholas Bell
- IONCINEMA.com
A new documentary component means that the work-in-progress section of this year’s Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum will double from 10 to 20 projects. The selection includes Ruby Yang (“The Blood of Yingzhou District”) and Hou Hsiao-hsien (“The Assassin”) as documentary producers, and Brillante Mendoza (“Kinatay”) as producer on the fiction side.
The Wip program expands the long-running Haf project support operations. It creates a platform for late-stage projects seeking closing funds, post-production partners, distributors, sales agents, festivals and other film-industry services
In its first two years the Wip section of Haf has presented notable films which enjoyed festival success last year. They include “Ayka,” which collected the best actress award in Cannes this year, and “The Man Who Surprised Everyone,” which won the Orrizonti Award for best actress at the Venice festival.
“With the expanded platform, Haf will become the first project market to receive both fictional and documentary...
The Wip program expands the long-running Haf project support operations. It creates a platform for late-stage projects seeking closing funds, post-production partners, distributors, sales agents, festivals and other film-industry services
In its first two years the Wip section of Haf has presented notable films which enjoyed festival success last year. They include “Ayka,” which collected the best actress award in Cannes this year, and “The Man Who Surprised Everyone,” which won the Orrizonti Award for best actress at the Venice festival.
“With the expanded platform, Haf will become the first project market to receive both fictional and documentary...
- 1/24/2019
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
22 January 2019 (Hong Kong) – The 43rd Hong Kong International Film Festival will pay tribute to the trailblazers of Chinese cinema – legendary actress Li Lihua and the Fifth Generation of Chinese directors, who revolutionize the cinematic tradition with acting diversity and filmmaking innovations respectively, putting Chinese cinema into international spotlight.
A pioneering actress of contemporary Chinese cinema, Li (1924-2017) has set a number of records in film history – the first winner of two Golden Horse Best Actress Awards, and the first Chinese female lead in a major Hollywood production.
Her virtuosity and versatility is represented in HKIFF43’s selection of four restored classics – “Barber Takes a Wife” (1947), Huang Zuolin’s romantic satire about Shanghai, written by Sang Hu; “Bright Day” (1948), the only revolutionary film written and directed by celebrated drama master Cao Yu; “Flower Girl” (1951), Zhu Shilin’s post-war drama shot in Hong Kong, and the final film produced by Fei Mu...
A pioneering actress of contemporary Chinese cinema, Li (1924-2017) has set a number of records in film history – the first winner of two Golden Horse Best Actress Awards, and the first Chinese female lead in a major Hollywood production.
Her virtuosity and versatility is represented in HKIFF43’s selection of four restored classics – “Barber Takes a Wife” (1947), Huang Zuolin’s romantic satire about Shanghai, written by Sang Hu; “Bright Day” (1948), the only revolutionary film written and directed by celebrated drama master Cao Yu; “Flower Girl” (1951), Zhu Shilin’s post-war drama shot in Hong Kong, and the final film produced by Fei Mu...
- 1/23/2019
- by Rouven Linnarz
- AsianMoviePulse
The Coen brothers' Blood Simple (1984) is showing December 22 – January 20 and Zhang Yimou's A Woman, a Gun, and a Noodle Shop (2009) is showing December 23 – January 21, 2019 in the United Kingdom as part of the series Original Vs. Remake: Coen Brothers/Zhang Yimou.It’s the same old song: the wife, her lover, the husband and the hired killer. It’s true that most stories of lust, adultery and murder have the same, sad endings. But nothing is that simple: all crimes have their own pitfalls and false starts along the way—just to keep things interesting. In the cycle of abuse, too, the abused can’t help but notice patterns. Escaping a violent spouse is a feat on its own, but once you’ve gotten rid of them, little signs that they’re still with you start popping up everywhere. In Blood Simple, the Coen brothers’ debut feature from 1984, a classic noir narrative is updated and remixed,...
- 12/7/2018
- MUBI
“The last thing I hate is that life always forces us to keep moving forwards.”
In the aftermath of the New York Film Festival, reporter Vincent Canby wrote an article about the films of the festival he aptly named “Why Some Films Don’t Travel Well”. Works such as Zhang Yimou’s “Red Sorghum”, Andrei Konchalovsky’s “Asya’s Happiness” and Hou Hsiao-Hsien’s “Daughter of the Nile” are mostly relevant thanks to their “sociology factor” Canby begins his article, an aspect that these works are and have been applauded for around the world while as films themselves they are not that interesting. Hou Hsiao-Hien, one of the most popular directors of Taiwanese New Cinema along with Edward Yang, was still trying to find a cinematic language for his films, one which strongly resembled the works of Yasujiro Ozu in terms of style and content, the sense of resignation, as...
In the aftermath of the New York Film Festival, reporter Vincent Canby wrote an article about the films of the festival he aptly named “Why Some Films Don’t Travel Well”. Works such as Zhang Yimou’s “Red Sorghum”, Andrei Konchalovsky’s “Asya’s Happiness” and Hou Hsiao-Hsien’s “Daughter of the Nile” are mostly relevant thanks to their “sociology factor” Canby begins his article, an aspect that these works are and have been applauded for around the world while as films themselves they are not that interesting. Hou Hsiao-Hien, one of the most popular directors of Taiwanese New Cinema along with Edward Yang, was still trying to find a cinematic language for his films, one which strongly resembled the works of Yasujiro Ozu in terms of style and content, the sense of resignation, as...
- 9/26/2018
- by Rouven Linnarz
- AsianMoviePulse
We first discovered Jiang Wen in Zhang Yimou’s Red Sorghum (1988), and so it was with a certain delight when Tiff announced that Yimou’s Shadow and Wen’s Hidden Man would make their preem entries in Toronto. The Sixth Generation filmmaker pulls double duty once again with this sixth future which receive a Gala Presentation at the fest and will surely appease fans of his previous two entries in 2010’s Let the Bullets Fly (review) and Gone with the Bullets (2014).…...
- 9/17/2018
- by Eric Lavallée
- IONCINEMA.com
There's no doubting the stature of Chinese master directors Zhang Yimou and Chen Kaige. These two stalwarts of the Fifith Generation of Chinese filmmakers burst onto the cinematic landscape with 20th century-set films Red Sorghum and Farewell My Concubine respectively. But arguably they are best known in the West for their martial arts costume epics Hero and House of Flying Daggers (Zhang) and The Emperor and the Assassin and The Promise (Chen). Both men are back playing in the period piece sandbox with two films at Toronto -- Zhang's Shadow and the all new director's cut of Chen's Legend of the Demon Cat. It's great to see the masters back at it. But perhaps it's most notable that the films share both some remarkable differences -- and...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 9/9/2018
- Screen Anarchy
Black ink drips from the tip of a brush and daggers into clear water, spiraling out like smoke; a Chinese zither sounds a ferocious, twanging note that warps and buckles in its sustain; rain mottles the sky to a heavy watercolor gray, forming pools on paving stones into which warriors bleed; whispery drafts from hidden palace chambers stir tendrils of hair and set the hems of luxuriant, patterned robes fluttering. Every supremely controlled stylistic element of Zhang Yimou’s breathtakingly beautiful “Shadow” is an echo of another, a motif repeated, a pattern recurring in a fractionally different way each time.
After 2014’s semi-autobiographical “Coming Home,” which had soul but little spectacle, and 2016’s “The Great Wall” — all spectacle and no soul — it seemed like the Himalayan peaks of the revered Fifth Generation filmmaker’s career might now be behind him. But here, almost insouciantly and with little fanfare, comes “Shadow,...
After 2014’s semi-autobiographical “Coming Home,” which had soul but little spectacle, and 2016’s “The Great Wall” — all spectacle and no soul — it seemed like the Himalayan peaks of the revered Fifth Generation filmmaker’s career might now be behind him. But here, almost insouciantly and with little fanfare, comes “Shadow,...
- 9/8/2018
- by Jessica Kiang
- Variety Film + TV
Whatever you think of his checkered oeuvre, Zhang Yimou is undeniably a maestro of modern Chinese cinema. Few could match the international acclaim or box office success earned by the 66-year-old director, whose artistic path mirrors the breathtaking steps made in Chinese history and film industry. While his early works helped catapult Chinese cinema to the global festival spotlight, his middle phase led the way in commercial blockbusters with Chinese characteristics.
Zhang will receive the Jaeger-LeCoultre Glory to the Filmmaker award in Venice ahead of the out-of-competition screening of “Shadow”on Sept. 6.
The allure of Zhang’s filmmaking often comes from the screen divas and captivating female roles he cultivates. Gong Li, who collaborated with him nine times, remains the most luminous presence. So good is he at plucking talent out of obscurity that every time a new project is announced, the media eagerly awaits the next “Mou Girl.”
Born in 1950 in Xi’an,...
Zhang will receive the Jaeger-LeCoultre Glory to the Filmmaker award in Venice ahead of the out-of-competition screening of “Shadow”on Sept. 6.
The allure of Zhang’s filmmaking often comes from the screen divas and captivating female roles he cultivates. Gong Li, who collaborated with him nine times, remains the most luminous presence. So good is he at plucking talent out of obscurity that every time a new project is announced, the media eagerly awaits the next “Mou Girl.”
Born in 1950 in Xi’an,...
- 9/6/2018
- by Maggie Lee
- Variety Film + TV
U.S. producer David Permut and Japanese director Naomi Kawase have joined the jury for the upcoming Shanghai International Film Festival. The jury is to be headed by Chinese director and actor Jiang Wen.
Others joining the jury, which decides the festival’s Golden Goblety (Jin Jue) Awards, include Hungarian director Ildiko Enyedi, Turkish director-producer Semih Kaplanoglu, mainland Chinese actress Qin Hailu and Taiwan actor Chang Chen, who was recently on the jury in Cannes.
The festival boasts other connections with Cannes too. The Cannes Film Market party was this year sponsored by Siff. And Shanghai organizers claim to be stepping up co-operation with other major festivals around the world, led by Cannes.
The appointment of Jiang and the announcement of a “Sissi trilogy” to celebrate the 80th birthday of the late Romy Schneider, was announced in March. Others in the Classics section include 4K restored versions of several titles directed by Alfred Hitchcock.
Others joining the jury, which decides the festival’s Golden Goblety (Jin Jue) Awards, include Hungarian director Ildiko Enyedi, Turkish director-producer Semih Kaplanoglu, mainland Chinese actress Qin Hailu and Taiwan actor Chang Chen, who was recently on the jury in Cannes.
The festival boasts other connections with Cannes too. The Cannes Film Market party was this year sponsored by Siff. And Shanghai organizers claim to be stepping up co-operation with other major festivals around the world, led by Cannes.
The appointment of Jiang and the announcement of a “Sissi trilogy” to celebrate the 80th birthday of the late Romy Schneider, was announced in March. Others in the Classics section include 4K restored versions of several titles directed by Alfred Hitchcock.
- 5/26/2018
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Warner Bros. has boarded Chinese actor-director Jiang Wen's forthcoming tentpole Hidden Man as a co-producer, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
The film, set for release sometime this summer, is Jiang's first Chinese project since 2014's Gone With the Bullets, which earned $81 million. Jiang is a legend of the Chinese industry — early work included a starring role in Zhang Yimou's classic Red Sorghum and Cannes Grand Prix winner Devils on the Doorstep — but he became a familiar face to filmgoers worldwide thanks to his prominent role in Lucasfilm's Rogue One: A Star Wars Story as Baze Malbus.
It's ...
The film, set for release sometime this summer, is Jiang's first Chinese project since 2014's Gone With the Bullets, which earned $81 million. Jiang is a legend of the Chinese industry — early work included a starring role in Zhang Yimou's classic Red Sorghum and Cannes Grand Prix winner Devils on the Doorstep — but he became a familiar face to filmgoers worldwide thanks to his prominent role in Lucasfilm's Rogue One: A Star Wars Story as Baze Malbus.
It's ...
- 5/14/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Warner Bros. has boarded Chinese actor-director Jiang Wen's forthcoming tentpole Hidden Man as a co-producer, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
The film, set for release sometime this summer, is Jiang's first Chinese project since 2014's Gone With the Bullets, which earned $81 million. Jiang is a legend of the Chinese industry — early work included a starring role in Zhang Yimou's classic Red Sorghum and Cannes Grand Prix winner Devils on the Doorstep — but he became a familiar face to filmgoers worldwide thanks to his prominent role in Lucasfilm's Rogue One: A Star Wars Story as Baze Malbus.
It's ...
The film, set for release sometime this summer, is Jiang's first Chinese project since 2014's Gone With the Bullets, which earned $81 million. Jiang is a legend of the Chinese industry — early work included a starring role in Zhang Yimou's classic Red Sorghum and Cannes Grand Prix winner Devils on the Doorstep — but he became a familiar face to filmgoers worldwide thanks to his prominent role in Lucasfilm's Rogue One: A Star Wars Story as Baze Malbus.
It's ...
- 5/14/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Chinese stars Gong Li and Jet Li are joining Disney’s live-action version of “Mulan” opposite Donnie Yen and Liu Yifei.
The film is a remake of Disney’s 1998 animated film in which Fa Mulan, daughter of aging warrior Fa Zhou, impersonates a man to take her father’s place during a general conscription during the Han Dynasty.
Jet Li is in final talks to play the emperor of China, who orders the mobilization of troops. Gong Li will portray the villain as a powerful witch. Chinese-Vietnamese actress Xana Tang will play Mulan’s sister.
Niki Caro is directing the film, which also includes Donnie Yen as Mulan’s mentor, Commander Tung. Mulan will begin shooting in August in China and New Zealand.
Chris Bender, Jason Reed, and Jake Weiner are producing the movie. The film’s release was recently pushed back by more than a year to March 27, 2020.
Gong...
The film is a remake of Disney’s 1998 animated film in which Fa Mulan, daughter of aging warrior Fa Zhou, impersonates a man to take her father’s place during a general conscription during the Han Dynasty.
Jet Li is in final talks to play the emperor of China, who orders the mobilization of troops. Gong Li will portray the villain as a powerful witch. Chinese-Vietnamese actress Xana Tang will play Mulan’s sister.
Niki Caro is directing the film, which also includes Donnie Yen as Mulan’s mentor, Commander Tung. Mulan will begin shooting in August in China and New Zealand.
Chris Bender, Jason Reed, and Jake Weiner are producing the movie. The film’s release was recently pushed back by more than a year to March 27, 2020.
Gong...
- 4/12/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Chinese actor-director Jiang Wen will preside over the main competition jury at the upcoming Shanghai International Film Festival. The festival unveiled Jiang's appointment Monday, saying that additional jury members would be announced soon.
Jiang has been a pillar of the Chinese film industry since the 1980s. His international breakthrough as an actor came in 1987, thanks to his performance opposite Gong Li in Zhang Yimou's Red Sorghum, which won the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival. He made his directorial debut in 1993 with In the Heat of the Sun, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival, winning its...
Jiang has been a pillar of the Chinese film industry since the 1980s. His international breakthrough as an actor came in 1987, thanks to his performance opposite Gong Li in Zhang Yimou's Red Sorghum, which won the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival. He made his directorial debut in 1993 with In the Heat of the Sun, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival, winning its...
- 3/27/2018
- by Patrick Brzeski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
BEIJING -- Hong Kong-based Emperor Motion Pictures took "a significant equity position" and will handle worldwide sales for mainland Chinese actor-director Jiang Wen's $10 million picture The Sun Also Rises, executives said Thursday.
Jiang's production company, Beijing Buyilehu Film Co., finished shooting last week in Beijing on his first film as a director since the controversial Cannes Grand Prix winner Devils On the Doorstep (2000), Emperor Motion Pictures said.
"Sun" stars Jiang, Anthony Wong, Jaycee Chan, Joan Chen, Zhou Yun and Kong Yishan. It is Jiang's third film as a director. Jiang co-wrote "Sun" with Guo Shixing and longtime collaborator Wang Shuping.
"We are absolutely delighted at finally concluding our negotiations," EMP chief executive Albert Lee said in a statement. "Jiang Wen is unquestionably one of the most brilliant Chinese filmmakers of his generation and, hopefully, 'The Sun Also Rises' will mark the first of many collaborations between us."
Jiang, 43, is perhaps best known outside China for his starring role opposite Gong Li in director Zhang Yimou's 1987 film Red Sorghum.
Jiang made his directing debut with In the Heat of the Sun, which won the Volpi Cup for its lead actor, Xia Yu, at the Venice International Film Festival in 1994.
Jiang's production company, Beijing Buyilehu Film Co., finished shooting last week in Beijing on his first film as a director since the controversial Cannes Grand Prix winner Devils On the Doorstep (2000), Emperor Motion Pictures said.
"Sun" stars Jiang, Anthony Wong, Jaycee Chan, Joan Chen, Zhou Yun and Kong Yishan. It is Jiang's third film as a director. Jiang co-wrote "Sun" with Guo Shixing and longtime collaborator Wang Shuping.
"We are absolutely delighted at finally concluding our negotiations," EMP chief executive Albert Lee said in a statement. "Jiang Wen is unquestionably one of the most brilliant Chinese filmmakers of his generation and, hopefully, 'The Sun Also Rises' will mark the first of many collaborations between us."
Jiang, 43, is perhaps best known outside China for his starring role opposite Gong Li in director Zhang Yimou's 1987 film Red Sorghum.
Jiang made his directing debut with In the Heat of the Sun, which won the Volpi Cup for its lead actor, Xia Yu, at the Venice International Film Festival in 1994.
- 12/7/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
BEIJING -- Banned in China since winning the Grand Prix at Cannes in 2000, Devils at the Doorstep, about the excesses of the Sino-Japanese war, was released on DVD here this week, heavily edited and apparently without the permission of the copyright holder or the director. The DVD was released Wednesday, by Qiaojiaren Audio Visual Co. of Guangzhou. But on Friday, Dong Ping, general manager of the film's copyright holder Poly Buona, said he was not even aware of the release. "We have never signed any contract with any company to distribute a DVD of 'Guizi Lai Le, ' " Dong said, calling the film by its Mandarin name. " 'Devils' has never screened in China," Dong said, because it did not pass muster with the censors at the state Film Bureau. An assistant to the film's director and star, Jiang Wen (best known in the West as the lead in Zhang Yimou's Red Sorghum), said Jiang also was unaware of the release.
- 3/31/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
BEIJING -- Li Man, a 17-year-old acting student, will make her film debut alongside Gong Li and Chow Yun-Fat in the latest picture from leading Chinese director Zhang Yimou. Dubbed the new Mou Girl by local media, 5-foot-5-inch Li, like Gong Li and Zhang Ziyi before her, is a student at the Central Academy of Drama in Beijing. World-famous Gong Li and Zhang Ziyi -- most recently co-stars in Rob Marshall's Memoirs of a Geisha -- made their starts in the Zhang Yimou films Red Sorghum (1987) and The Road Home (1999), respectively.
- 3/15/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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