Chungking Express Sequel
News has spread that Wong Kar-wai has written a sequel to his famed work Chungking Express. Set in Chongqing in 2036, the sequel is titled Chungking Express 2020 and is currently in development.
China’s Box Office Shows Promising Numbers
Since China reopened its cinemas on July 20th, it has reached a box office of RMB 5 billion ($735 million). 8.1% of the box office consists of re-screening of old classics such as Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Interstellar.
Wanda Pictures 2021-2022 Film Slate
Wanda Pictures - one of the biggest film companies in China - has unveiled its films on slate for the upcoming two years. This includes Detective Chinatown 3, The Octonauts Movie and the highly anticipated sci-fi novel adaptation Folding City.
HIFF 2020
Submissions for Hainan International Film Festival 2020 is still open. The deadline is 30th September!
Tencent Strikes Deal With Premier League
England’s Premier League has signed a deal China’s Tencent. The rest of the season’s games will be played on Tencent’s digital platforms such as WeChat, QQ.com and Tencent Video.
China to Raise Cinema Capacity
In preparation for the National Holiday on 1st October, China will be easing the pandemic safety measures and raise cinema capacity from 50% to 75%.
China Box Office
Since reopening the cinemas on 20th July, China’s box office has reached RMB5 billion ($738.4 million). Epic war drama The Eight Hundred which was released 21st August contributed to more than half, grossing over RMB2.6 billion ($384 million).
Mulan Chinese Release Date Confirmed
The Chinese theatrical release for Disney’s highly anticipated Mulan live action has been confirmed to be 11th September 2020, just a few days after its premiere on Disney+.
Game of Thrones creators to take on The Three-Body Problem
Game of Thrones creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss will be teaming up with Alexander Woo to adapt Liu Cixin’s Hugo Award-winning trilogy The Three-Body Problem. Talks about a live-action adaptation of Liu’s famed sci-fi novel has been floating around for years but nothing concrete ever came out. However, with Netflix green-lighting the project, Liu’s fans are all anticipating to hear further updates.
TikTok CEO Resigns
Former Disney executive Kevin Mayer has resigned as TikTok CEO only three months after taking on the post as a result of the ongoing struggle between the US and TikTok.
Chinese Rom-Com Breaking Records
Chinese romantic comedy Love You Forever which was released on Qixi Festival, China’s Valentine’s Day, had a box office of RMB277 million ($38.3 million) on its release day. This means the film has the record for highest single day box office worldwide in 2020.
The Eight Hundred Bringing Hope to China’s Reviving Film Industry
Amassing an opening weekend box office of RMB635.6 million (approx $92.2 million), Guan Hu’s much anticipated war epic drama The Eight Hundred has already reached a box office of RMB1.27 billion (approx $184.3 million) only 6 days after its release.
New Tom Hanks Film To be Released in China
A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood starring Tom Hanks will be released theatrically in China on 18th September. The film received investment from Tencent Pictures early last year and Tencent originally intended for it to be released domestically in February.
Tencent and iQiyi’s Future in Taiwan
It is being reported that Taiwan will be banning the Chinese streaming platforms Tencent and iQiyi. The order to formally be enacted on the 3rd September, after the 14-day notice period is over.
The Eight Hundred and Its Astonishing Numbers
After being delayed for a year, Guan Hu’s war epic The Eight Hundred is set to be released in China on 21st August and has already reached a presale of RMB171.5 million ($24.8 million). Furthermore, during its Monday preview, its box office was RMB50 million ($7.24 million).
Harry Potter Breaking New Records
The 4K 3D restoration of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was re-released on 14th August in China and has - as of 18th August - reached a box office of RMB 117 million (approx $16.9 million), becoming the highest weekend earner since cinemas reopened.
Legend of Deification Release Date Set
Enlight Pictures’ much anticipated follow up to last year’s smash hit Ne Zha has finally revealed its Chinese theatrical release date. Featuring the Chinese mythological figure Jiang Ziya, Legend of Deification will be released on China’s National Day, 1st October.
China Film Administration Pushing for More Sci-Fi
China Film Administration has released new guidelines together with China Association for Science and Technology to promote Chinese sci-fi films. The guidelines consist of 10 policies on the production, screening, special effects and other factors involved in developing sci-fi films.
Positive Feedback For Cinemas
According to recent Maoyan survey on cinema-goers in China, over 70% those who participated showed increased desire to go to the cinema compared to before the pandemic and over 80% were highly satisfied with the services provided by the cinemas. This survey shows an optimistic view on how the film industry in China in the near future.
Cinemas in Beijing to Receive Subsidies
Beijing Film Bureau will be offering RMB 20 million (approx $2.9 million) in subsidies to 232 cinemas in Beijing that have been affected harshly by the pandemic. Small to mid-sized businesses will be eligible for up to RMB 500 thousand (approx $71.7 thousand) depending on their box office earnings in 2019.
Interstellar Rerun Is a Box Office Success
Six years after its initial release, Interstellar was released for a second time in China last Sunday and grossed over $2.85 mission in a single day. This is the highest ‘opening’ day gross since cinemas reopened in China.
2020 Golden Rooster Film Festival Applications
China’s Golden Rooster Film Festival has opened up the ‘Film Projects’ section and is now calling for applications of new film projects for this year’s competition.
China’s Box Office in First Week of Reopening
In the first week of cinemas reopening, China sees a box office of RMB 109.39 million (approx $15.6 million) with 4.17 million admissions.
10th Beijing International Film Festival Date Set
Beijing International Film Festival has released the official poster for its 10th edition. According to the poster, the festival will be held between the 2nd of August and 29th of August. Further details are yet to be confirmed.
Beijing Cinemas to Reopen
Local cinemas in low-risk areas of Beijing have been green-lit by the Beijing Municipal Film Department to reopen on Friday 24th July.
Foreign Films to Start Screening
As China’s cinemas reopened yesterday in low-risk areas at 30% capacity, Robert Downey Jr’s Dolittle and Vin Diesel’s Bloodshot are confirmed to finally receive their Chinese theatrical release.
China’s Cinemas Reopened Today!
Cinemas in low risk areas of China have reopened on the 20th July. Thrilled moviegoers are showing their support to cinemas as the box office for the first day of opening surpassed RMB 3.4 million (approx $482,000).
Get Ready For SIFF!
The 23rd Shanghai International Film Festival will open on 25th July with a mixed format of both online and offline events. This will be the first large scale film industry event since the pandemic.
China’s Cinemas to Reopen
After almost six months of closure, cinemas in low-risk regions will be able to resume business from 20th July. Mid and high-risk regions will still remain closed. Regions that are designated as low-risk must implement strict epidemic prevention and control measures, and screenings will be capped at 30% capacity.
Bona Film Group Upcoming Film
Bona Film Group announced plans to shoot film depicting China’s fight against COVID-19 with the aim of overcoming the political noises and showing a human side of the story. Health expert Zhong Nanshan who led the battle, will be advising the producers of the film and serving as consultant.
11th China Film Director’s Guild Awards Official Selections
A preliminary list of 25 films have been selected to compete for this year’s China Film Directors’ Guild Awards. Films selected include Ne Zha, The Wandering Earth and My People, My Country.
Shanghai’s Cinema To Receive Subsidy
Shanghai Municipal Film Administration will give RMB 18 million (approx $2.6 million) to 345 cinemas that have been affected by the shutdown due to the pandemic. The amount individual cinemas receive will be based on its scale, number of screens and 2019 box office figures.
Unknown City in Guandong Province Sees Tourism Boom Following the Broadcast of Hit Web Thriller The Bad Kids
The Bad Kids is the second web series to be released under iQiyi’s ‘Light On Theater’ project that consists of six suspense and thriller web series. The Bad Kids is set in Zhanjiang City of Guangdong Province and just one week after the series aired, Zhanjiang saw a 261% increase in tourism. This of course is not the first time a lesser-known place saw overnight growth in popularity due to being TV shows and film shooting locations.
Tech Giant Tencent Opening Studio in California
Tencent’s new US studio LightSpeed LA will be headed by Steve Martin whose credits include Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption 2. This move reflects Tencent’s ambition to expand and create games for an international market.
SIFF to Take Place End of July
Originally taking place during the end of June, Shanghai International Film Festival was one of the numerous events that was postponed due to the pandemic. Reports have been released now announcing that SIFF will be taking place at the end of July.
Oscar Film Academy Increases Diversity
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has invited 819 artists and executives this year to increase it’s diversity, increasing its amount of international filmmakers to 49%. Chinese filmmakers who were invited include: Jia Zheng’s wife Zhao Tao (Ash is the Purest White) and Wu Jing (Wolf Warrior).
Bilibili Fined Due to Copyright Violations
Popular video-streaming platform Bilibili received a RMB 60,000 ($8,500) fine due to failure at removing an user-uploaded audio from the 2018 hit Dying to Survive.
The One International Women’s Film Festival ‘Work in Progress
The first and only women-themed film festival The One International Women’s Film Festival will be held in Chengdu in September. ONEIWFF supports independent women filmmakers the new ‘Working in Progress’ section is now open for submission.
One More Film to Add to Your WatchList
American-Chinese animated feature Over The Moon produced by Pearl Studio with animation by Sony Pictures Imageworks is a modern retelling of the Chinese Moon Goddess fable. The film is scheduled to be released on Netflix in 2020.
Coloroom Pictures’ CEO Yi Qiao Leaves
Yi Qiao has left his position as CEO of Coloroom Pictures, the animation studio behind Ne Zha, to become the CEO of October Media, the animation studio known for Monkey King: Hero is Back.
“Consumer Protection” and new Guidelines
China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism has modified guidelines for the reopening of China’s indoors entertainment venues, allowing them to operate at 50% capacity, while cinemas can only operate at 30% capacity, with one seat empty between every two people in the audience.
FIRST International Film Festival and Young Filmmakers
With the goal of providing future talents with industrial knowledge that will benefit their career in the long run, FIRST International Film Festival organised its annual one-week training camp Mart Open Week, offering intensive training to young filmmakers in all areas of filmmaking.
9th CIAFF Hosting the 2nd TOPUIAF
China Independent Animation Film Forum will be held in Jiangsu during the last week of October. Competition section of the event is now open for submissions.
Cinemas in Beijing to Receive ‘Special Development Fund’
To help struggling businesses in Beijing, the city’s finance bureau will be giving RMB 3 million (approx $424,000) to about 260 cinemas.
Light Chaser Animation Newest Animated Feature
Following White Snake, Light Chaser Animation will be aiming for a 2020 release of New Gods: Nezha Reborn, a modern adaptation of the beloved character Nezha. The film was selected for Annecy International Animation Film Festival’s Working-In Progress Unit.
“Pingyao Project Promotion” Section Now Open
The 4th Pingyao Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon International Film Festival funded by leading Chinese auteur Jia Zhangke has opened the “Pingyao Project Promotion” section calling filmmakers to submit their projects for review. The aim of this section is to shine a spotlight on promising film projects that are at an early stage of development.
New Addition to iQIYI’s International Business Division
Former Netflix Executive Kuek Yu-Chuang has now joined China’s major streaming platform iQIYIas the vice president in overseas market push.
The Fate of Cinemas in China Still Unknown
Cinemas in China have been closed since 24th January. They temporarily reopened in late March only to close down again. Currently, due to the new cases of COVID-19 that have emerged in Beijing recently, it remains unclear when cinemas will reopen.
60+ Films Awaiting for Release Date
Having been closed for over 140 days, it is unclear when cinemas in China will reopen. Nonetheless, there are over 60 highly anticipated domestic films waiting to be be assigned a release date. Prominent titles include Detective Chinatown 3, Legend of Deification and Zhang Yimou’s Under the Light.
Celebrities Help Stimulate China’s Economy for 6.18
China’s e-commerce giants (including content driven platforms) have partnered up with hundreds of celebrities to conduct a series of live-streams for 6.18 Shopping Festival. The aim is to stimulate China’s economy and boost sales of industries - especially food - that were negatively affected by COVID-19.
14th FIRST International Film Festival 2020
Taking place from July 26 to August 3 in Xining, FIRST International Film Festival is an annual event committed to supporting young talent, giving arthouse and independent filmmakers a chance to shine. This year’s Festival Ambassadors have been announced, including the rising actor Jackson Yee and actor Huang Xuan.
Lionsgate Entertainment World to Reopen
Lionsgate Entertainment World, the world’s first vertical theme based in Hengqin Island, has announced that it will reopen to the public on 24th June 2020 with new safety precautions in response to the pandemic. Healthcare workers will also have free admission.
2020 Edition ‘Bridging the Dragon’
‘Bridging the Dragon’ initiative operated by Cannes Marché du Film and Sino-European Producers has announced its speakers lineup which includes Studiocanal’s CEO Anna Marsh and Bona Film’s VP Jeffrey Chan and more. The event will be conducted online and will address issues regarding how the pandemic has affected the Chinese market’s production and distribution system.
3rd HIIFF to Proceed as Planned
H!Action Project Market of Hainan Island International Film Festival has officially opened registration. This makes Hainan Island International Film Festival the first film festival in Mainland China to confirm taking place as planned.
Government Subsidies For Film Industry
Eight new policies have been issued that will offer subsidies to facilitate the development of film business in the Oriental Movie Metropolis based in Qingdao. This move was made with the aim of helping Oriental Movie Metropolis to become an industry powerhouse.
Over 40% of theatres in China at risk of bankruptcy
As China’s film industry slowly opens up again, the Chinese Film Distribution Association recently conducted a market research that revealed 40% of the interviewed theatres believe they will have close down permanently by the end of 2020.
Bona Film Group New Guangzhou Branch
Leading Chinese film company Bona Film Group has officially set up a branch in Guangzhou, with the aim of advancing the culture industry in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area.
Legend of Deification Sets 2020 Release
Legend of Deification, from Enlight Pictures - the studio that brought to us last year’s smash hit Ne Zha - has officially announced its release. A specific date has not been set yet, but animation lovers can look forward to seeing the animated feature by the end of 2020.
Shanghai Disney Reopens
Shanghai Disney Resort has reopened its doors to the public but with new regulations. Visitors are required to wear masks, have their temperatures checked and practice social distancing. They must also show a green QR Shanghai health code, which is the government’s way of colour-coding and tracing potential exposures.
SAFS New Logo
The renowned Shanghai Animation Film Studio which has created some of the most beloved works in China’s animation history has recently revealed their new logo. Click here to view the fun and quirky animated logo.