Headlines from China: Chinese Film Director Dies from the Novel Coronavirus

Chinese Film Director Dies from the Novel Coronavirus

Chang Kai, a film director at Hubei Film Studio, died in a Wuhan hospital on February 14 from pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus, according to the obituary from the studio. He was 55. Chang’s father, mother, and elder sister all died from the same disease, one after the other, between January 27 and February 14. His parents were not able to be hospitalized after being first infected with the virus due to a shortage of beds. Chang’s wife, who is also infected, is now under inpatient treatment. Chang Kai leaves behind his only son, who is currently studying in the U.K. Born in Wuhan, Chang Kai worked on multiple documentary projects of Hubei Film Studio. A feature film Chang served as production manager, the Ferry, was selected into the main competition section of the Montreal World Film Festival in 2013 and was awarded the Prize of the Ecumenical Jury – Special Mention. Read more on National Business Daily

 Universal Pictures Officially Postponed ‘Dolittle’ China Release

Affected by the coronavirus outbreak, Universal Pictures announced today (Feb. 17) to cancel the February 21 theatrical release of Dolittle in China. The new opening date is yet to be determined. Dolittle is the first film starring Robert Downey Jr. as the leading character after the film Avengers: Endgame. The story is based on the novel named Voyages of Doctor Dolittle, which had been adapted many times for films. Read more on Mtime