Headlines from China: Publicity Department of Communist Party to Oversee China’s Film Sector

Publicity Department of Communist Party to Oversee China’s Film Sector

On March 20 (Beijing Time), a government restructure plan is approved by China’s congress. According to this plan, the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China will oversee China’s film sector. The department’s responsibilities include: oversee film production, distribution, exhibition, and censorship; guide and coordinate national and large-scale film events; oversee international co-production, film import and export, and film-related international exchange programs. Read more on chinafilm.com

‘Annihilation’ Set for April 13 China Release

American science fiction movie Annihilation has scored an April 13 China release, according to sources familiar with the matter. Directed by Alex Garland and starring Natalie Portman, the film follows a group of military scientists who enter a mysterious quarantined zone full of mutating landscapes and creatures. Since it was released in North America on February 23, the film has been receiving polarized reviews. The film will compete with another American sci-fi film Rampage, which also opens in China on April 13. Read more on Mtime

Can The Chinese Market Save LEGO?

In 2017, while the world’s largest toy company LEGO’s overall revenue decreased for the first time since 2004, its China division saw a double-digit revenue jump, which makes the company see China as the savior and actively expand business in China . In 2017, the first LEGO-certified store opened in Shanghai. In 2022, the first LEGO theme park will open in China. However, can the China market save LEGO? As local tech giants aggressively seek Chinese children’s attention and time through games and videos, it remains to be seen how much time will be left for LEGO products. Read more on TMT Post 

‘Operation Red Sea’ Director Set for Two Upcoming Action Films

At the ongoing Hong Kong FilMart, Emperor Motion Picture’s CEO Albert Yeung Sau Shing reveals that his company will continue to collaborate with Dante Lam, the director of box office record-breaker Operation Red Sea, to produce two action films in 2019. One film will be produced in collaboration with CCTV and China’s Ministry of Transport. The Other film will be an action drama telling a Hong Kong story. Read more on Mtime