Sci-fi Film Based on Liu Cixin’s Novel Set for Chinese New Year Release
The Wandering Earth, an upcoming science fiction film based on Liu Cixin’s novel of the same name, has been scheduled to release during the lucrative Chinese new year season. The film was directed by Guo Fan and stars Li Guangjie,Qu Jingjing and Qu Chuxiao. Wu Jing, who wrote, directed and starred in China’s highest-grossing film of all time Wolf Warrior 2, also appeared in the film. In the film, the sun is dying out, a group of brave astronaut set out to find new planet for the whole human race. Liu Cixin is the most celebrated Chinese science fiction writer and a winner of the Hugo Award. This is the first time a local science fiction movie scores a Chinese New Year release. Read more on Sina
‘Paths of the Soul’ Director’s New Film Enters IDFA
Up The Mountain, an upcoming documentary by Chinese director Zhang Yang, has been selected into the upcoming International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam. Zhang Yang directed hit documentary Paths of the Soul, which is a 2015 Tibetan pilgrimage film that raked in 65 million yuan ($9.35 million) in China, a rare success for a documentary film in the China market. In Up The Mountain, Zhang Yang moved his focus from Tibet to Yunnan, which is another Chinese province known for its natural scenery and seclusiveness. Up The Mountain will have its world premiere at IDFA. Read more on Mtime
Two Chinese-language Animated Films Shortlisted for Oscars
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science just announced this year’s short list of films for the Best Animated Film Award. There are 25 animated films on the list, including two Chinese-language films Have A Nice Day and On Happiness Road. Have A Nice Day is directed by Chinese filmmaker Liu Jian. The film had its world premiere at last year’s Berlinale, and then was yanked in May from the Annecy International Film Festival in France. It also received three nominations at the 54th Taipei Golden Horse Awards. On Happiness Road is directed by Taiwanese filmmaker Sung Hsin-yin. Read more on Mtime