Headlines from China: Six Things to Avoid for a Film to Pass China Censorship

A still from ‘No Man’s Land’

Six Things to Avoid for a Film to Pass China Censorship

In this article originally published on The Beijing News, the author summarizes what needs to be avoided for a film to pass the Chinese censorship. First, the theme of a film shouldn’t promote or highlight negative values. Several domestic films, such as ‘No Man’s Land,’ ‘Gasp,’ and ‘Driverless’ were named and criticized by a reviewing committee member for such a reason. Second, extremely violent scenes shouldn’t be given close up views; third, ghosts are allowed to exist in a character’s mind, but can’t be materialized in a film. Other sensitive elements include details of criminal investigations, sexual scenes, and the choosing of locations of explosions, etc. Read more on Ent Group

Previously Cancelled ‘Youth’ to Open Across China This Year

On October 28, the inaugural Pingyao International Film Festival raised its curtain in ancient Chinese city Pingyao. Fan Bingbing, John Woo, Feng Xiaogang, and Jia Zhangke are among the filmmakers who attended the opening ceremony. The opening screening of Feng Xiaogang’s ‘Youth’ took place at an outdoor theater with about 1500 audiences in attendance. Huayi Brothers Media, the film’s producer, announced during the festival that ‘Youth’ would be released in China later this year, although a release date hadn’t been set yet. Read more on Mtime

Chinese Documentaries ‘Twenty Two’ and ‘Born in China’ are Considered to Compete for the Oscars

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recently announced a list of documentaries that are eligible to be nominated for this year’s Academy Award for Best Documentary. Chinese documentary ‘Twenty Two‘ and Chinese American co-production ‘Born in China‘ appear on this list along with other 168 documentaries from all around the world. From the 170 eligible documentaries, including ‘Jane,’ ‘Cries from Syria,’ and ‘City of Ghosts,’ five will be nominated for the Award. Read more on Sohu

Chinese Adaptation of Keigo Higashino’s ‘Miracles of the Namiya General Store’ Set for December 29 China Release

‘Miracles of the Namiya General Store,’ a Chinese production adapted from acclaimed Japanese writer Keigo Higashino’s novel of the same name, has scored a December 29 China release, according to an announcement made at the film’s press conference on October 29 (Beijing Time). In addition to Wanda and Emperor Motion Pictures, Hanhan‘s Ting dong Culture also participated in the production of the film. The film stars some of China’s most popular young idols, such as TFBoy’s Wang Junkai, actress Dilraba, and actor Dong Zijian. Read more on Sina