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Eastern Grace Launches Nine-Title Debut Slate at Shanghai Film Festival - variety.com - China - city Shanghai - city Beijing
variety.com
17.06.2023 / 04:27

Eastern Grace Launches Nine-Title Debut Slate at Shanghai Film Festival

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief Eastern Grace Film, a new production company that teased its debut production “The Sand Murmurs” earlier this month, has gone one step further. It used the Shanghai International Film Festival to unveil a slate of nine new film productions. The company is an indirect subsidiary of Baination Pictures, a Beijing-based film and TV group that is listed on the Shenzhen stock exchange. Eastern Grace is headed by president Wilson Jiang, a veteran film distributor in China.

Uzbekistan Title ‘Sunday’ Claims Asian New Talent Prize at Shanghai Film Festival - variety.com - China - Iran - city Shanghai - Kazakhstan - Uzbekistan
variety.com
16.06.2023 / 10:25

Uzbekistan Title ‘Sunday’ Claims Asian New Talent Prize at Shanghai Film Festival

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief “Sunday,” by Uzbekistan-based director Shokir Kholikov, was Thursday named best film in the Asian New Talent section of the 25th Shanghai International Film Festival. The Asian New Talent Awards are called Golden Goblet Awards, but are separate from the festival’s official competition section, and favor new and emerging talent. The main competition jury will hand out its Golden Goblets on Sunday. The best director prize in the Asian New Talent section was shared by two helmers: China’s Luo Dong won for “May.” So too did Kazakhstan’s Aisultan Seit for “Qash.” Luo previously attended the Shanghai festival’s project market ten years ago and has since completed one other film.

Disney to Close Remaining Linear TV Channels in Southeast Asia and Korea - variety.com - Australia - New Zealand - China - Japan - Hong Kong - Taiwan - region Asia-Pacific - city Hong Kong
variety.com
16.06.2023 / 03:25

Disney to Close Remaining Linear TV Channels in Southeast Asia and Korea

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief Disney is to close its six remaining linear TV channels in Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Korea as the conglomerate puts a greater emphasis on direct-to-consumer streaming. The channels concerned are National Geographic, National Geographic Wild, Star Chinese Movies, Star Chinese Channel, Star Movies and Star World. Linear services will end from September in Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Korea, and by December in Taiwan. The group expects to retain a streamlined television portfolio with channels in Japan, China, Australia and New Zealand for the time being.

Ildikó Enyedi Talks Process and Precision in Shanghai Festival Masterclass - variety.com - China - Germany - Berlin - Hungary - city Shanghai - city Venice
variety.com
16.06.2023 / 02:23

Ildikó Enyedi Talks Process and Precision in Shanghai Festival Masterclass

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief Hungarian director and screenwriter Ildikó Enyedi brought some art-house royalty to the Shanghai International Film Festival this week with a masterclass that focused on her process and the struggle to maintain a unique voice. At one point in her on-stage discussion with Chinese director Zheng Dasheng, she called filmmaking “essentially a sole desperate cry, hoping to be heard by others.” Enyedi’s voice has certainly registered and been heard at Europe’s major film festivals. She won the Camera d’Or in Cannes in 1989 for best debut feature “My 20th Century,” saw her 1994 film “Magic Hunter” play in competition in Venice and she won the top prize Golden Bear in Berlin in 2017 with “On Body and Soul.”

China Box Office: ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ Scores $40 Million Opening Weekend - variety.com - China - Hollywood - state Oregon
variety.com
13.06.2023 / 02:33

China Box Office: ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ Scores $40 Million Opening Weekend

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” enjoyed a $38.9 million (RMB276 million) opening weekend in mainland China. The score was comfortably the biggest by any film between Friday and Sunday and the second biggest opening by a Hollywood film this year in the territory. Data from consultancy firm Artisan Gateway suggests that the film accounted for some 63% of China’s nationwide gross box office over the weekend. Giant screen systems provider, Imax reported that the film earned $5.9 million of the total from its screen network in China, or some 15% of the China total.

Chinese Film ‘The Sand Murmurs’ Set for Xinjiang Shoot (EXCLUSIVE) - variety.com - China - city Shanghai - city Television
variety.com
09.06.2023 / 09:07

Chinese Film ‘The Sand Murmurs’ Set for Xinjiang Shoot (EXCLUSIVE)

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief Big-budget period action film “The Sand Murmurs” is set to start production in China’s remote region of Xinjiang later this month. The film is the tale of a soldier and an enemy nobleman brought together after a once-in-a-century sandstorm. After braving a near-death experience together, the pair find common purpose despite their differences. They also need to work together to find their way out across 800km of desert. The picture is directed by Wu Youyin as an adaptation of his novel of the same title. Wu previously wrote and directed “Till The End of the World,” which released in 2018.

International Box Office Ready to Reap the Rewards of Hollywood’s Summer of Sequels - variety.com - France - China - Ireland - Japan
variety.com
07.06.2023 / 13:39

International Box Office Ready to Reap the Rewards of Hollywood’s Summer of Sequels

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief After a few pandemic-addled years, the global box office is finally ready to feel the warmth of the studios’ tentpole releases. Though the swing-back to pre-pandemic release schedules is happening at different speeds in each market, the quartet of “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” “Fast X,” “The Little Mermaid” and “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” — not to mention “The Super Mario Bros Movie” before them — have announced the arrival of Hollywood’s version of summer across much of the planet. France saw admissions climb by 33% in the first five months of 2023, compared with the equivalent period last year, according to data from the CNC (National Film Board). Compared with an average figure for 2017 to 2019, the performance of the 2023 box office is (only) 12% behind. France’s recovery has been powered by a string of successful local films including “Asterix and Obelix: The Middle Kingdom,” “Alibi.com 2,” “The Three Musketeers: D’Artagnan,” “The Crime Is Mine” and Cannes opener “Jeanne du Barry.”

Jia Zhang-ke Sets ‘We Shall Be All’ as First Feature Project in Five Years (EXCLUSIVE) - variety.com - China - Italy - Chicago - Tokyo
variety.com
06.06.2023 / 17:18

Jia Zhang-ke Sets ‘We Shall Be All’ as First Feature Project in Five Years (EXCLUSIVE)

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief Acclaimed Chinese auteur filmmaker Jia Zhang-ke has set “We Shall Be All” as his next feature directing project. It is his first in the five years since his “Ash Is Purest White,” which premiered in Cannes in 2018. Describing the project as a “dismantling of dystopia,” Jia says that the new film is set across the first two decades of the 21st century and tells the story of how a Chinese woman lives to herself in silence, celebrating the prosperous Belle Epoque with songs and dance. Some 22 years in the making, the film’s first elements were shot as far back as 2001. The balance will be filmed later this year. No release schedule has been indicated.

China Box Office: ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ Wins Opening Weekend - variety.com - China - Japan
variety.com
06.06.2023 / 17:13

China Box Office: ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ Wins Opening Weekend

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” grabbed top place at the mainland China box office over the weekend with an opening $17.2 million (RMB122 million) score. Giant screen company, Imax reports that $2.7 million, or more than 16% of the film’s China total, came from its Middle Kingdom venues. Chinese online ticketing agency Maoyan forecasts that “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” will earn a total of RMB241 million or $34 million at current exchange rates. “Fast X,” which had driven off with the spoils for the past two weekends, was overtaken on its third lap and achieved $7.7 million in second place, according to data from consultancy firm Artisan Gateway. After 17 days in Chinese cinemas, “Fast X” has accumulated $124 million, making it the highest-grossing imported titled released this year in China ahead of Japanese animation “Suzume.”

‘Is She the Wolf?,’ Japanese Reality Show, to Launch on Netflix – Global Bulletin - variety.com - Australia - India - Germany - Japan - Sri Lanka
variety.com
02.06.2023 / 03:21

‘Is She the Wolf?,’ Japanese Reality Show, to Launch on Netflix – Global Bulletin

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief Netflix is to launch a new Japanese reality show “Is She the Wolf?” which was developed with broadcaster Abema and adapted from the original show “Who Is the Wolf” which previously ran for 13 seasons. The show follows five men and five women on a quest for love through dates and a group project. However, some female participants are “lying wolves” who cannot fall in love. They must navigate the entire season without being discovered or accepting any declarations of love. It includes a diverse group of participants aged 22 to 32, including actors, artists, models, and athletes. “Is She the Wolf?” streams exclusively on Netflix in Japan beginning June 11, with new episodes streaming each Sunday. Outside Japan, all episodes will be released on Netflix in September 2023.

Sony’s Aniplex Buys Origamix Partners, Hatches Production Deal With Korea’s Imaginus - variety.com - South Korea - Japan
variety.com
31.05.2023 / 10:45

Sony’s Aniplex Buys Origamix Partners, Hatches Production Deal With Korea’s Imaginus

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief Aniplex, a Sony business unit best known as a major producer and distributor of anime films and series including the hit “Demon Slayer,” is to acquire Japanese IP development and talent management firm Origamix Partners. The firm will be expanded into live-action production. The deal was announced Wednesday and will become effective from June 1. The terms of the acquisition were not disclosed other than Aniplex obtaining “a full share” of the company. Sony said that Origamix, which has previously been behind the “Kingdom” film franchise and the “Alice in Borderland” series, now in its second season at Netflix,” will be renamed Myragion Studio.

Shanghai Film Festival Reveals Competition, Golden Goblet Contenders - variety.com - Australia - Spain - New Zealand - China - Italy - Canada - South Korea - India - Russia - Belgium - Japan - Iran - Hong Kong - city Shanghai - county Lawrence - city Hong Kong
variety.com
29.05.2023 / 11:23

Shanghai Film Festival Reveals Competition, Golden Goblet Contenders

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief The 25th Shanghai International Film Festival, June 9 to 18, has unveiled the titles in contention for awards in its four main feature-length sections: main competition, Asian New Talent, Animation film and documentary. These are eligible for the festival’s prestigious Golden Goblet Awards, winners of which will be announced at the Shanghai Grand Theater on the evening of June 17. While SIFF remains the only mainland China festival to be accredited as a so-called A-list event by the International Federation of Film Producers (FIAPF), its selections are largely separate and distinct from those at other major international festivals.

China Box Office: ‘Fast X’ Wins Second Weekend, While ‘The Little Mermaid’ Flop Sparks Debate on Racism, Casting and Political Correctness - variety.com - China - Hollywood - Japan
variety.com
29.05.2023 / 04:57

China Box Office: ‘Fast X’ Wins Second Weekend, While ‘The Little Mermaid’ Flop Sparks Debate on Racism, Casting and Political Correctness

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief “Fast X” predictably won a second weekend on top of the mainland China box office, driving its total past the $100 million mark. But the disappointing start for Disney’s live-action “The Little Mermaid” was the bigger talking point. “Fast X” earned $17.6 million in China according to data from consultancy Artisan Gateway. That was a 66% drop compared with its opening weekend, but still gave the film a $110 million cumulative after 12 days and has caused estimates to be further revised upwards. Ticketing agency Maoyan is now forecasting that the film will finish with RMB880 million ($126 million), having previously predicted RMB728 million ($104 million), and then RMB840 million.

‘Pigsy’ Animation Squeaks for Futuristic Adaptation of Chinese Classic ‘Journey to the West’ - variety.com - China - Hong Kong - Taiwan
variety.com
25.05.2023 / 10:21

‘Pigsy’ Animation Squeaks for Futuristic Adaptation of Chinese Classic ‘Journey to the West’

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief Magic Fair, a Miami-Paris based indie sales company and Hong Kong- and Paris-based All Rights Entertainment have launched rights sales on upcoming feature animation “Pigsy,” directed by Chiu Li-Wei (“Barkley”) during the Cannes Film Festival’s Marche du Film. The film is a reimagining of the classic Chinese tale “Journey to the West.” The story follows a self-absorbed and lazy pig on a journey to lasting happiness. Set in a distant future, the film sees Pigsy embark on a deceitful quest for a better life, only to find that true happiness may be closer than he thinks. The production has recently added Taiwanese stars Greg Han, Liu Kuan-Ting, Harlem Yu, Tuo Tsung-Hua, Chung Hsin-Ling, Ivy Shao, Waa Wei and K.R. Bros. The film is to be completed in time for release at Chinese New Year in early 2024. Production is by the Netherland’s studio Submarine (“Where is Anne Frank,” TV series “Undone” Season 2, “Apollo 10 ½ : A Space Age Childhood”) with Taiwan’s Greener Grass (“GrX”) and Studio2 (“Barkley,” “Get the Hell Out,” “The Tag-Along”).

Wang Luodan and Bosco Wong Head ‘My Dearest Stranger,’ Ambitious China Drama Series - variety.com - France - China - Hong Kong - Taiwan - city Hong Kong
variety.com
23.05.2023 / 08:21

Wang Luodan and Bosco Wong Head ‘My Dearest Stranger,’ Ambitious China Drama Series

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief Mainland Chinese star Wang Luodan (“The Dead End,” “Struggle,” “The Continent”) and Hong Kong-born Bosco Wong (“Lives of Omission,” “Triumph In The Skies”) head the cast of “My Dearest Stranger.” The high-end suspense drama series is a production fronted by mainland Chinese distributor-producer Hishow Entertainment, which announced the production at the Cannes Market, adjacent to the Cannes Film Festival in France. Based on the best-selling novel “Secret Love,” by Fan Shu and adapted by renowned screenwriter Cao Xueping (“Game Changer”), “My Dearest Stranger” tells a compelling story of Yu Xiao, a housewife who realizes her seemingly perfect husband may have a dark side. Yu decides to cooperate with policeman Song Cheng to find out the truth, while trying to keep her own secrets from the world.

China Box Office: ‘Fast X’ Has Hollywood’s Best Opening of 2023 - variety.com - China
variety.com
22.05.2023 / 05:01

China Box Office: ‘Fast X’ Has Hollywood’s Best Opening of 2023

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief “Fast & Furious 10” (aka “Fast X”) dominated the mainland China box office with a strong opening weekend and a revved up opening five days. Data from consultancy firm Artisan Gateway shows Fast X scored $51.1 million between Friday and Sunday, to comfortably top the Chinese box office, with a 58% market share. Unusually, the film opened on a Wednesday. Over five days, it accumulated $77.4 million.Imax reported that the film pulled in $8.4 million from China, accounting for 11 of the China market opening, from fewer than 1% of the screens in the market. The figures reflect the five-day score, not the conventional weekend.

Hong Sang-soo’s ‘In Our Day’ Scores Sales Deals Ahead of Cannes Premiere - variety.com - Australia - Spain - France - China - state Louisiana - South Korea - India - city Seoul - Japan - Switzerland - Arizona - Greece - Berlin - Taiwan - city Busan - Liechtenstein
variety.com
21.05.2023 / 22:15

Hong Sang-soo’s ‘In Our Day’ Scores Sales Deals Ahead of Cannes Premiere

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief “In Our Day,” the film by South Korean auteur Hong Sang-soo which closes the Directors’ Fortnight section of the Cannes film festival, has seen distributors in multiple territories move early to strike rights deals. French rights were picked up by Capricci), Spanish rights by L’Atalante Cinema and Greek rights by Ama Films. The film has its official premiere on May 25. Seoul-based Finecut has long been the sales agent for Hong’s plentiful output. In addition to the deals on “In Our Day,” Finecut signed agreements with L’Atalante, with France’s Ariona Films and Taiwan’s Cola Films for “In Water,” Hong’s first film of 2023 which premiered in the Encounters section in Berlin in February. The film was previously sold to Cinema Guild for North America.

Hot Vietnam Production ‘Don’t Cry, Butterfly’ Boarded by ‘Plan 75’ Producer Wilfredo Manalang (EXCLUSIVE) - variety.com - Canada - Japan - Indonesia - Vietnam - Hong Kong - Singapore - Philippines
variety.com
20.05.2023 / 05:13

Hot Vietnam Production ‘Don’t Cry, Butterfly’ Boarded by ‘Plan 75’ Producer Wilfredo Manalang (EXCLUSIVE)

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief Wilfredo Manalang, who was one of the producers of last year’s Cannes’ Japanese hit “Plan 75,” has come on board Vietnamese film project “Don’t Cry, Butterfly.” Manalang (aka Will Fredo) and partners in his Philippines-based Fusee consortium will join as an executive producer. Written and to be directed by Duong Dieu Linh, “Don’t Cry, Butterfly” follows a Vietnamese housewife who finds out that her husband is cheating on her. Instead of confronting him, she uses voodoo on him so he falls back in love with her. Production of “Don’t Cry Butterfly” is by Tan Si En at Singapore-based Momo Film Co. The company was founded in 2018 by Tan and writer-director Kris Ong. In 2021, Beach House Pictures, part of Canada’s Blue Ant Media, acquired a majority stake in Momo.

Poised for Breakup, China’s Alibaba Finishes Year With $10 Billion Profit - variety.com - China - Hong Kong - city Hong Kong
variety.com
18.05.2023 / 12:25

Poised for Breakup, China’s Alibaba Finishes Year With $10 Billion Profit

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief Alibaba, China’s e-commerce and entertainment giant, announced net profits of $10.6 billion for its financial year to the end of March, a year-on-year increase of 39%. The rebound was achieved on revenues of $126 billion that were up by just 2%. Using the group’s preferred non-GAAP measure to exclude extraordinary items, net income rose by a smaller 4%, but weighed in at over $20 billion. The importance of the overall figures has been rendered moot by Alibaba’s end of March announcement that it plans to transform itself from an operating company into a holding company, by allowing each of its six divisions to go their own way.

Shanghai Film Festival Sets Out China-Centric Agenda - variety.com - Spain - China - India - Germany - Indonesia - Poland - Hong Kong - city Shanghai
variety.com
18.05.2023 / 11:31

Shanghai Film Festival Sets Out China-Centric Agenda

Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief Returning as an in-person event after cancelation last year, the Shanghai International Film Festival has set out an agenda with a clear focus on China. The festival (June 9-16) will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative, China’s economic outreach and development program. With a series of press conferences and film culture roundtables, the SIFF’s Belt and Road Film Week will “bring together old friends of the alliance from previous years and new friends made this year [..] and announce an action plan for the future.”

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