Talking Entertainment: Arabian Nights Gets China Backing and Pathlight's New E-Shelves
Rumors are a buzz about a stack of Hollywood blockbusters coming into China this summer. Expect titles the likes of After Earth, Fast & Furious 6 (fan art seen above), Pacific Rim, Monsters University and Despicable Me 2 to reach our shores in July, hot on the heels of the new Superman adaptation Man of Steel, and Keanu Reeve's latest Kung Fu slammer Man of Tai Chi.
Last week's news of a historic agreement between China Film Co. and Legendary East has piqued our curiosity about what titles will be co-produced on both ends of the Pacific. And by no coincidence Chuck Russel's long-lost 3D adaptation of Arabian Nights, which was intended to be backed by Kazakh Film, has resurfaced with Zhejiang HG Entertainment's support, and using a new synopsis stamped and approved by the Chinese Film Bureau no less. Sinbad, Alladin and his Genie will continue making their rescue mission in August with an all-star cast including Anthony Hopkins and Liam Hemsworth.
In literary news, it is now easier than ever to get access to quality translations of Chinese writing. Quarterly translation journal Pathlight has made their last two issues available for download on Amazon and iTunes. The two-year-old publication brings the best of Chinese new literature to English readers with Mo Yan and Chinese Science Fiction featured in these latest editions.
Here are some Arts and Culture events this week: