Sino Silver Screen: This Week in China Film News

This post comes courtesy of our content partners at China Film Insider.

‘Free Solo’ Becomes Highest-grossing Foreign Documentary in China

Oscar-winning documentary Free Solo has become the highest-grossing foreign documentary in China after only one week in release. Since its release on Sep 6, the film has received good reviews from Chinese audiences. The film was imported by China Film Group and promoted by Alibaba Pictures as well as Alibaba’s online ticketing platform Tao Piaopiao. In addition to regular 2D screenings, the film is also being shown in Chinese theaters in 3D IMAX and CGS (China Grand Screen) formats, which allows viewers to have an even more immersive viewing experience.

Read more on Ynet. 

Germany-China Animated Film ‘Pets United’ Scores Release Date

Pets United, a Germany-China co-produced animated film, has been scheduled for release in Chinese theaters on Nov 8. The film tells the story of a group of pets who start an adventure to save the world and its people from unhappiness. Animal United producer/director/writer Reinhard Klooss directed the film while David Newman composed the score. Crew members previously worked on various renowned projects such as Despicable Me, Angry Bird, and Monkey King: Hero is Back.

Read more on Mtime.

‘Nezha’ Gets Second-round of Theatrical Extension

On Sep 17, Huaxia Film Distribution announced that the Chinese animated film Nezha has been permitted to extend its theatrical run for a second time, meaning the film will stay in Chinese theaters until Oct 26. Since being released nearly 60 days ago, Nezha has grossed over RMB 4.9 billion cumulatively in China. In North America, Nezha has also taken USD 3 million, exceeding Wolf Warrior 2‘s earnings there.

Read more on 1905.com.

China’s Media Regulator Considering New Policies to Limit Length of TV Series

China’s National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) is working on new policies to limit the number of episodes of TV series to 40. The policy is still in development and NRTA is in discussion with industry professionals for feedback and suggestions. According to Caixin, the proposed policies aim to solve perceived ongoing problems with TV dramas containing an unnecessary amount of superfluous content that only exists to bulk up the number of episodes.

Read more on Caixin.

‘Weathering With You’ Set to Release in China

Weathering With You, the latest animated film from acclaimed Japanese director Makoto Shinkai, has been confirmed for a China release. Selected as the Japanese entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards, Weathering With You is distributed by Enlight Media. Shinkai’s 2016 film Your Name was also released in China and eventually earned RMB 577 million (USD 81 million) at the box office, making it the highest-grossing Japanese film ever in the Chinese film market.

Read more on Dianying Pingbaochu.

READ: Why You Should Go See "Nezha"

Photo courtesy of China Film Insider