‘Blade Runner 2049’ Passes Chinese Censorship

American neo-noir science fiction film ‘Blade Runner 2049’, a sequel to Ridley Scott’s ‘Blade Runner’, has passed Chinese censorship and is expected to be imported into China for a theatrical release. ‘Blade Runner’ was released in 1982 and became a sci-fi classic that influences many other later sci-fi classics such as ‘The Matrix’ and ‘Ghost in the Shell’. Directed by Canadian filmmaker Denis Villeneuve, the sequel is set in Los Angeles in 2049, and stars Ryan Gosling, who has become well-known in China due to the popularity of ‘La La Land’. Read more on Mtime

‘Kingsman: The Golden Circle’ Scores October 20 Release Date for China

‘Kingsman: The Golden Circle’, the action spy comedy film that follows Kingsman and their American counterparts the Statesman when the world is facing a new threat, has scored a October 20 release date for China. The film is a sequel to ‘Kingman: The Secret Service’, which was released in 2015 and made $400 million worldwide. Both installments are directed by Matthew Vaughn and star Colin Firth. The upcoming ‘Kingsman: The Golden Circle’ also includes Julianne Moore and Halle Berry in its cast. Read more on Mtime

Partnering with Beijing Film Academy, CITIC Guoan Group to Involve Further in the Film Business

On September 19, CITIC Guoan Group, a division of Chinese conglomerate CITIC Group, signed an agreement with Beijing Film Academy to form a strategic partnership. The two parties will work together to develop film education programs, consolidate talent resources, and facilitate the development of CITIC Guoan studio. Considering that the shortage of talents is one of the major problems Chinese film industry is facing, CITIC Guoan Group hopes to tackle this problem with China’s best film school. According to the agreement, 10 student films by students of the Beijing Film Academy will be produced at the CITIC Guoan Studio this year. Read more on Ent Gorup

Alibaba Completes Integrating Ticketing Platform Damai into Its Entertainment Ecosystem

Founded in 2004, Damai has become the largest entertainment ticketing platform in China, selling tickets to music concerts, plays, and sports games. In March 2017, Alibaba acquired Damai with the aim of integrating it into its entertainment ecosystem. On September 19, Alibaba announced a new initiative, which integrates Damai with two other products MaiLive and Mai Zuo. While Damai will remain its focus on online ticketing, MaiLive with provide solutions to improving the productions of live performances, and Mai Zuo will provide solutions to venue management. Read more on TMT Post

Film about Liberation of Tibet Approved to Open in China on December 8

‘The Chainbreakers’, an epic drama that tells the history of PLA liberating Tibet, has scored a December 8 release date. Striving to present this history from Tibetan people’s authentic perspectives, director Yang Rui spent 6 years completing the film. The film premiered early this year at the Beijing International Film Festival and received several awards including a grand jury award at the Festival. Read more on Sina