A string of Chinese language films are set to get North American theatrical releases through the December holiday period.
Specialty distributor Asia Releasing this week (Nov. 20) gives North American and U.K. outings to “Our Times,” a hit Taiwanese romance, on behalf of rights holder Magnum Films.
"Our Times” was released in Taiwan in August and grossed $13 million, making it the fifth highest box office performer in the territory. It was released in Hong Kong and other 'Greater China’ territories in October. The film’s North American and U.K. outings are synchronized with this week’s release of the picture in mainland China (Nov. 19.)
The company will also be giving North American and U.K. releases on Dec 18 to “Surprise,” an upcoming mainland Chinese comedy. The film is directed by Yi Xiaoxing as an adaptation of an online comedy which has viewership of over 3 billion views. Celebrity blogger Han Han, who made his own directing debut last year with hit “The Continent,” serves as art director. Huang Jianxing is executive producer.
Asia Releasing will also give a Jan. 1, 2016 U.K. release to “Ip Man 3,” the Donnie Yen and Mike Tyson-starring martial arts actioner that releases in Hong Kong on Christmas Day (Dec. 25) and in China on New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31).
Produced on an estimated budget of $36 million, the picture is the final instalment of the biopic franchise directed by Wilson Yip about the kung fu master who was mentor to Bruce Lee. Asia Releasing will handle the U.K. release on behalf of rights holder and North American distributor WellGo, which has set a Jan. 22, 2016 for the U.S. outing.
Asia Releasing is also handling the U.K. releases of “Our Times,” “Ex Files 2,” and the recent “Lost in Hong Kong.”