French distributor Pretty Pictures has acquired three films produced by China’s August First Studios: My Long March, The First Of August and Night Attack.
My Long March was made to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Long March while The First of August and Night Attack mark the 80th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army.
Pretty Pictures’ James Velaise says the films are not propaganda, even though they deal with Chinese 20th century history seen exclusively from their point of view.
He told ScreenDaily that the deal was concluded with China Film Group after an 18 month process, which allowed time for the delivery materials to be brought up to Western standards.
According to a report on China.org.cn, China’s State Administration of Radio, Film and Television said the deal reflected the French government’s intention to improve relations with China.
Velaise added: “These films are a real discovery, they are highly entertaining, glossy and with great action scenes and have very talented actors. It amuses me to see that Chinese press is now trying to equate this deal with a thaw in Franco-Chinese relations, which is of course ridiculous. It shows how China’s raging capitalism has still not infiltrated official press (and film productions units) who equate a private French company with official French agencies.”
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