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Soulmates has been canceled by AMC despite already having been renewed. In recent months, the streaming and television landscape has shifted considerably, with Netflix consolidating their lineup after dropping subscribers for the first time in years, The CW taking the axe to a huge swath of series after being sold off, and both HBO Max and Paramount+ quietly removing series from their services during mergers. The darkest trend born from this tumultuous period has been the recurring cancelation of series that were already renewed, including I Am Not Okay With This and Inside Job at Netflix and Dexter: New Blood at Showtime.

Per THR, AMC has reversed its 2020 decision to greenlight Soulmates season 2. The anthology series, which follows various guest stars using a near-future testing service to find their soulmate, originally premiered in October 2020 and was renewed before its first episode dropped. According to the network, the viewership numbers did not reflect their original expectations.

Exclusive: Following the global success of Netflix original series D.P. and Hellbound, and the Netflix original film Jung-e, South Korea’s Climax Studio is developing filmmaker Jason Kim’s The Monster Tale along with Andy Serkis and Jonathan Cavendish’s Imaginarium Productions.

Serkis and Cavendish will serve as executive producers on the project alongside Climax’s Byun Seung-Min.

The Monster Tale brings together a warring group of three infamous East Asian monsters, an unlikely team of enemies who must unite to defeat a menacing invasion by a monster from across the seas in Europe.

Kim, who has the upcoming Netflix original series Bloodhounds, is alsoknown for his Korean box office hit Midnight Runners, will write and direct The Monster Tale.

“Bringing brilliant, flawed and complex characters to the screen is at the heart of what we do at the Imaginarium and we cannot wait to work with Climax Studio and...

In a candid new interview with Vicky Cornell, the widow of late rocker Chris Cornell looked back on the heartbreaking night he passed away.

In May 2017, the Soundgarden frontman died by suicide at age 52. However, Vicky said the performer did not appear to be depressed or suicidal leading up to his death.

“This was like a tsunami. This was nothing. This was not on the radar. This was not like ‘Oh, we have to deal with this’ in any sort of way,” she told Gayle King during Thursday’s episode of SiriusXM’s “Gayle King in the House”. “Chris did not suffer suicidal ideation, and Chris was not even depressed. Chris was in recovery, and he had been on benzos. But again, looking back… It came from nowhere.”

Read More: Chris Cornell’s Daughter Shares Video Of Them Singing Rihanna & Eminem In Honour Of Late Singer’s 58th Birthday

For most of his life,...

After the 2000s seemingly kickstarted a new wave of independent horror, the 2010s (and beyond) were an exceptional time for new and emerging, as well as established, filmmakers to leave their own mark on the landscape of genre storytelling. One of the most notable aspects, or even trends, that I noticed while doing research for this entire series of retrospectives is how out of all of the decades, it feels like the 2010s was one of the best times for female filmmakers to get the opportunity to take the helm in comparison to other decades. The 1980s had a handful of women directors working in independent horror, but during both the ’90s and ’00s, it felt like the industry as a whole had taken a few steps backwards in providing female filmmakers the opportunity to tell the stories they wanted to tell.

Thankfully, though, the door swung back open in...

Lionsgate is set to handle the global sales of “Loveboat, Taipei” a U.S.-Taiwanese YA romance film that started production in Taiwan shortly before Christmas.

The picture is based on a best-selling novel by Abigail Hing Wen in which a young American woman is sent by her parents to a cultural immersion program in Taipei. The trip turns into a summer of romance and she has to choose between the attention of two attractive, but significantly different, young men and her true passion of dancing.

“Lionsgate is handling all global sales on the film though it’s too early to discuss specific territories,” a company spokesman told Variety in an emailed statement.

With its blend of Asian-American characters, romantic decisions and dance moves, the story has been pitched as a mix of “Crazy Rich Asians” and “La La Land.”

Taiwanese-American director Arvin Chen (“Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow...

As an actress, Cho Eun-ji has starred in films including Jung Byung-gil’s The Villainess.

South Korean sales company Contents Panda is launching international sales on Perhaps Love (aka Not On My Lips), the directorial debut of Cho Eun-ji, who is well-known as a character actress from Cannes titles such as Im Sang-soo’s The President’s Last Bang and Jung Byung-gil’s The Villainess.

Described as a sort of comedic, Korean Love Actually, the multi-character romantic comedy stars Ryu Seung-ryong from hit thriller Extreme Job, Oh Na-ra (Because I Love You), Kim Hie-won (Pawn), Lee You-young (Diva), Sung Yu-been (Moonlit Winter) and MuJin-sung.

This weekend marks the much-noted 50th anniversary of “The French Connection’s” release. “The Manor” perhaps inadvertently stirs memories of another William Friedkin joint, 1990 horror “The Guardian,” which was so disliked by the director that he omitted mentioning it in his otherwise fairly comprehensive memoirs. This addition to the second “Welcome to the Blumhouse” quartet of genre features likewise offers an evil tree-entity, to perhaps less campily absurd results — which is both a good and a bad thing.

Writer-director Axelle Carolyn’s second solo feature (following 2013’s ghost story “Soulmate”) provides a welcome starring vehicle for Barbara Hershey, who hasn’t had one in some years. But . Completing the current “Welcome” package, “The Manor” makes its Amazon Prime bow alongside “Madres” on Oct. 8.

At her 70th birthday party, still-youthful widow Judith (Hershey) suffers a mild stroke. Three months later, she’s insisted on moving into a luxe elder-care facility, explaining “Whenever I become … diminished,...

“Better Days” director Derek Tsang has been tapped to direct and co-executive produce Netflix’s adaptation of “Three-Body-Problem” for David Benioff and D.B. Weiss. The forthcoming series, based on the trilogy from Chinese author Liu Cixin, tells the story of what happens when humanity discovers that we are not alone in the universe.

“Game of Thrones” creators Benioff and Weiss will serve as showrunners for the series under their their overall deal with Netflix. Tsang’s romance crime feature, “Better Days,” was nominated for best international feature film at the 93rd Academy Awards, after it won eight awards at the 39th Hong Kong Film Awards. The film stars Zhou Dongyu, Jackson Yee, Yin Fang, Huang Jue, Wu Yue, Zhou Ye and Zhang Xinyi among others. Tsang’s solo directorial debut in 2016, “Soul Mate,” earned him the Best Director Award at the 2017 Hong Kong Film Director’s Guild.

Alexander Woo co-created...

Netflix’s Three-Body Problem has tapped Oscar-nominated Hong Kong director Derek Tsang (Better Days) to helm the series adaptation of Liu Cixin’s sci-fi trilogy. The series hails from Game of Thrones alumni David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, who serve as showrunners and executive producers under their overall deal with the streamer. Alexander Woo co-created the series with the Got duo and will serve as executive producer and writer under his deal with Netflix.

Three-Body Problem is a dramatic series inspired by Liu’s epic science fiction trilogy, which tells the story of what happens when humanity discovers that we are not alone in the universe. The first book tells the story of Ye Wenjie, who, following her father’s death at the hands of the Red Guards during the Cultural Revolution, attempts to help aliens invade Earth, while different factions on Earth plan different ways of welcoming the extra-terrestrials.

Siff Young is jointly organised with the Cannes Marche.

Shanghai International Film Festival (Siff) announced the five directors who have been selected for Siff Young, a new talent support programme jointly organised by the Cannes Marche du Film, during the festival’s opening weekend.

Four of the filmmakers – Han Shuai, Liang Ming, Rao Xiaozhi and Wang Jing – attended the June 12 event in person, which was held as a forum with a live audience at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. The fifth is Hong Kong-based Derek Tsang who was unable to come in person due to pandemic travel restrictions.

The directors were...

Denson Baker was named Australian cinematographer of the year for his work on Tvnz/BBC mini-series The Luminaries at the national Australian Cinematographers Society (Acs) Awards in Canberra this evening.

In addition to the Milli Award, Baker also won a Gold Tripod for his work on episode 2 of the series, ‘The Place You Return’.

On winning the award Baker said: “I am indebted to my fellow Australian cinematographers for this incredible honour. Milli recipients are some of the world’s most influential and inspiring cinematographers.

“It is beyond a privilege to be included alongside these very people who define great cinema – both in Australia, and on the world stage. Thank you to each and every member of the Australia Cinematographer’s Society. Your artistry and leadership is deeply appreciated.”

Dion Beebe snared the Gold Tripod for Feature Films – Budget $2 million and over for his work on wife Unjoo Moon’s I Am Woman,...

Chicago, Il – – With one of its most diverse lineups, Asian Pop-Up Cinema: Season 12 continues with a drive-in film festival, April 15 – May 2 at The Drive-In at Lincoln Yards, operated by local landmark cinema, Davis Theater.

This season highlights the best of Asian filmmaking, with a lineup of features from Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, China, South Korea, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Mongolia. In addition to many international and U.S. premieres, the festival will screen five official selections submitted for 2021 Academy Awards consideration.

Oscar-nominated Minari will have a special screening on April 29 and May 1 at the Drive -In. Lee Isaac Chung’s acclaimed film, nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress and Best Original Score, tells the story of a Korean family pursuing the American dream on an Arkansas farm. Sponsored by the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Chicago, the screening will...

Kai Ko and Vivian Hsu star in romantic drama, which starts shooting later this month in Taipei.

Taipei-based Distribution Workshop has picked up international rights to Taiwanese-American filmmaker Arvin Chen’s latest film Mama Boy.

The romantic drama stars Kai Ko (You Are The Apple Of My Eye) as a shy young man who finds himself attracted to a single mother, played by Vivian Hsu (Little Big Women), at a sex hotel. Filming will start at the end of March in Taipei, with a release targeted for November this year.

The key crew include producer Aileen Li, whose credits include...

The world of Australian short film Soulmate could be set to expand after being selected to premiere globally on streaming platform Film Shortage.

The sci-fi thriller joins hand-picked shorts from across the world on the online film site, which is free to access.

It comes after a premiere at this year’s Flickerfest 2021, where it was awarded Best Cinematography.

Filmed across three days against the backdrop of a Bulgarian winter, Soulmate stars newcomer Holly May Lewis as Mila, a 13-year-old who plays a deadly game of cat and mouse in a world where overpopulation has caused a desperate law that forces citizens to kill their designated ‘Soulmate’.

The film was written and directed by Nik Kacevski as a proof-of-concept for an episodic show, with Christopher Seeto serving as producer.

Kacevski tells If he is ready to explore the concept further, describing the short film as “a trigger” for the story’s potential progression.

Final exams have rarely taken a heavier toll than they do in Better Days, an arresting teen-oriented story that cranks Chinese scholastic competitiveness into the realm of murderous melodrama. A major success in China, where it grossed over $220M in the wake of its November 2019 release, Chinese-born, Canadian-raised director Derek Tsang’s take on the YA novel source, In His Youth, In Her Beauty, by Jiu Yuexi, elevates a distressing tale of lethal teen behavior into an involving account of youthful malice and resilience. Widely available on various broadcast sites, the Hong Kong film has been shortlisted for this year’s International Feature Oscar race.

Perhaps more than in any other country, students’ professional fates in China are determined by the gaokao, the equivalent of the National College Entrance Exam in the U.S. For Chen Nian, success is vital; her poor single mother lives elsewhere and it’s entirely up to Nian to make her own way in life.

But the very self-reliant and self-contained Nian has her work cut out for her quite apart from academics; the sinister rich girls in Anqiao, a city of some 1.3 million in Eastern China, make the bratty babes in Mean Girls look like amateurs by comparison. At the outset, a 12th grader has just committed suicide, sparking an investigation, and already the nasty rich girl crew has set its sights on the next victim, Nian. The tip-off: Returning to her desk, Nian finds a pool of blood on her chair.

While on paper this may sound like recycled teen horror fare, Zhou and director Tsang downplay the sensationalism, choosing instead to invest the drama with sufficient gravity and realism to bestow it with acceptable credibility. Slight-of-stature Nian lives in a depressingly grim little hellhole and is obliged to walk home in her school uniform after dark through distinctly unsavory neighborhoods. Above and beyond the pressure of her studies and exam prep, her daily life is a trial, to the extent that you’re almost convinced that the girl barely stands a chance.

When another teenage death occurs, Nian is implicated just has she has become involved in a tentative relationship with good-looking ne’er-do-well biker Liu Beishan. He’s a strange, disheveled, good-looking dude, one who inspires no confidence at all, to the extent that you wonder why the hitherto prim and correct Nian would consider any kind of relationship with him at all. He would also seem to be an ill-advised distraction when it comes to Nian concentrating, as she must, on her exams.

But her need is real, as she faces obstacles on every front — no money, no family nearby, vicious schoolmates, no safety net of any kind and a girl squad that actually wants to kill her — any one of which would be enough to bring nearly any teenager to the precipice. As a result, both Nian and Beishan lower their masks just enough to help one another and become reasonably dimensional characters as a result. About half-way through, Nian becomes something of an extreme Mad Max character when she lets Beishan shave her head, a freakish thing to do in her uniformed academic environment.

The film hinges on your belief that Nian, despite all the roadblocks in her way, will maintain the fortitude to keep it all together and soldier her way to success, both with her tormentors and on her exams. Without asking for it, the frail-but-fierce-looking Zhou convinces you that she’s got what it takes to survive almost anything put in her way. There’s not an uncertain moment in her performance.

When the tough leader of the nasty girls turns up dead and Nian becomes the prime suspect, things take a melodramatic turn that would seem like a bridge too far when it comes to Nian being able to properly concentrate on her studies. Other knotty developments further combine to spread the assorted crises out somewhat amorphously rather than to gather them into a single dynamic bundle. Even so, by this time one has become convinced that this physically meek but fiercely focused young woman can do anything she sets her mind to, from acing her exam to prevailing over teenage villains or crafty cops.

Much like its heroine, Better Days is both elegant and streetwise, an appealing combination. Director Tsang, whose two previous features were Soul Mate (2016) and Lover’s Discourse (2010), has orchestrated the action and visuals with confident elan. Toward the end, there are simply too many issues — from Nian’s legal complicity to her ability to concentrate sufficiently on her exam — floating around to pull them altogether with sufficient plausibility, and it does go on rather too long.

All the same, the combination of elemental ingredients here presents a vibrant look as diverse aspects of modern China — academia, poverty, adolescence, criminality, aspirational striving, family and lack of same — that keep the film pumping on multiple cylinders at all times. It’s an absolutely serious look at youth with assorted semi-sensationalistic societal trappings; an oddly effective combination of red meat and popcorn.

Nick Waterman’s The Flame has lit up the 30th annual Flickerfest in Sydney, awarded Best Australian Short Film at the festival’s awards ceremony on Sunday.

Other winners included Tilda Cobham-Hervey and Dev Patel’s Roborovski, which was crowned Best Australian Short Animation, and Naomi Fryer, who won Best Direction in an Australian Short Film for her work on River.

The Flame, which was directed in collaboration with Dayannah Baker Barlow, Tyrese Fernando and Lance Whitton Jr, is about a young boy and girl in a remote town who remember a time before a cold wind first swept across the land; when fire meant something different.

The film was written by Nick Waterman, Megan Washington, Dayannah Baker Barlow, Tyrese Fernando, Paul Spearim, Connie Taylor, and Lance Whitton Jr, and produced by Beyond Empathy.

It was one of four Australian films to be selected for last year’s Berlin International Film Festival.

The Chinese teen bullying drama “Better Days” is no easy watch, as we see a high school student endure constant and cruel physical and emotional abuses from her classmates. But director Derek Tsang says getting into the headspace of her character and enduring this punishment was no easy task for his lead actress, either.

At one point in the film, the main character’s bullies violently whip volleyballs at her, and Tsang had the difficult task of being the one to throw the volleyballs from off camera. Though Tsang had previously worked with star Zhou Dongyu on his film “Soul Mate,” he said he “pushed her really hard on set” this time around.

“A lot of the scenes I was pushing her very hard, and there were times where she was near to the point of breaking down. But she was very strong. She really wanted to do right to...

In just over a decade Blumhouse Productions has gone from a very smart agile indie to possibly the most significant horror production company out there. It’s slate is huge, it most quickly and cheaply, trusts in its creators and favours originality and genuine scares. Though the pandemic has meant certain release dates have had to move, or not as yet locked in, it’s clear the Blumhouse juggernaut is showing no signs of slowing. It has several film in production, with release dates set for 2021 and even more movies in various states of development.

We’ve rounded up the latest on all of Blumhouse’s upcoming horror movies. Note: we have not included TV, we haven’t included anything which is clearly not a horror and the projects which have been in development hell for many years are summarised briefly at the end. We’ll keep this updated so...

How different would Downton Abbey look if it was made in America? How different would the humor be or the personal dynamics for that matter? The successful British show is hailed as one of the most successful period outings ever, and for good reason. The show has proved that in spite of being a period drama, it’s quite timeless and can be watched over and over again.

Related: Which Downton Abbey Character Is Your Soulmate, Based On Your Zodiac?

But if a Downton reboot was being developed for the American audiences what would the cast look like? Who would play the icy Lady Mary, Blake Lively, or maybe another one of her Gossip Girl co-stars? Would some Hollywood A-listers be interested in the project as well? Let’s do a quick exploration...

Chinese sci-fi blockbuster “The Wandering Earth” was named film of the year by the China Film Directors Guild at its annual awards ceremony on Saturday night in Beijing, local media reported.

The award ceremony, which took place coincided with the further re-opening of cinemas in China as the Covid-19 pandemic recedes, also presented director of the year award (Hong Kong and Taiwan) to Derek Tsang for his 2019 youth drama “Better Days.” It was the second time that Tsang won the award. He previously won for his 2016 drama “Soul Mate.”

“Better Days” star Zhou Dongyu was named actress of the year, also her second win for this award. In 2018 she won with her performance in “This Is Not What I Expected.”

The actor of the year award went to Wang Jingchun for his portrayal of a father who adopted a boy after losing his son in “So Long, My Son.” The...

2016 has been very interesting year for all of the sinophone world, with a plethora of very interesting productions, both cinematically (Tharlo) and in terms of controversy (Ten Years). Art-house and Hk action could not be missing, while Derek Tsang directed a very impressive drama (SoulMate).

With a focus on diversity, here are the best Sinophone films of 2016, in random order. Some films may have premiered in 2015, but since they became widely known in 2016, are also included. Films like “The Tenants Downastairs”, “Godspeed” and “The Summer is Gone” seem like films that could have also been included, but since I have not watched them, I could not put them in this list.

1. Ten Years (Ng Ka-leung)

Despite the fact that it was produced on a budget of merely Hk$500,000, with a cast and crew mainly comprised of volunteers, “Ten Years” was one of the most successful films of the last years,...

Derek Tsang’s debut film “SoulMate“, starring Zhou Dongyu and Ma Sichun in award-winning roles, was a big hit critically and commercially, so much so that Korean remake of the romantic drama was eventually announced. Now the actors for the central trio of characters, which include two childhood best friends and the man that becomes the object of both their affections, have been finalised, with Kim Da-mi, Jeon So-nee and Byeon Woo-seok all confirmed to be on board.

Kim Da-mi, who was the first to be attached to the project, is coming off the back of her brilliant performance in the K-Drama series “Itaewon Class“, which followed her breakout debut role in Park Hoon-jung’s “The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion“. Jeon So-nee, meanwhile, was last seen in her scene-stealing turn as Mi-na in “Jo Pil-ho: The Dawning Rage” and “Ghost Walk”. Byeon Woo-seok is fairly new to films, having had...

Derek Tsang Kwok-Cheung was born on November 8, 1979 in Hong Kong. He is an actor, writer and director. He co-directed ”Lover’s Discourse” with Jimmy Wan in 2010, followed by ”Lacuna” in 2012 with Chi-Man Wan. Tsang’s solo directorial debut “Soul Mate” (2016) was well-received by critics and audiences. The lead actors Zhou Dongyu and Ma Sichun won Best Actress Awards at 2016’s Golden Horse Awards. Tsang was also nominated for Best Director and Best New Director at that year’s Hong Kong Film Awards. His latest effort “Better Days” had its theatrical release in China at the end of October 2019 and it’s set to become one of the most praised movies of the year 2020.

On the occasion of his film “Better Days” screening at the Udine Far East Film Festival 2020 and winning the Black Dragon Critic Awards and the Golden Mulberry Audience Award, we met him in a virtual room and...

Lizzo goes on an animated adventure with help from the stars of Netflix’s Queer Eye in the new lyric video for “Soulmate.” The track appeared on her major label debut album Cuz I Love You, which was released last spring.

In the Pride-themed visual, an animated Lizzo acts out the song as well as some of her beloved viral moments by roaming the streets of Soho and mouthing the words “bye bitch” as she drives off on a golf cart in a rainbow dress. The stars of Queer Eye...

China’s Cmc Pictures will bring a line-up of five titles to the Cannes virtual market this year, including “Assassin in Red,” a major blockbuster set to hit next Chinese New Year.

The firm will be selling global rights outside of China and Southeast Asia to the fantasy drama directed by Lu Yang and executive produced by Ning Hao (“Crazy Alien”).

The film, whose Mandarin title translates to “Assassinate the Novelist,” tells the story of a man who, in order to save his missing daughter, is tasked with killing a writer whose writing creates a parallel world that begins to interact with the real one.

The title reunites “Brotherhood of Blades II” stars Yang Mi (“Tiny Times”) and Lei Jiayin (“The Longest Day in Chang’an”), alongside Golden Horse Award winner Dong Zijiang (of Jia Zhangke’s “Mountains May Depart” and “Ash is Purest White”).

Cmc also brings two of its...

Can Miles help a conflicted Friend Suggestion on God Friended Me Season 2 Episode 20?

We assume that every Friend Suggestion that crosses paths with Miles leaves as a better person, but we've never stopped to consider the people who may be unintentionally affected by Miles's actions.

Trevor is a man who has been trolling the Millennial Prophet podcast for about six months.

Rakesh believes being trolled is sign of success (and he's kind of right), but Trevor has a personal bone to pick with Miles because he believes the podcaster ruined his life for "entertainment."

A little digging reveals that Trevor was in love with Rose, the woman that Miles reunited with Lt. Freemont in that overly cheesy moment in Times Square on God Friended Me Season 2 Episode 1.

It's usually enjoyable to reconnect with former Friend Suggestions, so I had high hopes for this storyline, but Trevor was insufferable.

I just...

Exclusive: Life in Pieces alum Betsy Brandt is set as the female lead opposite Jim Jefferies in his NBC comedy pilot Jefferies, from writer-producer Suzanne Martin, Sean Hayes and Todd Milliner’s Hazy Mills and Universal TV.

Written by Jefferies and Martin, Jefferies stars the veteran comedian as a fictionalized version of himself – a comedian with a unique and often controversial take on modern life, relationships and co-parenting with his best friend (Brandt).

Brandt’s Cleo is Jim’s best friend and mother of his child.

2020 NBC Pilots & Series Orders

Jefferies and Martin executive produce with Hayes and Milliner for Hazy Mills, along with Tim Sarkes and Alex Murray for Brillstein Entertainment Partners.

Known for her role as Marie Schrader on AMC drama Breaking Bad, Brandt recently starred as Heather on comedy series Life in Pieces, which aired for four seasons on CBS. She recurred on the USA drama series...

What a great episode, not only to bring us back into the God Friended Me orbit after such a lengthy hiatus but also to celebrate Valentine's Day and love. 

Much of Miles' mission to find out who is behind the God Account was put on the backburner on God Friended Me Season 2 Episode 13, and the episode was better and stronger because of it. 

Without that added concern, Miles, Cara, and Rakesh were able to focus on their friend suggestion, spend time together, and most importantly, enjoy doing the work of the God Account. 

My biggest gripe with God Friended Me Season 2 Episode 12 was that the episode tried to pack so much into one hour that each storyline suffered, and viewers were left overwhelmed. 

But this episode had just the right balance of everything allowing for one of the most enjoyable hours.

Rakesh's soulmate app provided the perfect entry point to...

Following Barack Obama’s picks for his favorite music of 2019, Michelle Obama has shared her own playlist of workout staples, including tracks by Lizzo, Cardi B, Beyonce and more.

“It’s about that time when New Year’s resolutions get a bit harder to stick to,” Michelle Obama tweeted Sunday. “To offer a little inspiration, I want to share my go-to #WorkoutPlaylist with you. These songs always seem to give me that extra boost to get through my toughest workouts. What’s on your playlist?”

The former First Lady’s...

A woman’s 30-year longing for the man she can’t stop loving is chronicled in “Somewhere Winter,” a rewarding adaptation of the novel by prolific author and screenwriter Rao Xueman. by top Mark Lee Ping Bing (“In the Mood for Love”) and features fine performances by Ma Sichun (“Soulmate”) and Wallace Huo (“Our Time Will Come”) as lovers torn apart by fate, family responsibilities and political forces. This handsomely packaged item from producer Jimmy Huang and director David Wang Weiming (“Sex Appeal”) should receive a warm reception when it opens in China and North America on Nov. 15.

The film’s title refers to “Possibly in Winter,” a 1987 hit by Taiwanese singer Chyi Chin that inspired a teenage Rao Xueman to write to her idol. Chyi’s ballad about long-distance relationships provided the linking device for Rao’s 2018 novel about a woman’s romantic journey during times of great social and economic change in China.

Contemporary Chinese Cinema is a column devoted to exploring contemporary Chinese-language cinema primarily as it is revealed to us at North American multiplexes.Earlier this year, Derek Tsang’s Better Days was abruptly pulled from its intended premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival. One of a number of such high profile cancellations, the withdrawal was supposedly for “technical reasons” but widely assumed to be a last-minute decision by the latest version of China’s film censorship regime, which last year adopted new layers of guidelines and processes to an already-opaque and unpredictable system. Still, the film was apparently approved for commercial release this past summer, when it was to debut both in China and in North America. And then it was cancelled again, three days before its opening. And again, no official reason was given. And then, out of nowhere, on October 22nd it was suddenly announced that the...

When Lizzo and Phoebe Robinson enter a room, the energy is palpable. Individually, they are forces of nature, and together, they have a dynamic that truly feels natural. Last week, the duo sat down for a conversation at the 92Y in New York City, and they spoke about Lizzo's album Cuz I Love You, black girl joy, and even Sex and the City - Lizzo is "a Samantha."

The 31-year-old singer has a lot to be proud of: despite releasing "Truth Hurts" in 2017 and achieving gradual success over the past few years, the song recently became No. 1 on Billboard's Hot 100, making her the first black woman to hit No. 1 in 2019. Beyond the music, she's established herself as an icon of self-love, tenacity, and straight-up badassery.

Between her empowering lyrics and performances that attract global attention, it's Lizzo's ability to speak to all humans in her music that makes her...

The rom-com genre seems to be on the rise again in Hk cinema, with productions like the “Love in a Puff” series, “SoulMate” and the present film, which has also incorporated coming-of-age elements in the setting of the changes Hong Kong experienced from the Golden Age of the 90’s until today.

Watch This Movie

The story unfolds in two axes, one taking place in the present, when Gigi Yu has trouble with her marriage with Shing Wah, and the second 20 years before, when the two of them and Bok Man were inseparable friends in school, with the aviation club functioning as the base of their relationship.

In the present, both Gigi Yu and Shing Wah are stuck working extreme hours, she in a travel agency and he as a leader of a design team that caters mainland clients’ needs. While she seems to be the one most troubled by their alienation,...

New York-based distributor Cheng Cheng has picked up North American all rights to first-time filmmaker Teng Congcong’s comedy-drama Send Me to the Clouds. The film starring Yao Chen, who’s also its producer, follows an ovarian cancer patient’s desperate quest for an unforgettable sexual experience before her surgery. The picture opened in Chinese theaters last weekend after bowing at Shanghai International Film Festival and First International Film Festival. Its humorous touch on struggles faced by a generation of women born under China’s One-Child policy won it a 100% score in verified influencers’ recommendations on Weibo, China’s answer to Twitter. The distributor behind Chinese language films including The Great Buddha+, Crosscurrent and SoulMate is planning a theatrical release in fall 2019.

“Cheng Cheng has always championed films with strong female leads. Now we’d also like to show how Chinese women have contributed to Chinese language cinema from leading roles behind the scene.

New York-based distributor Cheng Cheng Films has acquired North American rights to first-time Chinese director Teng Congcong’s comedy drama “Send Me to the Clouds,” starring and produced by A-list actress Yao Chen. The company is planning a theatrical release for fall 2019.

“Cheng Cheng has always championed films with strong female leads,” the firm said in a statement. “We need to focus our resources and efforts on releasing women-directed films until its number is equal to that of men-directed films in our catalog. We make that commitment to ourselves and our audience. ‘Send Me to the Clouds’ is a perfect start.”

The film examines the societal pressures facing women born under China’s One Child Policy through the misadventures of a young journalist who, after a diagnosis of ovarian cancer, goes in search of sex and money before she must face an expensive surgery that will physically numb her.

The...

"You protect the world. I'll protect you." Well Go USA has released two official trailers for an indie drama from China called Better Days, originally Shaonian de ni, made by filmmaker Derek Tsang. In this dramatic / romantic thriller, Nian finds her life at a standstill when faced by relentless bullying from her peers as she prepares for her college entrance exam. Fate brings her together with a small-time criminal named Bei, but before they can retreat into a world of their own, both are dragged into the middle of a murder investigation that will change their lives forever. It seems to be a fairly rough, honest look at bullying and the challenges of young life in China. "Derek Kwok-cheung Tsang's intense melodramatic thriller paints a bleak picture of an oppressive society, in the guise of a gripping fairy-tale love story." Starring Zhou Dongyu and Jackson Yee, along with Fang Yin and Jue Huang.

A versatile producer in her own right, Jojo Hui Yuet-chun began working as an assistant director in Samson Chiu’s Yesteryou, Yesterme, Yesterday (1993) and soon found herself in numerous film projects. She collaborated with Peter Ho-sun Chan on many of his earlier films, including the award-winning Allan and Eric: Between Hello and Goodbye (1991) and He’s a Woman, She’s a Man (1994). She also served as associate producer and assistant director on acclaimed films such as Chan’s Comrades, Almost a Love Story (1997), Teddy Chen’s Purple Storm (1999) (which she co-wrote) and The Accidental Spy (2000) starring Jackie Chan. Hui worked with international renowned filmmakers such as Wayne Wangon Chinese Box (1997) as assistant director, and Tsui Harkon Knock Off (1998) as a casting director.

Having joined Applause Picturesin 2002, Hui has since produced a series of smash hits such as Jan Dara (2001), The Eye (2001), Three: Going Home (2001), Golden Chicken series, The Eye 2 (2004) and...

Tiff nominated movie “Sway” (2004) by Thai American filmmaker Rooth Tang, reflects on 3 generations of Asians’ immigrant experience.

Director: Rooth Tang

Cast: Matt Wu / Huang, Lu / Ananda Everingham / Sajee Apiwong / Kazuhiko Nishimura / Kris Wood-Bell

Official Selection

Toronto International Film Festival, Taiwan Golden Horse Film Festival, Shanghai International Film Festival

An intelligent and affecting drama that follows lives of three couples living in three worldly cities, Sway reflects on the excitements and struggles of immigrant experience in the age of globalization when individuals have become more mobile but also more rootless than ever. In Paris, Arthur tries to convince his girlfriend to return to Asia together with him before his visa expires. In Bangkok, June ponders her future with husband Palm in America. And in Los Angeles, Amanda tries to fit into the family of a Japanese widower still haunted by their loss.

“…inspired by Wong Kar-Wai and Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, the globe-jumping picture is clearly intelligent.

As if the lineup for Arrow Video FrightFest 2018 wasn't impressive enough, the festival has added two films to its slate: David Barker's Pimped (touted as an erotic thriller with a touch of Hitchcock and Brian De Palma appeal) and screenings of the restoration of John Carpenter's classic Halloween! The guest lineup includes Barbara Crampton, Leigh Whannell, Shaked Berenson (Tales of Halloween), Issa López (Tigers are not Afraid), composer Fabio Frizzi, and many more!

Press Release: Two extra films have been added to the record-breaking 2018 line-up: Pimped is director David Barker’s modern transgressive erotic thriller, an Hitchcocktail of elevated suspense and shock in the revered style of Brian De Palma, And If you’ve never seen John Carpenter’s Halloween on the big screen, now’s your best chance. The inclusion of this 4K restoration needs no explanation in anticipation of a new Michael Myers slasher being released in October.

Just in time for some fine holiday fun on July Fourth, Justin Timberlake dropped a surprise single called “SoulMate” on Tuesday. The song is the singer’s newest music since the release of his last album “Man of the Woods,” which came out back in February. Timberlake took to Twitter to share the album art of the track.

pic.twitter.com/59EAabogCt

— Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) July 3, 2018

The pop star also posted the audio of the song on his YouTube channel, with the description “Summer Starts Now.” Listen below.

Along with his newest single, Timberlake was also featured in an interview for Complex today, in which he praised Drake’s “Scorpion” album and discussed the possibility of working together again in the future. He said: “There’s like two or three tracks on every G.O.O.D. Music release that I really, really am feeling. I love ‘Scorpion,’ I think...

It's officially Summer and Justin Timberlake just dropped the bop we've been waiting for! The Grammy winner released his new song, "SoulMate," on Tuesday, the same day he's set to kick off the European leg of his Man of the Woods tour. The track oozes that sensuous heat that's perfect for a Summer night on the dance floor. Since Timberlake is very obviously in love with his wife, Jessica Biel, he won't be picking up anyone "just for the night," but these lyrics are definitely inspiring for someone else's night out. Check out the new hit, then add some of Justin Timberlake's best love songs to your playlist.

Meghan Trainor is engaged to boyfriend Daryl Sabara after a little more than a year of dating.

The “Dear Future Husband” singer and Sabara, 25, announced their happy news Friday by sharing the sweet video of his proposal and her tearfully ecstatic reaction on Instagram.

Sabara got down on one knee on Thursday, a day before the songstress’ 24th birthday.

“I Said Yessss!!!! For my 24th birthday, the love of my life @darylsabara made all of my dreams come true,” she wrote in the caption. “He proposed to me under a tunnel of beautiful Christmas lights and surprised me with my family and friends.

2016 was another great year for Asian cinema, although S. Korean films were the ones that, once more, stood at the epicenter of international interest, particularly due to Park Chan-wook’s comeback and the box office success of films like “The Wailing” and “Train to Busan.” Japan followed with a number of box office successes of its own, headed by “Your Name” and the new Godzilla film, although indie cinema had a very interesting year also.

Chinese language films also had a very interesting year, with “Ten Years” spawning enormous amount of controversy. Slowly though, filmmakers from other Asian countries, not as well known as the aforementioned, seem to present masterpieces of their own.

With a focus on diversity, here are the best Asian films of 2016, in random order. (Some of the films premiered in 2015, but I took the liberty to include them, since they mostly circulated in 2016).

Inside Men

Inside Men...