Hong Kong film giant opens new theater in Beijing

Few Chinese cinema opening events are held on such a large scale.

Almost like a mini film festival, the official launch of Emperor Cinemas’ flagship theater at Taikoo Li Sanlitun in Beijing on Friday gathered some of the most well-known faces in the Chinese film industry.

Kung fu giant Jackie Chan and iconic director Zhang Yimou - the first in the world to helm the opening and closing ceremonies of two Olympic Games- attended the event. They were joined by directors Feng Xiaogang and Guan Hu, as well as A-list actors Ge You and Nicholas Tse.

Besides, Cya Liu, the Best Actress winner at the 40th Hong Kong Film Awards for the action thriller Limbo, veteran producer Mani Fok, and Fu Ruoqing, chairman of China Film Group Corp, were also present.

The new cinema marks the second venue launched by Hong Kong industry giant Emperor Cinemas in Beijing, following its Yong’anli branch in the CBD area.

Albert Yeung, chairman of Emperor Group, said he is very confident in the potential of the Chinese film market. He cited the successful trial operation of the Sanlitun theater - which began at the end of last year - highlighting that its revenues topped Beijing’s single-day box office takings for a single cinema for multiple times, thanks to Spring Festival blockbusters.

He expressed gratitude to Chan, his “old friend,” who flew in from the United States to surprise him, and to Tse, who took a break from concert rehearsals to attend the event.