FILMART 2011: Lu Chuan’s ‘The Last Supper’, Oxide Pang’s ‘Sleepwalker’ and Dante Lam’s ‘The Viral Factor’ Among Upcoming Projects

At the same time that the Hong Kong Film Festival is held (currently in full swing), Filmart (21 – 24 April) unveiled several titles that caught our eye and that we look forward to in the near future. Among the noteworthy items promoted at the event, the lineup at Emperor Motion Pictures includes four major films, “The Great Magician”, “The Last Supper”, “The Viral Factor” and “Diva”.

“The Great Magician” is now currently in production, starring Tony Leung and directed by Derek Yee, centering on a story of a magician who saves his country with his tricks and illusions.

“The Last Supper” will be directed by Lu Chuan, who won the best director award of Asian Film Awards last year. He would pair up heavyweights stars Liu Ye, Chang Chen and Daniel Wu on this new historical drama.

“The Viral Factor” will mark another collaboration between director Dante Lam and actor Nicholas Tse, both were known for their critically well-received films “The Beast Stalker” and “The Stool Pigeon“, which was among one of the nominees of this year’s Asian Film Awards. This time, the film will also include Jay Chou, who perhaps is best known to the international audience for his role of Kato in the recent remake of “The Greet Hornet“. The film is currently in production.

The other film “Diva” will star Hong Kong pop songstress Joey Yung, and one of currently on demand young directors, Heiward Mak will take the helm. Though the partnership seems interesting enough, no further details about the plot are known at the moment.

Aside from the lineup of Emperor Motion Pictures, there are also other films worth our attention.
Distributed by Universe Films, Oxide Pang (The Eye) has a new thriller titled “Sleepwalker” (see pic above) starring his wife Lee Sin Je, like his pevious film (The Child’s Eye), it will be another horror film in 3D. But this time, it will revolve around murder mystery and repeated dream. If The Child’s Eye was considered a disappointment or just too similar to the previous efforts of The Pang Brothers, this one looks like it may come out and surprise us.

Tony Leung is next set for Mei Ah Entertainment’s “Windseeker“. The film is based on Chinese spy novel “Plot” by Mak Ka, Felix Chong will write the screenplay and Alan Mak (The Internal Affairs) will direct the film. The film is currently in development. And It is said that the film will be a chick’s flick but obviously working in a different genre than rom com or dramatic romances.

Another title announced by Mei Ah will be Kung Fu film “The Scholar Warrior“, which is planned to be directed by veteran action star Sammo Hung and produced by Dennis Chan. The plot is said to be about a man who plays a key part in overturning the Qing dynasty.

Also revealed by Mei Ah would be a Chinese mainland co production “Mysterious Island” directed by Chung Kai Cheong, about a reality survival game show on a desert island created by a TV network.
Another Chinese and Hong Kong co-production to look forward to is “A Simple Life” directed by Ann Hui, it features the reunion of Andy Lau and Deannie Yip since their 1988 film “The Truth“. The film will have them playing an employer and a servant.

As eye-catching as its poster is, perhaps “Let’s Go” directed by young talent Wong Ching Po has the great potential at being a fan favorite. The film stars young actors like Juno Mak and singer turned actor Gary Chaw, and also the experienced actress in Pat Ha. Judging from the look of it, it seems to mix with the style of Japanese anime, that will appeal to the young audience.

His Majesty’s Magistrate, a project by Mega-Vision Pictures is currently under development, will plan to be directed by company’s founder Wong Jing and star one of the most on demand actors in Louis Koo. The chinese title reminds us of the Stephen Chow’s classic comedy “Hail The Judge“, which is also written and directed by Wong Jing. Though the plot is unknown at the moment. Fans can sure be excited about this.

And finally, another project produced by Mega-Vision that people should watch out for is “MicroSex Office“, originally a critically acclaimed stage play, brought to the big screen by Wong Jing, “MicroSex office” could be the sex comedy of the new generation. The film also starred well-known stage actor Jim Chim, who is the co-director of the film.