Long-awaited Movie Release Dates Announced

A number of highly anticipated announcements about new movies and their release dates were made at yesterday\'s Shanghai International Film Festival.

They involved the epic film Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, the new 3D version of the animation classic The Monkey King: Uproar in Heaven, martial arts film Women Generals of the Yang Family and fantasy epic The Sorcerer and the White Snake.

Based on a best-selling novel by Lisa See, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan follows a friendship through two different ages. It will be released nationally on June 24.

"We wanted to make a film that reflects modern life." producer Wendi Deng said.

Actress Hu Qingyun was very excited about the film. "For me, it expanded my skills into new acting territory." she said.

The 3D version of The Monkey King: Uproar in Heaven pays tribute to the original 2D version made by the Shanghai Animation Film Studio 50 years ago.

The 3D scenes and character images will retain the original Chinese flavor. Signature sequences, color images and the soundtrack will also be restored thanks to Technicolor Business Group which also provided high-end visual effects.

Women Generals of the Yang Family tells the story of women leading battlefield charges in defense of the nation in the 10th Century. It will be released in October.

Directed by Chen Xunqi, the film features Ren Xianqi, Liu Xiaoqing, Zheng Peipei and other stars. It was made in Ordos in extremely tough conditions with both low temperature and heavy costumes testing actors\' endurance.

"Of all the films I\'ve made recently, this was the hardest." Liu Xiaoqing said.

The Sorcerer and the White Snake was adapted from a popular story based on Chinese folklore. Directed by Ching Siu-tung, the film will include some modern elements and is scheduled for release later this year.