Chinese film to be shot in Dubai

posted on 11/01/2012: 69 views

Hollywood blockbuster Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol may have showcased Dubai as a land of blinding sand-storms and camels (among other things) but Chinese production Dwelling In the Fuchun Mountains, that will be filmed locally, is all set to do much more.

"With all due respect, we can assure that we can do much better to present this [city] - the beauty. You can never have sandstorms or bad things happening here - for sure," said Sun Jian-Jun, the director, addressing a press conference at Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai on Tuesday.

The action drama starring Andy Lau, with a production budget of over US$20 million, will shoot its key scenes in Dubai's iconic landmarks including The Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab and Atlantis, The Palm.

An international team is also on board to elevate the filming standards of the action drama based on the rare Chinese landscape painting. A bunch of gangsters plotting to steal the legendary painting by Huang Gongwang with Lau stepping in to foil their efforts form the plot.

"Everything in our movie will present a very positive image, promoting this country as it is - no exaggerations because this land is truly a fantasy land," said Jian-Jun. An adrenaline-charged teaser showing Andy Lau and the leading ladies Chiling Lin and Jinghchu Zhang executing deadly stunts and thrilling car chases was also unveiled at the press conference. Billed as the first production to be pre-dominantly shot outside China, Dubai is one of six cities to be featured along with Hangzhou, Fuyang, Taipei, Tokyo and Milan.

"Actually I had a lot to say, but it's bad the others have said so already. I guarantee that I will use my best efforts to make it all come true," said Lau. The Hong Kong superstar, aptly described by his director as a cross between Michael Jackson and Tom Cruise owing to his sizeable acting and singing credentials, added that he looked forward to shooting in Dubai.

"I have been here only for 16 hours, but I will be able to answer more about Dubai at the end of the shoot," said Lau.

Though the crew was tight-lipped about the duration and the shoot locations, its captain maintained that efforts are being made to showcase the city in all its splendour.

"Just like in our country, lot of westerners come into our country - want to show it as a dirty place and present very untrue side of China. That's not going to happen here in my movie. I can guarantee you that everything we shoot here will be the best way to show the 300 million people that this is the most beautiful country," said Jian-Jun.

His leading lady Jingchu Zhang described Dubai as a "magic land" and was confident that her film will add a chapter to the famed Arabian Nights tales. "It is a dream to be here because I arrived yesterday … It is like a magic land. In the movie - I have a dangerous scene but the view is going to be beautiful. The 1001 Arabian Nights story is very famous in China but this will be 1002 story," she said.

The Chinese production, with a 300 strong crew stationed in Dubai, is slated for a summer release in July or October 1 in keeping with the Chinese National Day. – Gulf News

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