Film to celebrate China's 60th anni

Huang Jianxin will direct propaganda film

By CLIFFORD COONAN

Lau

Kaige

BEIJING -- China will release a major propaganda pic to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the revolution that swept the communists to power, featuring what its state-backed producers call the "most powerful lineup in the history of Chinese film."

The movie, whose title translates as "The Great Cause of China's Foundation," is being overseen by China Film head Han Sanping and will be directed by Huang Jianxin.

Among the stars will be helmers Chen Kaige and Feng Xiaogang plus thesps Andy Lau, Jiang Wen and Ge You.

Local heroes Tang Guoqiang and Zhang Guoli will play bitter civil war rivals Chairman Mao Tse-tung and "Generalissimo" Chiang Kai-shek.China Film declined to give the budget for the movie, but said the stars were offering their services at a special rate to support the anniversary of the state's foundation.

Pic was conceived by the Beijing Municipal People's Political Consultative Conference, which is a key branch of the Communist Party, and is being produced, financed and made by the China Film Group.

Pic is supported by all government departments, ministries, local governments and the media.

Shooting began on Feb. 2 at the Huairou production base near Beijing and will continue until early May in locations including Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai and Nanjing. Pic is due for release on Sept. 10 and will have an extra-wide screening on National Day, Oct. 1.

There are numerous major events planned this year to mark the anniversary. Helmer Zhang Yimou will stage-manage a huge parade in downtown Beijing planned for National Day.