Film Group stays on top in China

State-owned distrib reps B.O. topper 'Republic'

By CLIFFORD COONAN

'The Founding of a Republic'

State-owned China Film Group remains the most powerful player among Chinese distribs. It handled the biggest B.O. success of the year, epic "The Founding of a Republic." That pic, which was co-helmed by China Film prexy Han Sanping, did well because it is linked to the 60th anniversary of the foundation of the Peoples Republic of China and was heavily promoted as such. Other big private players, such as Huayi Brothers, Polybona and Enlight Media, focused this year on building war chests through public-listings plans, both domestic and foreign, and are gearing up for a busy couple of months ahead.

Top 2009 Indie

"The Founding of a Republic," $58 million (China Film Group)

Recent pickups

"My Airhostess Roommate," Geniway Group & Shenzhen Xin Jing Dian Film Production and Distribution Co.

"Astro Boy," Enlight Media

"Dark October/ Bodyguards and Assassins," PolyBona

"Visitors from the Sui Dynasty," SunWah Vision Film & K.M. Times Beijing Entertainment

"Mulan," PKU Starlight Group