China Media and Entertainment Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 18 Week of 30 September 2024
(1) Beijing’s Audiovisual Arts Expo Welcomes Over 60 Renowned Music Labels
The 2024 International Audiovisual Arts Expo began in Beijing on 2 October, showcasing 5,000 records from 60+ labels and featuring interactive tech projects and performances.
(2) US Rapper Ye Brings ‘Warmth, Strength’ to Haikou
Kanye West hosted a world tour event in Haikou, China, debuting new track “Beauty and The Beast” and album “BULLY” in front of 40,000 fans.
(3) Oscars: China Picks WWII Doc ‘The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru’ for International Feature Category
China has chosen the documentary “The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru” to represent it in the “Best International Feature Film” category at the 97th Academy Awards.
(4) Drone Show Cancelled Ahead of Hong Kong National Day Fireworks Display
Hong Kong celebrated National Day with over 400 events and a 23-minute fireworks display for the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, despite a last-minute drone show cancellation.
(5) K-Pop Group Lovelyz to Celebrate 10th Anniversary in Macau with a Concert
Lovelyz will celebrate their 10th anniversary with a concert in Macau on 24 November, marking their first performance in four years.
(6) HK Rugby Sevens Look to Score at Kai Tak
The Hong Kong Rugby Sevens will take place at the new Kai Tak Sports Park in 2025, shifting from its longtime home at Hong Kong Stadium.
(7) Jackie Chan Faints After Getting Strangled During “Panda Plan” Movie Shooting
Jackie Chan fainted during a fight scene for “Panda Plan” and collapsing before quickly bouncing back and asking “What are we doing?” as he resumed filming.
(8) Djokovic Hits the Great Wall of China in Promo Event
Novak Djokovic played a promotional match with singer Wang Yibo on the Great Wall of China ahead of the Shanghai Masters, as he is set to return to the tournament after seven years.
(9) Retired Actress Gigi Lai Celebrates 53rd Birthday with Glamorous Friends from Hong Kong’s Elite
Gigi Lai celebrated her upcoming 53rd birthday with an extravagant party alongside longtime friend Michele Reis, dispelling recent speculation about their relationship.
(10) Phillips To Host ‘TOKI: Watch Auction’ in Hong Kong This Fall
Auction house Phillips will host the Japanese-themed “TOKI: Watch Auction” in Hong Kong in November 2024, featuring exclusive timepieces, including a unique pink gold Grand Niji wristwatch by Kurono Tokyo.
(11) International Stars Boost Economy in Taiwan
Kaohsiung, Taiwan, has seen a significant economic boost from hosting 96 concerts in 2024, with projections for over 120 events this year expecting to attract more than one million attendees.
(12) Oscar Wang’s “Gathering” Sculpture Unveiled at Alila Shanghai, Fusing Art and Sustainability
Artist Oscar Wang has unveiled “Gathering” a monumental sculpture at Alila Shanghai that merges traditional Chinese philosophy with sustainability, serving as a striking centerpiece in the hotel’s atrium.
(1) Beijing’s Audiovisual Arts Expo Welcomes Over 60 Renowned Music Labels
(Photo Credit: Beijing Business Today)
The 2024 International Audiovisual Arts Expo commenced in Beijing on 2 October, showcasing nearly 5,000 records from both Chinese and international artists. The event features participation from over 60 domestic and international music labels, including Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment, and is co-hosted by the National Center for the Performing Arts (“NCPA”) and China National Publications Import and Export (Group) Co., Ltd.
Running until 6 October, the expo offers the public the opportunity to engage with more than a dozen interactive projects that incorporate advanced technologies such as ultra-high-definition visuals, 3D stage imaging, and virtual reality performances.
On the opening day, a forum was held where experts and scholars discussed the future of the audiovisual industry, particularly focusing on the integration of art and technology. Ma Rongguo, deputy head of the NCPA, emphasized the event’s role in expanding the global reach of exceptional Chinese artists and showcasing the richness of Chinese culture.
News Source: https://english.news.cn/20241003/2da61df39d1245c6b200b532f59c8e5e/c.html
(2) US Rapper Ye Brings ‘Warmth, Strength’ to Haikou
(Photo Credit: China News Service/VCG via AP)
US rapper Kanye West, known as Ye, hosted his world tour in Haikou, Hainan province in China, on Saturday evening, marking his second performance in the city this month. The event featured a variety of surprises from the 21-time Grammy-Award-winning artist, including a beast-themed opening, a striking vulture installation, and the global debut of his new track “Beauty and The Beast,” along with the introduction of his solo album “BULLY”
The concert drew around 40,000 domestic and international fans, altogether creating an electrifying atmosphere at the Wuyuan River Sports Stadium where the concert was held. At the end of the performance, Ye expressed his gratitude to his childhood home, China, where he used to live with his mother, and acknowledged the fans who traveled from far and wide to attend the event.
Following the devastation of Super Typhoon Yagi, which hit Hainan Island on 6 September, Ye’s concert provided a much-needed sense of hope and uplift to the community. Local resident Xiao Kedong who attended Ye’s performance described the performance as a ray of sunlight breaking through the clouds, which is a reflection of Ye’s power to foster a sense of unity through his music.
News Source: https://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202409/30/WS66fa04e2a310f1265a1c5ab3_3.html
(3) Oscars: China Picks WWII Doc ‘The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru’ for International Feature Category
(Photo Credit: “The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru”)
China has announced that “The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru” will represent the country in the “Best International Feature Film” category at the 97th Academy Awards. Directed by Fang Li, this documentary focuses on a lesser-known World War II incident involving an unmarked Japanese troop transport ship, which was torpedoed while carrying British prisoners of war, leading to a dramatic rescue by nearby Chinese fishermen.
Director Feng drew from extensive research and travel across China, the UK, Japan, the US, and Canada to interview over 130 descendants of survivors and locate the shipwreck. With a background in the Chinese film industry and ocean surveying, Feng has gathered tens of thousands of historical photos and included insights from the only known living Chinese fisherman involved in the rescue, as well as the first historian to explore this significant event.
Released on 6 September, “The Sinking of Lisbon Maru” has become a word-of-mouth sensation in China, boasting impressive ratings of 9.3 on Douban and 9.6 on Maoyan. The documentary has earned approximately US$5 million at the Chinese box office, a notable achievement for the genre.
News Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/oscars-2025-china-picks-sinking-of-the-lisbon-maru-1236017517/
(4) Drone Show Cancelled Ahead of Hong Kong National Day Fireworks Display
(Photo Credit: Eugene Lee)
Hong Kong marked National Day with over 400 events, as it celebrated the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu addressed dignitaries at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, while a spectacular fireworks display in the evening attracted hundreds of thousands to the harbourfront.
However, a notable incident happened where a planned drone show was canceled last minute due to adverse weather conditions, specifically “ionospheric scintillation,” a phenomenon caused by solar storm which disrupts GPS signals. This was the second consecutive night a drone show was called off. Despite the axing of the drone show, a 23-minute fireworks display, involving 31,888 firing shells, commenced later in the evening over the skies above Victoria Harbour.
Local residents and tourists expressed mixed feelings. While many enjoyed the fireworks, some, like local resident Yonnie, were disappointed by the drone show’s absence. Despite this, the celebrations drew over 330,000 spectators and sparked optimism among local businesses regarding mainland Chinese tourist arrivals during the seven-day “golden week” holiday.
(5) K-Pop Group Lovelyz to Celebrate 10th Anniversary in Macau with a Concert
(Photo Credit: Lovelyz)
The hit Korean girl group Lovelyz will perform in Macau as part of their 10th anniversary celebrations. This highly anticipated concert is scheduled for 24 November at the Mayfair Grand Ballroom in The Londoner Macau, marking the group’s first performance in four years.
VIP ticket holders will enjoy exclusive perks, including access to the sound check, a group photo, a photo card, a signed poster, and a Polaroid. They will also have the opportunity to participate in a Hi-Bye session with members of Lovelyz. Other ticket holders will receive benefits such as a photo card and a poster.
Lovelyz, the first girl group to debut under Woolim Entertainment, consists of members Baby Soul, Jiae, Jisoo, Mijoo, Kei, Jin, Sujeong, and Yein. They debuted with their album “Girls Invasion” in November 2014 and have since released two studio albums, four live albums, and seven EPs. After leaving Woolim Entertainment in November 2021, the group took a hiatus to focus on individual projects, but they reunited recently for a special episode of “Hangout with Yoo” (excluding Jin). To commemorate their 10th anniversary, they are set to perform in both Seoul and Macau.
(6) HK Rugby Sevens Look to Score at Kai Tak
(Photo credit: Kyle Lam/HKFP)
The Hong Kong Rugby Sevens will move to the newly built Kai Tak Sports Park in 2025, having been held at the Hong Kong Stadium for the past three decades. Scheduled for 28 to 30 March 2025, the event marks a significant transition for one of the city’s most iconic sporting occasions.
Chris Brooke, chairman of Hong Kong, China Rugby, expressed pride in hosting the event at the new venue as he emphasized that this collaboration with World Rugby and local authorities has been in the works for over five years. He believes the new stadium will offer a transformational experience for both the Sevens and sports in Hong Kong.
James Farndon, CEO of Hong Kong, China Rugby, aims for a sell-out event, as he highlighted the improved facilities including a retractable roof and air conditioning for every seat at the new stadium. He also noted that the Sevens serve not only as a rugby tournament but also as a platform to boost the local economy and attract tourism, with top teams like New Zealand, Australia, and France expected to participate in the event in 2025.
News Source: https://gbcode.rthk.hk/TuniS/news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1772725-20240930.htm?share=twitter
(7) Jackie Chan Faints After Getting Strangled During “Panda Plan” Movie Shooting
(Photo Credit: “Panda Plan”)
Jackie Chan fainted during a recent filming of a fight scene for his upcoming film, “Panda Plan”. In a behind-the-scenes video, the 70-year-old action star was seen being headlocked by a stuntman before losing consciousness and collapsing. Crew members quickly rushed to his aid, and after a brief moment of confusion, Chan asked “What are we doing?”
After being informed that he had fainted, Chan expressed disbelief, as he regained full consciousness and later theorized that it might have happened because he was holding his breath during the scene. He reassured everyone that he was fine and resumed filming shortly after taking a quick break. In an interview following the incident, Chan downplayed the situation, stating “It’s not a big deal” as he emphasized his reluctance to use a stunt double.
Following the incident, fans of Chan expressed concerns for the veteran movie star’s well-being, urging him to take care of himself especially at his age. Many also commented on social media that he should allow younger stunt performers to take on more dangerous roles.
News Source: https://hype.my/2024/430675/video-jackie-chan-faints-after-getting-strangled-during-panda-plan-movie-shooting/
(8) Djokovic Hits the Great Wall of China in Promo Event
(Photo Credit: Lacoste)
Novak Djokovic recently took part in a special event ahead of the start of the Shanghai Masters which commenced on 2 October. In a promotional video for the luxury sports fashion company Lacoste, Djokovic showcased his skills by playing tennis on the Great Wall of China alongside local singer Wang Yibo, a member of the South Korean-Chinese band “Uniq”. The event featured a friendly match between the two and concluded with a photoshoot.
Whilst enjoying a memorable time in China with the sponsor, the 24-time Grand Slam champion is set to return to the Shanghai Masters for the first time since the Davis Cup in Belgrade, where he will compete against other top players around the globe and look to secure his 5th title in the tour.
Nevertheless, there are speculations about how Djokovic’s season will conclude, as it has been 7 years since he last participated in the event due to injuries affecting his playing schedule.
News Source:https://tennisuptodate.com/atp/daily-dose-of-social-media-djokovic-plays-on-the-great-wall-muchova-shows-off-beijing-workout
(9) Retired Actress Gigi Lai Celebrates 53rd Birthday with Glamorous Friends from Hong Kong’s Elite
(Photo Credit: Weibo of Michele Reis)
Former actress and socialite Gigi Lai celebrated her upcoming 53rd birthday with an extravagant gathering of friends. The event featured a guest list that included notable personalities, such as retired actress Michele Reis, who has been a long-time friend of Lai. The celebration also included some of Hong Kong’s wealthiest figures, such as Bonnie Kwong, daughter-in-law of Li Kwok Po, and Jenny Wong, wife of Adrian Li, co-CEO of East Asia Bank.
Lai expressed her gratitude on social media, in which she shared a heartfelt message that read “Feeling so loved celebrating my birthday with amazing friends!” Reis also paid tribute to Lai, wishing her happiness and eternal beauty, showing the close bonds within their social circle.
Lai and Reis, both prominent figures in the entertainment industry, have had a long and well-known friendship with each other. Despite previous speculation about the fall of their relationship due to a lack of photographs of the two together, this recent celebration of Lai’s birthday where both appeared in good spirits put the concerns to rest and prove that their bond is as strong as ever.
(10) Phillips To Host ‘TOKI: Watch Auction’ in Hong Kong This Fall
(Photo Credit: Philips)
In November 2024, Phillips, in partnership with Bacs & Russo, will host the Japanese-themed “TOKI: Watch Auction”, which showcases a curated selection of timepieces from independent watchmakers and esteemed Japanese brands. The auction will feature unique watches crafted by experienced Japanese collectors, including notable names in Japanese horology such as Hajime Asaoka’s Kurono Tokyo, Takano, and Naoya Hida & Co.
A highlight of the auction is the one-of-a-kind pink gold Grand Niji wristwatch, specially created by Kurono Tokyo for this event. Expected to sell for between US$9,000 and US$18,000, this piece features an artisan-crafted Urushi lacquered dial that indicates time using the Japanese zodiac system. Other notable items include the coveted “Panda Paul Newman” Rolex Daytona and a platinum Patek Philippe ref. 5016.
The “TOKI: Watch Auction” will take place at Phillips’ Asia headquarters in Hong Kong on 22 November 2024. Prior to the auction, select pieces will be exhibited on a traveling tour that includes stops in Tokyo, Singapore, Taipei, and Geneva.
News Source: https://hypebeast.com/2024/9/toki-watch-auction-phillips-in-association-with-bacs-russo-info
(11) International Stars Boost Economy in Taiwan
(Photo Credit: IQ Magazine)
Kaohsiung, a city in southern Taiwan, has seen a significant economic boost from hosting concerts featuring international stars like Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, and Coldplay at the National Stadium. From January to August 2024, the city held 96 pop concerts that attracted around 950,000 attendees and generated at least NT$3.2 billion (US$100 million) in revenue.
In 2024, the National Stadium has hosted notable performances, contributing an estimated NT$32.7 billion (US$1 billion) in tourism revenue. Projections indicate that more than 120 concerts will take place this year, potentially drawing over one million concertgoers to the city.
To further enhance the economic impact of these events, the Kaohsiung city government has introduced a program offering NT$50 night market coupons with concert tickets, aiming to boost local shopping areas. The catering and hotel industries have also reported record revenues, with NT$39.7 billion (US$1.2 billion) from catering and NT$9.2 billion (US$288 million) from hotels in the first half of the year, solidifying Kaohsiung’s status as a top destination for international artists.
News Source: https://www.iq-mag.net/2024/10/taiwan-national-stadium-concert-boom/
(12) Oscar Wang’s “Gathering” Sculpture Unveiled at Alila Shanghai, Fusing Art and Sustainability
(Photo Credit: Oscar Wang/Alila Shanghai)
Renowned artist and entrepreneur Oscar Wang has unveiled his latest work, “Gathering,” a monumental urban sculpture located in the central atrium of Alila Shanghai, the first resort of the Alila hotel group in Greater China. Situated in the bustling Jing’an district in Shanghai, the sculpture combines traditional Chinese philosophy with Alila’s focus on sustainability, serving as a striking centerpiece in the hotel’s luxurious lobby.
Resembling a towering tree, “Gathering” features a polished silver trunk and branches that symbolize harmony and embody the ancient Chinese belief in the five elements—wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. The sculpture’s leaves, made from a blend of ceramic and steel, enhance its texture while supporting the sustainability ethos of the hotel.
The artwork’s integrated light sources change brightness and color, creating a rhythmic breathing pattern that makes the sculpture appear alive. Wang aims for “Gathering” to provide visitors with a moment of reflection and connection to nature, offering a serene escape from the fast-paced digital world. The sculpture’s presence aligns with Alila Shanghai’s commitment to sustainability and wellness, as it seeks to transform the hotel lobby into a sanctuary for guests.
