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U.S. audiences have had relatively little exposure to the mores of Asian and Middle Eastern societies. Through such initiatives as the Celebration of Chinese Cinema (CCC), the DVD is becoming a platform for bringing international culture and entertainment to the U.S.
This summer, a slate of more than 50 Chinese films is being released here through New York-based Knight Mediacomm International. The series is curated by David Buckley of China Century Entertainment in New York.
The first titles include "Country Teachers" (June 24), which tells the story of a teacher's first job in a rural village; "Red River Valley" (July 29), about the British invasion of Tibet in 1904; and "Postmen in the Mountains" (Aug. 26), detailing the relationship between a father and his son.
Other titles, which span more than 50 years of filmmaking, will follow once per month during the next several years. Each will list for $24.95.
"These films are truly a glimpse of art and culture that are rarely, if ever, seen in North America," says Ron Knight, head of Knight Mediacomm.
DVD is "a very important channel for foreign films to reach more audiences in America," says Kang Jianmin, a well-known Chinese film producer.
Knight Mediacomm is working with retailers to stock the films. They will be available at Borders Books & Music stores, and deals with amazon.com and Tower Records are being coordinated.
At such retail chains as Virgin Megastores, the CCC films are highly anticipated. "Many major markets, like San Francisco, have a heavy Chinese population that would welcome a growth in Chinese product," says Dave Alder, the company's Los Angeles-based senior VP of product and marketing. 07/19/03
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