What's New is a recurring column that looks at the new films, music, books and DVD releases in and/or about Chinese mainland
Film: Born In China
Shanghai Disney has finally opened up but the theme park is just one of many new collaborations between the entertainment giants and China. This nature documentary is the first project from Disney’s co-production deal with Shanghai Media Group. With contributions from Big Hero 6’s and the Golden Horse winning director Lu Chuan, Born in China focuses on rare films found only in China from Tibetan antelopes to snow leopards, and of course, the panda. Filmed over three years in Sichuan and Qinghai Province, as well as Tibet Autonomous Region, Born in China is the rare documentary to hit China’s big screens. Although it’s scheduled for a 2017 Earth Day release in North America, the Chinese version was released nationwide on August 12, with narration from actress Zhou Xun. Out nationwide now.
Sports: Olympics
Despite massive concerns, the Rio Olympics have impressed so far. Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt gave gold medal legacy cementing performances but it might actually be Hangzhou swimmer Fu Yuanhui that has won everyone’s hearts due to her adorable reaction to finding out she qualified for the 100m backstroke finals, where she won bronze. There are still plenty of storylines like the suddenly vulnerable USA basketball team and of course there’s the closing ceremonies on August 21. Check out our guides on the best places to watch the Olympics in Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Shenzhen; but if you want to catch some live action at work, it’s being live streamed on QQ Sports and CCTV. More details here.
Sports: UFC 202
It’s going to be a busy Sunday morning for sports bars across China as the much anticipated rematch between Connor McGregor and Nate Diaz goes down. While Diaz may have triumphed in their first battle, the world needs McGregor to win - the man is the best trash talker in sports since Muhammad Ali. PPTV has the exclusive rights for UFC and will be airing the entire UFC 202 live at PPTV Sports.
Music: Osheyack - Fake, Fraud, Fiction
SVBKLT continues its impressive run of releases with this EP from the mysterious Shanghai-based producer. Already Osheyack has become a fixture in the city’s electronic underground, supporting hometown heroes like Tzu Sing on their big album release shows with a dizzying live hardwre set. The Fake, Fraud, Fiction EP promises to spotlight Osheyack’s distinctly dark blend of techno, Baltimore club and other evil dance sounds. It will be officially released on August 19 at The Shelter. Album will be available at SVBKVLT’s Soundcloud and Bandcamp.
Music: Spill Your Guts - Full Blast
The saying ‘never judge a book by its cover’ does not apply to the amazing cover art for the Shanghai hardcore band’s latest EP - a colorful and twisted take on the famed skyscrapers of Lujiazui. It’s perfect representation for the appropriately named Full Blast - five songs of the furious hardcore that have made them favorites in their hometown. Produced by The Arcbane’s Xander Chang, it’s the latest excellent release from Shanghai’s flourishing metal scene. Available at Spill Your Guts’ Bandcamp.
TV: The People vs O.J. Simpson
In between ESPN’s outstanding documentary OJ: Made in America and this hugely popular FX show, there’s been a sudden revival of interest in the ‘trial of the century.’ Now Le Eco has scored the exclusive Mainland streaming rights for the drama with episodes uploaded each week starting August 16 (VIP users can access the entire season). Academy Award winner Cuba Gooding Jr stars as O.J. while other stars of old have juicy roles (David Schwimmer as Robert Kardashian, John Travolta as Robert Shapiro, Nathan Lane as F. Lee Bailey, Malcolm-Jamal Warner as Al Cowling as Larry King as himself. Streamable at Le Eco.
For past What's New columns, click here.
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