What's New is a recurring column that looks at the new films, music, books and DVD releases in and/or about Chinese mainland
New Film: Alvin and the Chipmunks 4
The latest installment in this ludicrously lucrative franchise sees the Chipmunks plot to break up their handler’s Dave’s engagement due to the fiancee’s bully son. Released just before Christmas in North America, it’s already raked in over USD136 million, ensuring Number Five is around the corner. In theaters nationwide on January 26.
New Books: While We're Here
Writer’s colony The Anthill comes together for their first collection. Released on Hong Kong based Earnshaw Books, While We’re Here features 33 contributions from foreigners and Chinese writers across the country. The mix of narrative non-fiction, fiction and poetry elicits emotions from touching to bizarre. Available on Amazon. For more, check out That's Beijing's feature on While We're Here.
New Music: ZHI 16 - Can't Stay Here No More
After releasing three compilations last year, Beijing future music collective Do Hits rings in 2016 with their first artist release. Described by the group as “our beloved young producer of the year,” Can’t Stay Here No More is a 30-minute experiment with song titles just labeled by their track number. While that may trigger warning signs, ZHI 16 has crafted a smooth sonic journey with chamber elements and plenty of surprises that hint at the Beijing based producer’s overwhelming potential. Available to buy/stream at Do Hits' Bandcamp.
New Film: Kung Fu Panda 3
Jack Black returns to voice Po in the planned six-part animated comedy series. Once again, he finds himself as an outcast while reuniting with his biological father at a secret panda sanctuary. Making matters worse is an evil ancient spirit called Kai who steals the powers of kung fu masters he defeated across China. Can the original Kung Fu Panda teach a village of clumsy, fun loving pandas to follow in his fighting ways? The film is the first co-created by Shanghai based Oriental DreamWorks and features a star-studded cast that includes Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen and Bryan Cranston. In theaters nationwide on January 29.
New Film: Lost in the Pacific
Originally slated for release on the mammoth Spring Festival opening date, it’s probably for the best that this project avoids competing against guaranteed blockbusters like The Monkey King 2 and Stephen Chow’s The Mermaid. Regardless, this fascinating project marks the first English 3D sci-fi action adventure film produced in China. Superman Returns’ Brandon Routh and CJ7’s Zhang Yuqi star in this 2020 set film about a catastrophic transoceanic flight full of luxurious passengers. With Three Body Problem and The Great Wall slated to come out this year, 2016 promises to be the year that Chinese sci-fi breaks out. In theaters nationwide on January 29.
New Music: Swimful - PM2.5
After presenting Damacha’s TuHaoJin opus last year, SVBKVLT links up with another Shanghai fixture. Approved by the Based God, Lil B, and hip streetwear company/indie label Mishka, the ultra-mysterious producer unleashes his newest EP PM2.5. this weekend with release shows in Beijing on January 29 at DADA and in Shanghai at The Shelter on January 30. PM2.5 will be available at SVBKLT's Bandcamp.
> Beijing: Jan 29, 10pm-late, RMB50. DADA.
> Shanghai: Jan 30, 10pm-late, RMB40. The Shelter.
> For past What's New columns, click here.
> Have a tip about a new release? Get in touch at arts@urbanatomy.com with the subject 'What's New.'
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