China and Netherlands-based Fortissimo Films has acquired the international distribution rights to the anticipated Chinese blockbuster “If You Are the One 3”.
Set for release in China on December 30, the film is directed by Feng Xiaogang as the second instalment in his anti-romance comedy franchise about a rich businessman and an air hostess, which began in 2008 and earned a sequel in 2010. The new film reunites the main cast of Ge You and Shu Qi, as well as Fan Wei (“One Second”), Yao Chen (“Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back”) and Guan Xiaotong (“Shadow”).
Set in 2031, the new film tells the story of Qin (Ge), who retires to a small island alone, as his wife Xiaoxiao (Shu) is away all year. Fan (Fan), Qin’s friend, designs an android identical to Xiaoxiao to keep Qin company. Spending time with the android and his old friends, Qin reflects on loneliness and companionship until the day the real Xiaoxiao returns and the three of them can live together.
While ‘If You Are the One’ has long been a core property of Huayi Brothers, the new film is being produced by China Film Co, Mayla Media and Huayi Brothers. China Film will also distribute the film in China. Fortissimo has worldwide rights with the exception of Hong Kong/Macau, North America and Oceania.
For decades, Feng has been one of China’s most successful mainstream directors, with his “A World Without Thieves” winning Best Adapted Screenplay at the 2004 Golden Horse Film Awards, “Aftershock” representing China at the Oscars and “I Am Not Madame Bovary” starring Fan Bingbing winning Best Film at the 2016 San Sebastian Festival.
In recent years, Fortissimo has handled several mainland Chinese films, including this year’s animated hit “Deep Sea”. Others include “The Yin-Yang Master” and Larry Yang’s “Mountain Cry”.
