Star-studded cast for Republic

The Founding of a Republic (Jianguo Daye), a film set on the eve of the foundation of the People's Republic of China in 1949, will screen in the mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan, says film tycoon Han Sanping.

Han, chairman of China Film Group, the largest film producer/distributor in China and the film's co-director, says the film will premiere in the mainland on Sept 17, Hong Kong around Sept 20 and Taiwan before Oct 1.

The film, which Han calls a gift of Chinese filmmakers and actors to their mother country for its 60-year anniversary this October, gathers more than 100 stars, including Jackie Chan, Jet Li and Zhang Ziyi.

Han says buyers from Southeast Asian countries have shown great interest in the film, as well as some unexpected interest from the US. But he refuses to anticipate the box office take. Renowned singer Sun Nan will sing the theme song.