Director Yim Ho's Nanjing Massacre story approved

(CRIENGLISH.com)
Updated: 2007-03-14 16:14

After seven years of planning a film about the 1937 Nanjing Massacre, Hong Kong director Yim Ho has finally caught a break.

Chinese web portal Sina.com says the shoot was recently approved by the Ministry of Culture and other related authorities, after Yim Ho adjusted the screenplay several times to make it work.

The director said "Nanjing Christmas: 1937" was inspired by the late Chinese American writer Iris Chang's famous work "The Rape of Nanking." Its story revolves around a group of foreigners who risk their lives to build shelters for Nanjing citizens during the horrible event.

When asked if he worried the film would provoke negative sentiments among Chinese audience, Yim Ho said he had no qualms since his motive was to promote selfless love.

The director is reportedly scouting for lead actors, and is interested in inviting big Hollywood names.

The film's budget is expected to be around 200 million yuan (US$25.8 million).

Last year, an adaption of "The Rape of Nanking" was reportedly being worked on by a team from China, the United States and Britain.

Many other Chinese directors, including Stanley Tong and Lu Chuan, are also planning works to mark the 70th anniversary of the event this year.

The Nanjing Massacre occurred in December 1937 when Japanese aggressor troops occupied the city and killed over 300,000 citizens.