American Filmmaker Dennie Gordon Breaks New Ground in China

Filmmaker Dennie Gordon has signed on to direct the Chinese-language film “My Lucky Star,” making her the first American woman to direct a film for the domestic market in China

Filmmaker Dennie Gordon has signed on to direct the Chinese language film “My Lucky Star,” which is a long-awaited prequel to the Chinese blockbuster “Sophie’s Revenge,” the filmmakers announced in a statement on Friday.

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Gordon is the first American woman to direct a feature for the domestic market in China. She developed the romantic comedy with Beaver Kwei, Amy Snow and Huang Hai.

The film toplines Zhang Ziyi, who is joined by the Chinese singer and star Wang Leehom. It is presented by Bona Entertainment and is being produced by Ling Lucas, Beaver Kwei, Second Chan and William Chen.

Taking place in various cities, the romantic comedy contains elements of mistaken identity and an international crime caper that takes Ziyi, who reprises her role as Sophie, on a glamorous adventure from Beijing to Singapore to Hong Kong and Macau.

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“I am thrilled to be working on ‘My Lucky Star’ and to have the great fortune to be working with some of the most creative and forward-thinking talents in the business,” said Gordon. "We are doing something new and very exciting, where a specific Hollywood style is brought to a Chinese feature."

Zhang Ziyi is best known to American audiences for “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” “House of Flying Daggers,” “Memoirs of a Geisha,” and “Hero.” She can next be seen in “Dangerous Liaisons,” directed by Hur Jin Ho and the martial arts epic “Grand Masters” from Wong Kar-Wai.

Wang Leehom is a multi-million album-selling Chinese-American pop star and one of the hottest names in Chinese music today. He can also be seen in “Lust, Caution” from Ang Lee.

Gordon’s previous credits include “Joe Dirt,” “New York Minute” and “What a Girl Wants.”

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