The producers of the Mei
Lafang biopic told the Chinese press that Chen Kaige had
been chosen to helm the project.
Previously Hong Kong director Stanley Kwan was
considered for the position.
Chen will work on the script along with novelist Yan
Geling (Xiu Xiu: The Sent-Down Girl, Siao Yu) and Taiwan
director Chen Kuo-Fu (Double Vision, The Personals), and
William Chang (2046, In the Mood for Love), Wong Kar-Wais
favorite designer, will handle the production and costume
design.
Leung Chui-Wai has remained as the prime choice for
playing the title role since January but the producers say
they are also talking to other actors.
Mei Lanfang (1894-1961) was the most accomplished
Peking Opera artist of last century, who was known for
playing women‘s roles on stage.
Chen Kaige‘s critically acclaimed Farewell My
Concubine was in fact loosely inspired by Mei‘s career.
Producers of the project plan to start shooting by
February next year..