"Aftershock," Chinese director Feng Xiaogang's upcoming film about a deadly earthquake in 1976, would be a great success in Hangzhou, according to a local cinema spokesperson.

Lu Yi (L) and Zhang Jingchu in "Aftershock" [py.dahe.cn]

The film completed its first phase of production in Hangzhou's Yannan Art Organization Wednesday evening, and the crew will set off to Sichuan Province for the second phase.

A remarkable rumor that recently surfaced on the Internet alleging that Feng received a villa from the Hangzhou government has been denied by the government. However, Feng's 12-day stay in the city amounts to even more benefits than the value of a villa.

Right after his arrival on July 3, extensive coverage from the media all over the country made this film the hottest topic in Hangzhou. Both residents and travelers were excited about the film but wondered why, since the movie is about the Tangshan earthquake, it was being produced in Hangzhou.

Reporters also saw many travelers coming to the filming locations, like Yong Fu Temple, excited to watch the movie being made. No wonder people in charge of local cinemas talked cheerfully about the film, saying its box office earnings in Hangzhou next year must be even more than the popular "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen."

(CRI July 17, 2009)