Zhou Bichang, Super Girl runner-up in 2005, will be seen on the big screen again in August. Zhou will star in The 601st Phone Call, directed by veteran actor Zhang Guoli and costarring Hong Kong actress and singer Cecilia Cheung.

Zhou's second film since she shot to fame in last year's Super Girl singing contest will finish shooting in May.

At a press conference Sunday in Shanghai, Zhou attracted more than 200 fans, waving their hands and shouting their promises to "see the film 601 times for Bibi (Zhou's nickname given by her fans)."

The fans' enthusiasm was a surprise even to big star Cheung, who predicted that Zhou is on her way to becoming star. "I think she might claim a best actress prize in some film festivals for her talent and popularity," Cheung told reporters.

The idea for the film came from last year's Internet posting leaking the phone numbers of 600 of China's celebrities, including the film's director, Zhang Guoli. "The worst thing was receiving 172 text messages in one day. I had to recharge the phone battery several times a day. I'm still feeling the effect. I have to switch my phone to secretary-answering service all the time."

In the movie, Zhou plays a nobody struggling to make a living. Her life mingles with superstar Tian You, whose leaked telephone number is almost the same as hers. Zhang expressed his confidence in Zhou, praising her as "very suitable for the role."

Cecilia Cheung also said the film's story was identical to her own experience and that of her friends. "That's why I accepted the offer without a second thought," Cheung said.

(Shenzhen Daily April 18, 2006)