Since gaining high recognition at the Shanghai Film Festival, young Chinese director Ning Hao's film Crazy Stone has drawn the interest of many big names. At the film's premiere in Beijing yesterday, stars Cui Jian, Huang Jianxin and Chen Kexin could all be found in attendance.

 

　

 Wu Siyuan, Huang Jianxin, Ning Hao and Chen Kexin (L-R)

 

The movie is a modern comedy that starts off with priceless jade jewelry in a washroom. 　

 

Throughout the screening, the entire hall was overwhelmed with laughter and applause for the first-rate comedic performances of the actors.

 

Part of the audience in the theater was famous director Huang Jianxin. Huang complimented Ning Hao, saying, "The film is so interesting. It's hard to believe it was made by so young a director, with such sophisticated tact." 　　

 

Recently, Hao, the 28-year-old director, has been regarded as a dark horse in the film industry. He made two films before Crazy Stone, but neither of them have been shown in cinemas. 　　

 

For this film he admitted that Andy Lau helped a lot: "I am the last one who joined in Lau's 'Asian New Director Project.' He gave me both adequate working space and freedom." 　　

 

Crazy Stone was made possible by the Asian New Director Project. Sponsored by Hong Kong star Andy Lau, the project aims to help promising young Chinese directors.

 

(CRI June 28, 2006)