Beijing is fueling its preparation for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games with another tribute film production in the making.

 

 

Li Zhaolin, soon to lead the cast in The One, speaks during the ceremony to mark the start of shooting, on Sunday, June 10, 2007.

 

The One, which is based on the story of Liu Changchun, the first Chinese to compete in the Olympics, started shooting on Sunday in the sprinter's hometown of Dalian city, says the Chinese web portal Sina.com.cn.

 

Officials from the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, the Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee and the Dalian city government, attended the ceremony held at the Dalian University of Technology, where the late sports pioneer worked as a teacher.

 

Liu Changchun struggled to represent China at the 1932 Los Angeles Summer Games, having been pressured to represent the puppet state set up by Japanese invaders. His toughness and strong mind inspired many Chinese athletes.

 

The One is being produced by the Beijing Forbidden City Film Company as a tribute to the upcoming Beijing Olympics next summer, when China holds the sports gala for the first time.

 

Olympic gold medal holder Liu Xiang was invited to lead the cast, but had to give up shooting due to a tight training schedule.

 

Instead, Li Zhaolin, an amateur sprinter with acting experience gleaned from his study at the prestigious Central Academy of Drama, will take on the role.

 

The film is set to hit the big screen early next year. Worldwide athletes attending the Beijing Games will also have the change to enjoy it, according to the Sina report.

 

(CRI June 11, 2007)