More ban for the buck in China

October 02, 2008 For Tsui Hark, whose "All About Women" pulled out of the 13th Pusan International Film Festival at the last minute because it had not obtained a permit from the Chinese Film Bureau, the answer seems to be never. Screening a Chinese-made film internationally without a permit guarantees a ban for the film's theatrical release in China and could result in sanctions for its producers and director. For an established helmer like Tsui, known in China for such films as "Once Upon a Time in China" and "Seven Swords," which earned 83 million yuan ($10.2 million) at the Chinese boxoffice in 2005, the lucrative Chinese market is one that can't be lost.

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