Fortissimo Films announced today that it has struck a deal with Wanda Media to co-handle the worldwide representation of Wandas The Great Hypnotist. Currently in release in China, the film is at the top of the local charts with a first week box-office approaching $25 million.
The film, a mystery thriller, marks the second commercial success there for Taiwan-born director Leste Chen, who previously helmed the 2013 romantic comedy Say Yes. Starring Chinese Superstar XU Zheng (Lost in Thailand) and Hong Kong singer/actress Karen Mok (Around the World in 80 Days, Shaolin Soccer), The Great Hypnotist was produced by Tina Shi, and James Li and executive produced by Xu Zheng and Gillian Zhao. It is presented by Jerry Ye on behalf of Wanda Media Co.
In the film, Xu Ruining (Zheng) is a renowned therapist skilled in hypnotherapy. One day, a new patient named Ren Xiaoyan (Mok) is brought to him, presenting him with one of the most complex cases he has encountered in his career. In spite of all his skills and experience, he seems unable to break through to her to discover the root of her problems. Despite his patients calm appearance, whatever he does, she reacts violently and remains closed off- unreachable by his award winning techniques. Soon he finds himself falling into her trap.
On making the announcement, Werner said, Wanda Media is one of the Worlds most exciting and globally focused entertainment companies in the Industry today. The chance to work with Wanda on Leste Chens, ‘The Great Hypnotist’ is a fantastic opportunity for Fortissimo to bring another break-thru film from China to the world. This film represents a continuing evolution in the global outlook of Chinese Cinema by combining a commercial genre with a strong budget, great production values, and an engaging and engrossing story packaged together with stunning visuals and artistic highlights which I am sure will be well received by audiences everywhere.
Wandas James Li echoed those comments by saying that, We believe that ‘The Great Hypnotist’ has the potential to enjoy success around the globe, and that by working with Fortissimo, we can achieve that goal.
The Great Hypnotist premiered as the closing film of last months Beijing International Film Festival and will be shown next week in the Cannes Market, prior to enjoying further festival exposure.
