Lost in Beijing Delayed By Chinese Authorities

Like several Chinese and Taiwanese films produced in recent years, the new Chinese film "Lost in Beijing" is stirring controversy in its home country. It was nearly removed from the most recent Berlin Film Festival after the Chinese government demanded that massive cuts be made in it. Now, the government is delaying the release of the film because of the upcoming Communist Party Congress, during which only "ethically inspiring" films are allowed to be shown. The film contrasts the growing hopelessness and misery of the poor living in the Chinese countryside with the economic prosperity of the rich who live in the cities. China's Film Bureau is reportedly worried that the film will produce a "negative social reaction." Lost in Beijing has been directed by the relatively little-known Li Yu, who also co-wrote the film with producer Fang Li.