MUMBAI: Fortissimo Films will represent and distribute internationally, all rights to the feature film library of director, Yonfan. Michael J. Werner
The collection of thirteen titles spans nearly three decades of his work and includes such films as the Chow Yun-fat and Maggie Cheung hit Story Of Rose, Bishonen starring Daniel Wu, Shu Qi and Stephen Fung and Last Romance starring Maggie Cheung and Cherie Chung. All of the titles which were written, directed and produced by Yonfan, are currently being fully digitally restored and re-mastered, with the classic Last Romance to be the first to be completed and set to have its world premiere during the upcoming Hong Kong International Film Festival. The deal covers all rights outside of Hong Kong with Fortissimo launching sales at the upcoming Filmart followed by sales activities at the 2011 MIPTV.
The deal was negotiated by Michael J. Werner and Fortissimo’s head Asian Acquisitions Esther Yeung, along with director Yonfan himself.
Werner said, “Yonfan has always been one of Asia’s unique masters of beauty, visual energy and fascinating story telling. By allowing his films to be fully restored and having a new approach to their distribution, audiences both here in Asia and throughout the world will have the opportunity to see these wonderful films. With their amazing casts, fascinating and frequently provocative and daring storylines presented with his inimitable signature style, The Yonfan Collection is a true treasure trove of Asian cinematic history.”
Yonfan added, “Each of my films represents something incredibly personal and special to me. I am very pleased that Michael and the Fortissimo team are joining with me to present these fully restored versions to new audiences around the globe.”
