'Once Upon a Time in the Middle East' heads overseas

After becoming a box-office hit in China, the film Once Upon a Time in the Middle East is now being released in international markets.

Directed by Wen Muye and starring Shen Teng, the film has grossed more than 1.68 billion yuan (around $249 million) in China including pre-sales since its release on August 11, according to ticketing platform Maoyan. It has also won praise from audiences for telling a war story through the experiences of ordinary people.

On August 25, the film’s overseas release schedule was announced, with screenings set to begin on September 11 in Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia. It will open in Singapore on September 17 and Japan on September 18, with more releases planned in Southeast Asia. The film will also hit cinemas in Hong Kong and Macao on September 18.

Set against the backdrop of conflict in the Middle East, the film follows Xu Fu, a Chinese chef who travels there and opens a Chinese restaurant. He initially hopes to make a living through his cooking, but as the violence spreads, his quiet life is disrupted by the conflict around him. Along the way, he builds relationships with local residents and people from different backgrounds.