Chinese streamer and producer iQiyi is joining forces with Malaysia’s GSC Movies and Singapore-based Clover Films to handle theatrical distribution of its Chinese-language films in their respective territories.
As part of this partnership, the iQiyi-backed film Trending Topic, directed by Xin Yukun and starring Zhou Dongyu, Yuan Hong, and Song Yang, will be theatrically released in Singapore and Malaysia, following its release in mainland China on December 1.
Similarly, iQiyi’s The Invisible Guest, directed by Chen Zhuo and starring actors Greg Hsu, Janine Chang, Kara Wai and Zheng Yin, will also be in theatres in Singapore and Malaysia after it debuts in Chinese cinemas on December 8.
Yang Xianghua, iQiyi’s President of Movie & Overseas Business, said: “We have witnessed a growing demand since we started distributing Chinese-language content to overseas markets in 2017.
“By partnering with GSC Movies and Clover Films for theatrical distribution, we can seamlessly bring Chinese-language films to audiences in Singapore and Malaysia through effective resource integration. This collaboration not only enables us to cater to the local audience’s appetite for Chinese-language films but also ensures timely access to new releases.”
iQiyi has produced and theatrically distributed several Chinese-language movies at the China box office, including Break Through The Darkness, Hachiko, and Ping Pong: The Triumph.
The Beijing-based company rolled out an international version of its streaming service, complete with subtitles in multiple languages, in 2019. It has also started producing content in languages other than Chinese.
GSC Movies, a wholly-owned subsidiary of exhibitor Golden Screen Cinemas, offers a diverse range of content including Chinese and other Asian films, Japanese anime and independent English-language films.
Clover Films has co-produced and distributed over 30 Singaporean films and more than 300 Asian films, including Korean hit Train To Busan, multiple Oscar winner Parasite, Jackie Chan’s Chinese Zodiac and iQiyi productions Man On The Edge and Almost Love.
iQiyi’s collaboration with Clover Films extends beyond distribution to include co-production on projects such as comedy Reunion Dinner, directed by Wang Guoshen and starring Golden Horse Award winner Liu Yase, which premiered online on iQiyi in January 2022.
