Capitol Films has taken oninternational sales for Bruce Beresford's A Dream Of Red Mansions, currently in pre-production. Kate Hudson and KenWatanabe are set to star in this epic love story set during the ChineseCultural Revolution.

Capitol has already closed adeal on A Dream Of Red Mansionspre-Cannes with Toshiba Entertainment for Japan.

Driving Miss Daisy director Beresford will start shooting the new filmin October in Taiwan and the UK.

Diana Mellors (Hudson)travels to war-torn China in 1949 as Mao takes power. She meets idealistic LiYung (Ken Watanabe) who separates her from her diplomat best friend. DonaldMartin wrote the screenplay based on a true story.

'A producer is alwayssearching for original and captivating material, but seldom does a storysuch as A Dream of Red Mansionscome along,' said Berk and Palau. 'The story is based on true lifeevents and set against one of the most volatile chapters of Chinesehistory, and we are really looking forward to bringing it to thescreen. We are also thrilled that our passion for thissubject is shared by such a wonderful cast as Kate Hudson and Ken Watanabe, andsuch an experienced director as Bruce Beresford.'

Added Jane Barclay ofCapitol Films: 'This is a magnificent story set during a fascinatingperiod of recent history, in the capable hands of director Bruce Beresford andcast Kate Hudson and Ken Watanabe. We at Capitol believe that this will befirst-rate entertainment of the highest calibre.'

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