Gianna Jun and Li Bing Bing star in the adaptation of Lisa See’s bestseller about female friendship in 19th century China.

Fox Searchlight has taken North American rights from IDG China Media to Wayne Wang’s sweeping epic Snow Flower And The Secret Fan.

Gianna Jun and Li Bing Bing star in the adaptation of Lisa See’s bestseller about female friendship in 19th century China. Hugh Jackman also appears.

Ron Bass, Angela Workman, and Michael Ray adapted the screenplay and introduced a dual timeline about two career women in modern-day Shanghai who strive to unravel the mystery of their ancestral connection contained in the folds of a white silk fan.

Wendi Murdoch and Florence Sloan are producing and Hugo Shong serves as executive producer. Kathy Morgan of KMI International is introducing to buyers here.

“Wayne Wang has an incredible vision for creating beautifully moving films – there is a universal truth in his portrayals of women’s stories,” Searchlight presidents Nancy  Utley and Stephen Gilula said.

“Guided by Wayne Wang’s sensibilities and starring an incredibly talented international cast, we know this deeply moving story of love and devotion is in the best possible hands at Fox Searchlight,” Murdoch and Sloan said.

Fox Searchlight executive vice-president of worldwide acquisitions Tony Safford and senior vice-president of business affairs Megan O’Brien negotiated the deal with IDG China Media’s executive vice-president of production Ted Perkins and Stephen L Saltzman of Loeb & Loeb.