Well Go USA Entertainment has acquired North American distribution rights to Chinese war drama Once Upon A Time In The Middle East, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Wen Muye.
The acquisition follows the film’s strong theatrical performance in China, where it has grossed more than $318m to date. Well Go USA Entertainment will release the film across North America on October 9.
One of China’s biggest stars, Shen Teng, leads the film as Xu Fu, a debt-burdened chef who travels to the Middle East in search of a fresh start. Working alongside restaurant manager Ma Junsheng, Xu transforms the struggling Dragon Restaurant into a thriving business and an unlikely gathering place for the surrounding community.
When war engulfs the city, their hard-won success is shattered. As the restaurant becomes a refuge for people caught in the conflict, Xu must move beyond his instinct for self-preservation and risk everything to protect the community he has come to call his own.
The film also stars Jiang Qiming, Omar Sherif and Sherif Sobhy, with a special appearance by Aarif Lee. Wen Muye co-wrote the screenplay for the film alongside Lang Qunli and Zhong Wei. Ning Hao serves as executive producer, with Wang Yibing as chief producer and Liu Mingyi as producer.
Wen is known internationally for combining socially relevant themes with character-driven storytelling. His previous feature Dying To Survive earned him best new director at the Golden Horse Awards in 2018 and best directorial debut at the Golden Rooster Awards. His credits also include Nice View and the anthology feature My People, My Country.
Shen Teng’s string of blockbuster hits include China’s biggest film of the year to date Pegasus 3 and 2024 summer hit Successor.
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