Debut of The Painter

Famous painter Shi Qi speaks at the premiere.

Yang Shuying, chief consultant of the film.

Director Hai Tao with leading actor Xu Ning.

The production team.

The Painter, a film about Tang Dynasty artist Wu Daozi (68-759), premiered in Beijing’s Great Hall of the People on September 16. Produced by the Zhong Shi Han Lin（Beijing）International Film and TV Planning Co., Ltd., and directed by young director Hai Tao, its cast includes A-list actors Wu Ma of Hong Kong and Xu Ning and Guo Zhenni from China’s mainland.

In addition to various celebrities, those present at the debut ceremony included officials from the Ministry of Culture, the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, China Artists Association and China Calligraphers Association.

The Painter received seven nominations for the 15th Shanghai International Film Festival, and won the gold Media Award for best actor and art. Director Hai Tao said that the life of a sage painter has timeless significance, particularly in an age where consumerism is god, and that Wu Daozi’s commitment to art and moral values can inspire youth today to make wiser choices in life.