Chinese Feminist Comedy ‘Her Story’ on Course for U.S., International Releases: ‘Women’s Voices and Stories Are Becoming More Prominent’ (EXCLUSIVE)

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“Her Story,” a Mainland Chinese comedy-drama film told from a largely female perspective, is set for a release in major international territories later this month that are coordinated with its wide opening in China.

The film is directed by Shao Yihui, who previously made a mark with her 2021 picture “B For Busy.” Its fast-paced story focuses on two women – one a recently unemployed single mom, the other a new neighbor who is more troubled than she appears – who become friends. Together they face up to various relationship challenges, including an abusive ex-husband and new romantic possibilities.

The cast is headed by Song Jia, Elaine Zhong, Zhang Yu, Mark Chao, Ren Bin, Zeng Mumei, Zhang Chi and Zhou Yemang. Production is by Maxtimes Pictures.

Rights outside mainland China have been picked up by Tiger Pictures Entertainment, which will operate a split strategy of itself handling the picture’s release in some territories while licensing it in others.

Following a wide release in China on Nov. 22 by Taopiaopiao Film and Television Culture, Tiger Pictures will release “Her Story” in the U.S., Hong Kong and Macau on Nov. 28, and the U.K. on Nov. 29.

It has licensed the rights to Little Monster Entertainment for a Nov. 28 release in Australia and New Zealand. Singapore’s Golden Village has set the film for a Nov. 28 release, while Malaysia’s Mega Films Distribution has it scheduled for Dec. 8.

Pre-sales indications from Chinese ticketing platforms Maoyan and Taopiaopiao point to a wide release in China and a possible second place ranking behind “Gladiator 2,” which opens the same day.

“Building on the success of its predecessor, ‘Her Story’ offers a fresh, insightful, and thought-provoking exploration of women’s lives and the issues that shape their experiences in today’s world. Breaking away from the conventional narrative limits of typical chick flicks, it presents non-stereotypical portrayals of both male and female characters. And after preview screenings we have had audience feedback likening it to a Chinese version of ‘Barbie’,” a Tiger Pictures spokesperson told Variety.

“B for Busy” starred Xu Zheng and Ma Yili, in a tale of romance between two divorcees, with ex-spouses and their students making for comedic complications.

Feminism is a tricky subject for Chinese media. While official policy is supportive of women’s advancement, economic and structural realities mean that China remains significantly patriarchal. And Chinese authorities frown on any kind of protest initiative, such as the #MeToo movement that flourished in the west and may have briefly boosted “Barbie” during its July 2023 release.

Shao is undeterred. “This film is one of the few that closely connects with trending topics among China’s internet-savvy and young audiences. It addresses issues like intimate relationships, menstrual stigma, women’s labor in families and consent in sexual behavior, raising a call to stop playing by their rules,” she said.

“’Her Story’ breaks away from the conventional chick flick tropes, moving beyond the ‘manic pixie dream girl’ —a fantasy of women crafted for male ideals—and ‘machisma,’ an approach that appears to oppose patriarchy yet remains dependent on it, and instead portrays women in more authentic, multidimensional ways.”

Box office trends may be on her side. The highest-grossing film in China this year is “Yolo,” a body image and self-actualization tale written, directed and starring Jia Ling. It grossed RMB3.45 billion ($470 million) and was picked up for English language remake by Sony Pictures.

“The growing attention to female narratives reflects a shifting cultural landscape, with women’s stories and voices becoming increasingly prominent in the Chinese entertainment industry,” Tiger Pictures said.

B For Busy’ Director Shao Yihui Sets ‘Her Story’ Feminist Comedy Drama on Course for Chinese and International Releases (EXCLUSIVE)