Trinity CineAsia has secured U.K. distribution rights to “Being Towards Death,” the latest feature from Chinese filmmaker Chen Sicheng, with the film scheduled to open in selected Odeon cinemas on June 5. The rights were acquired from Blossoms Entertainment. The film first played in the main competition at the Beijing International Film Festival before its mainland China release on May 1.
Chen, best known for directing the blockbuster “Detective Chinatown” franchise as well as titles such as “Lost in the Stars” and “Sheep Without a Shepherd,” takes a different creative direction with this Mandarin-language feature. “Being Towards Death” marks a shift toward comedy-drama and is described as one of mainland China’s first palliative comedies. The story centers on Xiaobing, a man burdened by debt who has lost his family and survived a suicide attempt. He begins working at Cancer Ward No. 10, where he is tasked with providing emotional support to patients. What starts as a transactional job gradually changes as he becomes involved in the patients’ final wishes and spontaneous adventures, including a road trip in a repurposed ambulance.
The film features a cast led by Jiang Long, Qi Xi and Yang Chaoyue, who rose to fame through the Rocket Girls 101 talent competition. The ensemble also includes Wang Zichuan, Zhang Chi, Cao Bingkun, Huang Yi and Ye Quanxi. Veteran performer Ni Dahong and comedy actor Cai Ming appear in special roles, while acclaimed Sixth Generation directors Jia Zhangke and Guan Hu make cameo appearances.
Cedric Behrel, managing director of Trinity CineAsia, said the company had worked with Chen Sicheng multiple times and had followed his development from commercial comedy franchises to more intimate dramas, thrillers and darker genre work. He described Chen as one of the most versatile writer-directors working in China today, as well as one of its most successful producers. Behrel said Trinity CineAsia was pleased to bring the new film to U.K. audiences and highlighted its originality and unusual comic tone.
The producers of “Being Towards Death” are Beijing As One Pictures, Maoyan Pictures and Kunshan Zhouzhuang Shuangqiao Film Co. With its blend of humor, drama and emotional themes, the film represents a notable addition to Chen’s career and continues the international circulation of Chinese commercial cinema through U.K. theatrical release.
