Once Upon a Time in the Middle East selected as China's Oscar submission

The Chinese film ‘Once Upon a Time in the Middle East’, directed by Wen Muye, has been released as China’s official submission for the Academy Awards. The film, which previously opened in China in August, follows the story of Xu Fu, a chef played by Shen Teng, who travels to the Middle East to support his family and repay debts.

Working alongside restaurant manager Ma Junsheng, Xu Fu helps transform a struggling establishment into a successful business. However, the narrative shifts when war erupts in the fictional city of Bahata. The restaurant is subsequently converted into a refuge for orphans and other civilians caught in the crossfire of a conflict inspired by the War on Terror.

The film focuses on the experiences of ordinary civilians rather than traditional military heroism, portraying the struggle for survival amidst geopolitical tensions.