Sidney Lumet dies

    Sidney Lumet, a well-known American film director, died at his Manhattan home on Saturday at age 86.

    Lumet was one of the leading film directors of the second half of the 20th century. He had a prolific* career, directing over 40 movies. He received an honorary Academy Award for lifetime achievement in 2005.

    Liu Yifei’s new role

    Actress Liu Yifei has been cast to play the role of Yuji in the historical film “White Vengeance” to be directed by Daniel Lee.

    The film recalls the banquet of Hongmen, a well-known event of 206 B.C. where warring general Xiang Yu was motivated* to assassinate* Liu Bang, his rival. Director Lee said Leon Lai would play Liu in “White Vengeance.” Filming will start in two weeks.

    Bob Dylan’s China debut

    Counter-culture legend Bob Dylan made his long-awaited China debut* last Wednesday.

    Dylan played at the Worker’s Gymnasium in central Beijing before a show in Shanghai on Friday and two more in Hong Kong this week — commemorating* his first major performance on April 11, 1961 in New York.

    Third ‘Dark Knight’ film

    Film director Christopher Nolan, who directed the two previous Batman films, said Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, will host filming for a third film.

    Filming could last between four and six weeks and will start in July. The film, “The Dark Knight Rises,” is scheduled to be released in July 2012. The previous two films include “Batman Begins” and “The Dark Knight.”

   (SD-Agencies)