‘The Assassin’

    TAIWAN director Hou Hsiao-hsien’s new film “The Assassin” is set to be released across mainland theaters Aug. 27.

    The film is about a female assassin sent back to her home province to kill its governor, who just happens to be the man she’s been in love with for years. Starring actress Shu Qi as the assassin, the movie earned Hou the best director award at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.

    Filmmaker dies

    RENOWNED Chinese film director Xie Tieli died at the age of 90 in Beijing on Friday.

    Xie is regarded as one of the leading figures in the “third generation” of Chinese directors, the group who rose to prominence after 1949. His best-known films include “Early Spring in February” and “Bosom Friend.”

    Winners

    IRANIAN film “13” has come away as the big winner at the Asian New Talent Awards at this year’s Shanghai International Film Festival. The coming-of-age film about a teenager struggling with the divorce of his parents has taken home the best film and best cinematographer awards. The best director honor went to Japanese director Momoko Ando for her film “0.5mm.” Nine-year-old actress Yangchen Lhamo from Tibet has taken home the best actress title for her role in the film “River.” Taiwan actor Sean Huang took home best actor for his performance in “Appeal.”