Press Release from TM Publicity
Mao’s Last Dancer, which opens in cinemas across Australia on October 1, has been announced as first runner up in the People’s Choice Awards at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Producer Jane Scott said that Mao’s Last Dancer had three sold out public screenings at Toronto and received a rapturous standing ovation at its World Premiere screening at the Festival last weekend, attended by Director Bruce Beresford, Screenwriter Jan Sardi, Producer Jane Scott, Composer Christopher Gordon, lead actor Chi Cao and other cast including Kyle MacLachlan, Amanda Schull and Madeleine Eastoe. Lu Cunxin, whose best-selling biography Mao’s Last Dancer was adapted for the screen, was also in the audience.
“There was an incredibly warm response to the film with many of the audience obviously deeply moved and reluctant to leave the cinema. It was wonderful to be able to experience that audience reaction with our key cast and crew and with Li Cunxin,” Ms Scott said. “We are thrilled to be named first runner up and now look forward to presenting Mao’s Last Dancer to audiences across Australia.”
Winner of the People’s Choice Awards was Precious, directed by Lee Daniels. Executive Producer Oprah Winfrey was in Toronto to promote the film.
Mao’s Last Dancer was filmed on location in China, the US and Australia.