American Dreams in China
Screening and talk trace genesis of box-office hit
HONG KONG, April 25, 2014 — A movie directed by Peter Ho-Sun Chan and inspired by the co-founders of China's largest cram school, New Oriental Group's American Dreams in China follows the paths of three Chinese friends who aim to live the American Dream by establishing a private tutoring institution. It was presented here in an evening screening followed by a panel discussion with the director and two of the New Oriental Group's co-founders, Victor Qiang Wang and Bob Xiapoing Xu. Asia Society Co-Chair and Chairman of Asia Society Hong Kong Center Ronnie C. Chan moderated the discussion.
During the panel, Bob Xu described pitching the original movie idea — which reflects the experiences of the three Co-Founders' journey into establishing a successful educational institution — to director and producer Peter Chan. The movie turned out to be a huge hit, ranking number three in HK box office sales last year; it also generated $500 million for New Oriental.
"So it's a good movie," chuckled Mr. Xu.
Video: Watch the complete program (1 hr., 1 min.)