Chinese moviegoers will be delighted at the news that this year's Oscar-winning blockbuster "Slumdog Millionaire" will hit Chinese cinema screens next month.

The heart-warming rag-to-riches love story is set to enthral Chinese audiences from March 26, according to a report in the Chongqing Morning Post.

China Film Group, the only film corporation in China that holds the exclusive rights, granted by the Government, to import films, will introduce the smash hit to mainland audiences.

"Slumdog Millionaire," with ten nominations, swept the Oscars on Sunday night, bagging eight awards including the coveted best picture, best director and best cinematography awards.

The low-budget tale of romance tells the story of a young boy and his brother from the slums of Mumbai who are forced to fend for themselves after their mother is murdered in a riot. As a teenager, desperate to locate his childhood sweetheart, he goes on India's version of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" in order to draw attention to himself – and is soon one answer away from winning the jackpot.

A wonderful story of hope and triumph, this buoyant, energetic and inspiring film has gained enormous popularity across the world, due in no small part to it's reflection of the current situation of great worldwide recession.

"Slumdog Millionaire" will coincide with the release of "Ashes of Time - Redux" by Hong Kong director Wong Kar-Wai which is also scheduled for screening in late March.

"Ashes of Time - Redux," a re-cut of director Wong's 1994 martial arts film will finally be shown to mainland audiences over a decade after its original release.

Another big Oscar winner, "The Reader", which won British actress Kate Winslet her first Oscar for Best Actress, will probably not be imported to the mainland due to its nude scenes, the article claimed.

(CRI February 25, 2009)