#40 The ‘Mulan’ debacle

“If Mulan doesn’t work in China, we have a problem,” said Alan Horn, the co-chairman of Walt Disney Studios, to the Hollywood Reporter. Unfortunately, the film had a lot of issues: inaccurate storytelling, cultural appropriation, and political scandals, not to mention a poor showing at the box office. What were the hurdles the movie faced and how Mulan could be a lesson for film studios hoping to tell Chinese stories for international audiences?

FeaturingHank Liu : Film EditorElaine Yau : Journalist at the South China Morning Post journalistMiddle Earth is made by China Compass Productions and hosted by Aladin Farré. If you have a China-themed cultural project like shooting your next documentary or look for a specific talent, please get in touch! 

Recommendations- The Chinese animation film Ne Zha 哪吒 (2019).- The U.S. animation film Coco (2017).

Answers to the quiz- Mulan fought in the Northern Wei army.- At least 12 feature films were made out of Mulan’s story. - Wēn Míngnà 溫明娜, who voiced Mulan in 1998, is the actor doing a cameo in the 2020 remake.With thanks toBrenden Gonsalves  for graphic design & Sean Calvo for music support. 

Don't miss out on our live event in Beijing! 18th of AprilBook your ticket : https://yoopay.cn/event/49445260For six years, the Middle Earth Podcast has been a favorite among creatives working in and with China to learn the latest news about the world's second-largest cultural market. As we reach 100 episodes with over 220 guests, it's time to take a look back at the show and the industry it covers with a live audience, followed by a Q&A and our infamous quiz.