The Shaolin Temple told a press conference in Beijing on Thursday that it will be organizing a televised elimination game show to be screened from next March, the winners of which will feature in a film and TV series.

The Kungfu competition, jointly initiated by Shaolin Temple Culture Communication Co., Ltd, owned by the temple, and a Chinese satellite TV station, will select 108 practitioners, said Shi Yongxin, the temple's abbot.

"Our efforts will reach more people and be more effective by using modern technologies and media channels," said Shi.

Participants will have to survive three stages to vie for roles in the new film and series, both named The Legend of the Monk Warriors of Shaolin Temple and with an estimated budget of 200 million yuan (US$25 million).

Their plots will reportedly be based on a true story involving the temple.

A judging panel of outstanding martial art practitioners, Kungfu stars and renowned film directors will appraise competitors along with public voting by internet and mobile phone messages, according to Fu Min, general manager of Shaolin Temple Culture Communication and also a Shaolin monk.

The 1,500-year temple, in central China's Henan Province, is famous for its martial arts and legendary stories.

"We hope more people around the world will enjoy, practice and benefit from Chinese Kungfu," said Shi.

(Xinhua News Agency November 18, 2005)