The Chinese mainland's gross box office is expected to reach 1.5 billion yuan, or about US$180 million this year.

An official from the Chinese State Administration of Radio, Film and Television revealed that the likely achievement will set a new record.

Renowned director Zhang Yimou's "House of Flying Daggers" became this year's bestseller, raking in 150 million yuan in China, and over 400 million yuan around the world up to December 1st.

The official also disclosed that China will focus on the development of digital films next year, as the high definition movies are inexpensive yet high in quality.

(CRI December 7, 2004)