A multi-media musical, the Song of Movies, has been shot to mark the centenary of the Chinese movie industry this year, according to an official with the State Administration of Radio, Television and Film.

The musical, combining 22 original songs, 20 dances and a 90-minute multi-media presentation and a review of 80 classic Chinese movies, presents great changes the Chinese movie sector has gone through in the past 100 years, via the narration of the legendary life story of a film maker.

The Song of Movies also puts together a number of renowned artists in its making: Hong kong Film Awards winner director Zhang Wanting, Taiwan-based pop music producer Li Zongsheng, Oscar-winning artist Ye Jingtian and renowned Chinese choreographer Cao Chengyuan.

To mark the centenary of the Chinese movie industry, the musical is set to include a digital deluxe copy of China's first movie Ding Jun Shan.

The high-budgeted musical, which debuted at Beijing's Poly Theater Friday, is expected to impress the audience with its 33 switches of scenarios, given that even Broadway blockbuster musicals don't normally use more than 25.

(Xinhua News Agency December 10, 2005)