An English documentary movie featuring Chinese basketball star Yao Ming is showing in cinemas in the United States.

The Year of the Yao is a one-and-half-hour documentary movie about the Chinese athlete's meandering road to NBA stardom.

It includes some rare behind-the-scenes footage, such as the basketball star learning English.

Yao Ming is a household name in China and highly regarded internationally.

He surpassed NBA legend Michael Jordon in the recent NBA All-Star ballot, receiving a record of more than 2.5 million votes from basketball fans worldwide.

It's reported that the documentary movie will soon be shown in Chinese cinemas.

(CRI February 22, 2005)