Christopher Robin and Winnie the Pooh will not be seen on China’s big screens
Weibo users tested censors by posting images of Christopher Robin and Pooh — and had the images blanked out
Los Angeles/Beijing — China has denied Walt Disney’s request to screen Christopher Robin in the country, a movie that features the honey-loving bear Winnie the Pooh, a source familiar with the matter said on Tuesday. It is unclear why the Chinese government denied the film and Chinese authorities do not provide reasons to Hollywood studios when they reject their movies, the source said. However, the decision has revived online discussion as censors have in the past targeted the film’s main character, originally conceptualised by English author AA Milne, due to memes that compare the bumbling bear to President Xi Jinping. China’s culture ministry declined to comment and referred questions to the State Administration of Radio and Television, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment. China, the world’s second-largest film market, limits the number of foreign-made films allowed into the country to 34 a year. It typically favours action-heavy blockbusters such as Avenge...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.