The upcoming Asian Poker Tour this August will set the scene for what could be a Chinese version of the popular US poker movie Rounders, increasing awareness of the game as a sport.
With a working title of “Poker King”, the directors of the production are listed as Chan Hing-Kai and Janet Chun, working with a script that tells the story of two poker-playing rivals who compete in tournaments for championship glory.
Top Chinese actors like Louis Koo, Sean Lau Ching-Wan, Stephy Tang, Cherrie In and Josie Ho have apparently been signed to appear in the film.
“This is a very exciting project and is sure to provoke even more excitement about the APT Macau Festival in August,” said Tom Hall, Chief Executive Officer for AsianLogic Limited, owners of the APT.
“Players across the region and throughout the world are encouraged to come to the Galaxy StarWorld Hotel And Casino and play at the APT Macau Festival. The movie crew will need lots of extras and even players to take on roles if they choose.”
There have been several famous gaming films for the region, most notably the 1989 Chinese-language God Of Gamblers starring Chow Yun-Fat that spawned dozens of spin-offs, but Poker King is set to be the first release specifically focusing on poker.