Dubai Film and TV Commission has confirmed that Jackie Chan, the star of international blockbusters such as The Karate Kid, Shanghai Nights and Rush Hour, and the second highest-paid actor in world cinema according to the latest Forbes list, will film his latest movie, Kung Fu Yoga, in Dubai from 28 September – 30 October 2015, a total of 33 days. This will be Chan's first time filming in the Middle East.
The film is directed by Stanley Tong, and is the first project to be made under a new India/China co-production agreement signed in September 2014. The production is being serviced by AlKatraz Productions, the specialist UAE Production Services Company, who have been assisting the project since April.
Kung Fu Yoga will bring around 100 international crew to the Emirate, as well as using a large pool of local talent for filming. A series of car chase sequences are promised in one of Dubai's iconic landmarks, as well as plenty of shots of the City's skyline and luxury attractions. The filming of Kung Fu Yoga in Dubai follows a series of blockbusters who have selected the Emirate as their filming location this year, including Star Trek.
Tong said: "We are greatly looking forward to filming parts of Kung Fu Yoga in Dubai, and the locations we have selected perfectly complement the scenes we are shooting here. Dubai's iconic skyscrapers and attractions are recognised around the world, and we are excited to work closely with Dubai Film and TV Commission to ensure an enjoyable and successful filming time in Dubai!"
Jamal Al Sharif, chairman of Dubai Film and TV Commission, added: "We are very excited to welcome Jackie Chan and the team to Dubai. The UAE is becoming an increasingly popular destination for Hollywood and Bollywood productions, and the filming of Kung Fu Yoga in Dubai is another major boost for our film industry."
cnewbould@thenational.ae
