Once Upon a Time in the Middle East
Snow Leopard Competition
China’s Submission for the 99th Academy Awards®
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141 min | Drama, War | 2025 | China | English, Mandarin, Arabic | English Subs
Schedule
Nov 13, 2025 | 08:00 PM
Synopsis:
Eat well, stay alive.
Seeking a fresh start, chef Xu Fu travels to the Middle East to support his family and repay his debts. Alongside restaurant manager Ma Junsheng, he transforms the struggling Dragon Restaurant into a thriving business. But when war engulfs the city, their hard-won success is shattered and the restaurant becomes a refuge for those caught in the conflict. As danger closes in, Xu Fu must risk everything to protect his newfound community and preserve a small beacon of hope amid the devastation.
Director
Wen Muye
Wen Muye, born on February 14, 1985 in Changchun, Jilin. He is one of China’s leading young directors renowned for realistic‑themed films. He studied in Film‑TV Directing from Northeast Normal University and got his master’s degree from Beijing Film Academy, studying under director Tian Zhuangzhuang. In 2016, he joined Dirty Monkeys’ 72 Transformations Film Project initiated by Ning Hao.
Credits
Director:
Wen Muye
Producer:
Ning Hao
Shen Teng
Jiang Qiming
Omar Sharif
Aarif Lee Zhi-ting
Sherif Sobhy
Cast:
Cinematography:
Wang Boxue
Wen Muye
Lang Qunli
Wei Zhong
Screenwriters:
Compser:
Huang Chao
