Here’s some excellent news for Wong Kar-Wai fans. Deadline reports that MUBI snagged the international distribution rights to “Blossoms Shanghai,” the Chinese auteur’s 30-part TV series.  And while the initial deal doesn’t include a US and UK release, it all but guarantees a deal for those is in the works, too.
READ MORE: ‘Blossoms Shanghai’ Teaser Trailer: Wong Kar-Wai’s Long-Awaited Series Is Apparently 30 Episodes Long
Made before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, “Blossoms Shanghai” adapts Jin Yucheng‘s novel “Blossoms,” and chronicles the ascent of Ah Bao, a self-made millionaire whose rags-to-riches story personifies the adventurous spirit of 1990s Shanghai. The show stars Hu Ge, Ma Yili, Tang Yan, and Xin Zhilei, with “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” cinematographer Peter Pau shooting the series.  
“Blossoms Shanghai” premiered in China on CCTV-8 and Tencent Video in late 2023, with no immediate plans to reach international audiences. MUBI’s new deal with Wong Kai-Wai’s Block 2 Distribution changes all that, allowing the company to release the series in Latin America, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Italy, Belgium, The Netherlands, Luxembourg, Turkey, and India.  There’s no official release date for those territories yet, but expect MUBI to announce details soon.
Here’s a press statement on the “Blossoms Shanghai” deal courtesy of MUBI founder and CEO Efe Cakarel: “Wong Kar-Wai was the inspiration behind starting MUBI. His work has always represented everything we aspire to champion: bold vision, emotional depth, and a singular sense of beauty. To bring “Blossoms Shanghai”—his first series—to MUBI is profoundly meaningful. It’s a sweeping, deeply personal masterpiece, and we’re honored to share it with audiences around the world.”
“Blossoms Shanghai” is Wong Kai-Wai’s first project since 2013’s “The Grandmaster.” The Chinese director is considered one of the greatest auteurs of the 1990s and 2000s, with “Chungking Express,” “2046,” and “In The Mood For Love” among his revered titles.
MUBI has been busy acquiring various buzzy titles for its streaming platform over the past few years. Other arthouse series that stream exclusively on MUBI include William Kentridge‘s “Self Portrait As A Coffee Pot” and Lars Von Trier‘s ‘The Kingdom.” MUBI recently acquired the rights for “Twin Peaks,” too.  Both the original series and Showtime‘s 2017 installment will screen exclusively on MUBI in select territories starting on June 13.  
Recent film releases for MUBI include Luca Guadagnino‘s “Queer,” Magnus von Horn‘s “The Girl With The Needle,” and Coralie Fargeat‘s “The Substance.” MUBI will also release Olivia Hermanus‘ “The History Of Sound,” Kelly Reichardt‘s “THe Mastermind,” and Joachim Trier‘s “Sentimental Value” in theaters after all three films premiere at the Cannes Film Festival later this month.
Stay tuned for when “Blossoms Shanghai” will premiere on MUBI in international markets. As for its US streaming release? No word on that yet, but it should be only a matter of time.