5: Feng Xiaogang directs Spring Festival Gala

(Photo/China.org.cn)

Facing a decline in viewership over the past few years, CCTV Spring Festival Gala had been in need of a huge boost to its annual variety show to ring in the Chinese New Year. In a bold move, the state television broadcaster announced that Feng Xiaogang, a highly successful Chinese film director, will direct the 2014 edition, sparking wide anticipation.

Feng said he hopes that the writers will write what they want to express most instead of censoring themselves. Authorities often cut out dialogue that they deem sensitive and that may offend certain groups.

The program, which was first held in 1983, is viewed by more 700 million viewers annually, making it one of the most viewed television events in the world. The show features various performances, such as opera, acrobatics, dance, and comedy performances.

The 2014 program will be shown live on Jan. 30.

Well before the Beijing Film gala opens, Feng's new comedy "Personal Tailor" has set several box office records in 2013 and thus far has grossed more than 600 million yuan. Yet the film also saw its fair share of bad reviews -- Feng even openly and angrily blasted film critics for these, saying they did not understand the film -- making people wonder if the quality of the gala is really ensured.
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