‘Once Upon a Time in the Middle East’ US Trailer – China’s Submission​

“All I wanted to do was go home.” Well Go USA has revealed a new US trailer for a Chinese film titled Once Upon a Time in the Middle East, telling the story of a Chinese restaurant in the Middle East that gets caught up in the middle of a war. This already opened in China in August, and it’s their official submission to the Academy Awards this year. Interesting pick. The original title translates to Welcome to the Loong Restaurant. One of China’s biggest stars, Shen Teng, leads this acclaimed box office sensation about a chef who transforms a struggling restaurant into a refuge shelter & risks it all to protect his community. The anti-war film (also very anti-America) tells the story of Xu Fu, a philanthropic chef at a Chinese restaurant in the fictional city of Bahata in the Middle East. When a war erupts with the United States (who are seen as the villains), he transforms his restaurant into a refuge for a group of orphans trapped in the city, but he is caught in the crossfire. Whereas most war films mainly focus on heroism & battles, this one tells a humane story of ordinary civilians struggling to survive. The full cast includes Jiang Qiming, Omar Sharif, Aarif Lee Zhi-ting, and Sherif Sabby. Looks like it actually has a wholesome message about how food matters.

Official trailers (+ US poster) for Wen Muye’s Once Upon a Time in the Middle East, from YouTube:

One of China’s biggest stars, Shen Teng, leads the acclaimed international box office sensation Once Upon a Time in the Middle East. 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. Once Upon a Time in the Middle East, also known as 欢迎来龙餐馆 in Mandarin, is directed by Chinese filmmaker Wen Muye, director of the films Dying to Survive and Nice View previously, plus other shorts. The screenplay is written by Wen Muye, Lang Qunli, Wei Zhong. Produced by Ning Hao & Mohamed Osama. This first opened in theaters in China in August 2026. Well Go USA debuts Once Upon a Time in the Middle East in US theaters starting October 9th, 2026 this fall. For more info visit their official site. Look good?

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