A live-action version of "Mulan," the legendary Chinese heroine made famous worldwide by the Disney animated film, is set to begin shooting in October.

Director Stanley Tong announced the new film's schedule in Beijing yesterday, noting that the crew will travel to south China's Yunnan province for its first shoot this October.

The film, with its 200 million yuan budget, has yet to reveal the lead actress.

Meanwhile, Hollywood is also planning to invest this year in an American version of "Mulan," with Zhang Ziyi being invited to play the title role.

Tong said although the actress in his film is a newcomer, he is not worried about her performance.

The director first received authorization to shoot "Mulan" in 2002; however, the actress was not selected until this year.

Tong explained that he has deep affection for Mu Lan as a real historical character. He noted the need for youngsters these days to have such positive role models.

Mulan is a traditional Chinese story that has been told for centuries in China. It is based on a young woman who disguised herself as a man to take her father's place in battle some 1,500 years ago.

The story first came to the screen in a Chinese film produced in 1956--almost half a century before being adapted by Disney.

Editor: Donald