"Wolf Totem", which was very successful here in China. Now, the best-seller is set to be adapted for the big screen. At the helm of the movie adaptation is Frenchman Jean-Jacques Annaud. The Oscar-winning director recently unveiled his plans at a press release.

Wolf Totem has enjoyed record sales in China. It's a philosophical work of fiction dedicated to the disappearing primitive grasslands and one of its inhabitants, the wolf.

The renowned director taking on the project is perhaps best known for films such as "Two Brothers", "The Bear", "The Lover", and "Enemy at the Gates". He says he is deeply touched by the subtle relationship between humans and animals described in the book. And he has long hoped to film in China.

Annaud plans to spend three years breeding wolves before the film begins shooting. As they grow up, they will be faithfully recorded for use in the upcoming production.

The movie "Wolf Totem" is the first Chinese film to be helmed by a noted foreign director, marking a bold step for domestic films to march into the international market.

(CCTV August 21, 2009)