New Wham! in China documentary on the way

Filmmaker Mike Christie has confirmed that he has directed a new feature length documentary about Wham!’s visit to China in 1985.

Wham! 10 Days In China is a 90-minute documentary that pieces together “the untold story” using newly restored footage alongside new and extensive, personal interviews from Andrew Ridgeley, members of the touring party, as well as some of the fans who made up the Chinese audiences whose experiences.

On his Instagram page, Christie says “It’s been a long haul to make, but a fascinating, very entertaining, and surprising film!”

On their famous 10-day visit to China in ’85, Wham! played two concerts in Beijing and Guangzhou (on 7th and 10th of April). The trip was documented by Palme D’Or winning film director Lindsay Anderson – best known for If (1968) and O Lucky Man! (1973) – but his 77 minute cut, called If You Were There, was rejected by the band. Anderson was let go and the film was re-edited and released on VHS and laserdisc as Wham! In China: Foreign Skies. The original If You Were There got its first (and probably last) public screening at London’s BFI (British Film Theatre) in 2024 as part of its O Dreamland! Lindsay Anderson’s Dark British Cinema season.

Director Mike Christie has a history of music documentaries. He made 2018’s Suede: The Insatiable Ones film, New Order: Decades (also 2018) and last year’s Nick Cave: Veiled World. Wham! 10 Days In China follows Chris Smith’s highly enjoyable Wham! documentary from 2023, which also featured a high profile participation from Andrew Ridgeley.

More news on Wham! 10 Days In China when we get it.