Cast members of Chinese film Are You Lonesome Tonight Photo: IC

A new art-house movie about memory and redemption from a criminal's perspective is preparing to take on the competition during China's upcoming Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday. 

Are You Lonesome Tonight, which got its name from the Elvis classic, has been well-received at pre-screenings in Beijing. 

The maiden big screen work from young director Wen Shipei was produced by talented director Ning Hao and stars Eddie Peng and Sylvia Chang.

Peng plays a suspect in a criminal case who seeks to recall memories about the crime and how he was involved. 

Wen said that the movie is about memory and redemption. He chose to tell the story through an old-fashioned lens, a choice which has won applause from audiences. 

"Are You Lonesome Tonight" is not simply a song that appears from time to time in the story, it is also a reflection of the lead role's inner heart, Wen explained.