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Hong Kong director Kenneth Bi today (November 12, Toronto time) presented the Toronto premiere of his much-anticipated film, "The Drummer", at the opening gala screening of the 2008 Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival.
The opening gala, sponsored by the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office (HKETO) in Canada, was attended by a capacity crowd of 800, including Mayor of Toronto Mr David Miller and Member of Parliament Ms Olivia Chow.
"The Drummer", named Critic's Pick at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah, officially opened the five-day film festival, which was described by Mayor Miller as an event showcasing "contemporary works of both emerging and veteran independent film and video makers of East and Southeast Asian descent."
Speaking at the opening gala, HKETO Director Ms Maureen Siu said that Hong Kong is the third largest film production centre in the world, and that many Hong Kong actors, directors, cinematographers and producers have become household names around the world, including John Woo, Wong Kar-wai, Chow Yun-fat, Maggie Cheung and many more.
"They win acclaim for their unique style, incisive directing and sometimes off-beat storylines," Ms Siu said. She said some Hollywood directors such as Martin Scorsese were inspired by the work of their counterparts in Hong Kong. Hong Kong film "Infernal Affairs" was remade into "The Departed", and Tom Cruise's "The Eyes" was a remake of the horror movie "Seeing Ghosts" by Hong Kong's Pang Brothers.
Directed by Canadian-educated Hong Kong director Kenneth Bi and starring Jaycee Chan (son of action star Jackie Chan), "The Drummer" is Bi's third feature film. It is a part action, part spiritual drama about the rebellious son of a Hong Kong gangster who discovers enlightenment through the mesmerising power of Zen drummers.
In addition to the screening of "The Drummer", a discussion panel on "100 Years of Hong Kong Film" will be held on November 13 at 6pm at the Munk Centre, and an industry seminar "Salon: Kenneth Bi" will be held on November 16 at 2pm at the Innis College of the University of Toronto.
Ends/Thursday, November 13, 2008
Issued at HKT 11:45
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