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Hong Kong film "Gallants", a kung fu comedy and old-school martial arts story, will be the opening film at the 2010 Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival next Tuesday (November 9, Toronto time).
Gallants will be screened at the 850-seat Bloor Cinema at 7pm, right after the festival's red carpet opening reception. The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Toronto (HKETO, Toronto) is the special sponsor of the opening premiere. The other Hong Kong film in the festival lineup is "Ip Man 2".
The retro-70's themed Gallants, jointly directed by Mr Derek Kwok of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong-based Canadian scriptwriter/director Mr Clement Cheng, is variously described by critics as "the biggest surprise hit", "fun, fun stuff and definitely one of the most entertaining films of the year", and "a tribute to Hong Kong martial arts films of the 60's and 70's".
Starring Kung Fu actors Mr Bruce Leung and Mr Chan Koon-tai, the contemporary kung fu film was screened at the Marche du Film in Cannes last May, shown as a premiere in Canada at the Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal in July, and also featured at the Vancouver International Film Festival last month.
Co-director Mr Clement Cheng will fly to Toronto to present Gallants on the opening night of the festival. He will also attend a meet-the-media session hosted by HKETO, Toronto next Tuesday at 1pm.
"In contemporary Hong Kong, almost no one dares to headline a film with only seasoned veterans, but directors Mr Clement Cheng and Mr Derek Kwok persevered with some help from superstar Mr Andy Lau, the film's executive producer," said Raymond Phathanavirangoon, International Programmer of the festival. "The result strikes gold - with possibly the most hilarious and nostalgic movie you will see all year."
"It is very exciting that Gallants has once again been picked to open a film festival in Canada, especially after it scored a huge success in both Montreal and Vancouver," said the director of HKETO , Toronto, Ms Maureen Siu. "Hong Kong continues to make quality films that appeal to an international audience, while retaining its distinct features at the same time."
The Reel Asian International Film Festival, celebrating its 14th anniversary this year, is presenting over 50 East Asian and Southeast Asian films and videos from 12 countries, from November 9 to 15, along with artist talks and industry sessions. The festival strives to increase public understanding and appreciation of Asian culture, art and heritage in Canada.
More information and tickets sales can be found at: www.reelasian.com
Ends/Thursday, November 4, 2010
Issued at HKT 14:42
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