SNEAK PEEK: The Butcher, The Chef and The Swordsman in Australia

Its great to see that Asian action films are hitting mainstream Australian cinemas with the push of China Lion Film group. Tomorrow, I'll be hitting the city to check the preview the highly stylised martial arts action-comedy - THE BUTCHER, THE CHEF AND THE SWORDSMAN, - before its national release (also in North America and New Zealand) on March 17.

Here's a bit of a blurb:

THE BUTCHER, THE CHEF AND THE SWORDSMAN follows the journey of a mystical blade as it passes through the hands of three ambitious men. As the interwoven story unfolds, they find that the blade possesses the power to dramatically change the fate of each of its owners. The Butcher is a simple man in love with a beautiful courtesan, but is rebuffed each time he approaches her. The Chef is a handsome loner obsessed with seeking vengeance for the slaughter of his family. The Swordsman, the son of a legendary warrior, is consumed by the desire to eclipse his father in both power and fame. Their stories comes full circle as each man takes possession of the mystical blade and discovers its double edge--- the great power it bestows is matched by even greater danger.

Directed by up-and-coming Chinese filmmaker Wuershan, the film is Executive Produced by acclaimed director and producer Doug Liman (Bourne Identity, Mr & Mrs Smith, Go) who calls the film CROUCHING TIGER meets PULP FICTION!

Check out there Trailer here!

To win a DOUBLE PASS giveaway to see the movie, email me maria.tran@questforjackiechan.com on the 16 March your answer to this...

In less than 25 words, which is the greater evil: IGNORANCE, GREED or VENGENANCE...and why?

To other news about the Asian film industry, China looks like the next big thing when it comes to "exploding markets" and my colleague Clint Logan has recently forward me this link "China vies for its own Hollywood". So I hope the Australian Film Industry, up the scales, start investing in the action film genre and also the martial arts genre (According to Cable (2009) the Martial Arts Genre rates more "sellable" globally than "dramas" than "comedies"). Since 2006, Australia and China has only forge two co-productions. What's in it for the future? In the meantime, let's start learn more about this genre, hit the Greater Union screens and check out the international content, use it as a source of drive and make some martial arts genred films from downunder.

Koori Youth Yarn Up Launch

Koori Youth Yarn Up Launch is a intimate showcase of the diverse voices and stories of the young Koori people living in Western Sydney. Screening 6 digital stories (min-films) and the behind the scenes clip, he launch of event will be held on Saturday 28 November, 1pm at Cranebrook Neighbourhood Centre (Hosking St, Cranebrook).

“Koori Youth Yarn Up” was developed for Koori young people from Western Sydney and to promote the emerging screen culture in the area. six young people were trained by Aboriginal Artist and educator Zona Wilkinson and filmmaker Maria Tran earlier in July, where they gained introductory skills in script-writing, sound recording, filmmaking, editing and photography.

Globally, these mini films, are quickly becoming the format for relaying experiences and ideas. By developing multimedia skills and harnessing their creative ability, young people can create powerful stories in a medium that appeals to the youths of today. With the increasing popularity of websites such as YouTube these workshops provide participants with the latest communication skills.

“Western Sydney has the largest urban Aboriginal population in Australia and its great to be part of this project that allows young people to share their stories – many have never been told before, says Maria Tran, Project Coordinator.

Chloe Brown, 17, a project participant says, “I got to explore myself in the film which gives me more meaning to my life”.

Koori Youth Yarn Up Launch is managed by Information & Cultural Exchange (ICE) with the support of our funding bodies and partners including Foundation for Young Australians, Artstart NSW, Sydney Community Foundation and Penrith City Council. This project is proudly supported by the Australian Government’s diverse Australia program, administered by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, The Diverse Australia Program, aims to promote respect, fairness, inclusion and a sense of belonging for everyone. For more information on the diverse Australia program, visit www.harmony.com.au.

ICE receives core funding from Australia Council, Arts NSW, Screen NSW and Parramatta City Council

When: Saturday, 28 November

Time: 1pm – 3pm

Where: Cranebrook Neighbourhood Centre, Hosking St, Cranebrook.

FREE EVENT, BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL, CONTACT Maria on 9897 5744 or maria.tran@ice.org.au