MEDIA ASIA ENTERS VENICE FILM FEST

Media Asia Films has always been synonymous with quality Chinese films, and this year it is proud to present two tentpole movies at the upcoming Venice Film Festival and both are being selected in Official Selections – Johnnie To’s Exiled in competition and Feng Xiaogang’s The Banquet in out-of-competition. Both films feature stellar cast and crew that will surely grace the red carpet in Venice, including director Feng with his “Banquet” cast of Ziyi Zhang, Ge You, Daniel Wu and Zhou Xun, as well as Johnnie To leading his “Exiled” cast of Anthony Wong, Simon Yam, Francis Ng and Josie Ho.

Director To has been a regular guest at the festival circuit, and he felt honored upon receiving the news. He wished the Hong Kong cinema would transcend the Asian market, and there would be more quality works from the local filmmakers. The director also wanted to express his gratitude towards three parties – Mr. Peter Lam, chairman of Media Asia, for investing in this film; the cast members for their extended patience; and Mr. Davide Croff, president of Venice film fest for his support of Exiled.

As Exiled is in competition, its cast is also poised to compete in the acting categories. Everyone is undoubtedly exhilarated about this. “It’s unlikely to win if everyone has a chance,” joked star Anthony Wong. “But we’ll be there simply to complement Johnnie To!

“I’m really happy for Johnnie To,” echoed co-star Simon Yam. “It’s not easy to enter an international festival. As this is an ensemble film, I hope all six cast members would win, just like in Cannes this year!”

The film’s female lead Josie Ho literally screamed out of joy when she heard the news. “I remembered when I went to Venice last time, I could only walk on the peripheral of that red carpet. But I managed to sneak in and take a picture on the carpet. I almost saw Tom Cruise when the security guard hushed me away! But this time I can finally walk on it with pride.” Josie said she would immediately share this exciting news with her family. “This is my first time working with director To. He’s not as frightening as I expected! I’m really grateful that he has taught me to see things from different perspectives, and not just from the actor’s point-of-view.”

Amidst her busy schedule and the promotion of her latest album, Josie insisted on adding one more crucial task: “I have to pick the most gorgeous gown to walk on the Venice red carpet!”

Exclusive! Kan Lume's Solos

Remember this article where moviexclusive.com had the privilege of interviewing up and coming local director Kan Lume, and I quote from the interview article

"The other is a lower budgeted (S$30K) independent film, made with the European festivals in mind. The subject matter deals with the exploration of human sexuality and chances are that it might be banned in Singapore. While not intended for the purpose of sensationalism, Kan felt that the European market might be more ready for it, and that they are hungry for material from South East Asia."

I got the rare opportunity to attend a closed-door screening of Kan Lume's Solos this evening at the Substation. However, it's a rough cut preview so to speak, thus don't expect a review of it here just yet. The sound's not done up, and the music's absent too. But from what I watched, it stays very true to the quote above.

The subject matter is indeed an exploration of sexuality, and in my opinion, if it is screened here, an R21 rating would be the minimum, given (and I hate to use this word) provocative scenes which will raise eyebrows. There's an easily recognizable star in one of the leading roles, and this film, if it gets to be screened here, will probably create a new buzz in the local filmmaking scene.

Keep you eyes and ears peeled!

Xclusive Photos of Shawn Yue

Hong Kong Super Star Shawn Yue was in town yesterday to promote his latest film, Dragon Tiger Gate and you can read the exclusive report here.

And Fans of Shawn Yue who can't get enough of his pictures, here are some of the his pictures that we were not able to squeeze into the report.

What If You Could Live Forever?

Finally, the poster to the long-awaited Darren Aronofsky's The Fountain starring Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz is unveiled.

Pirates of the Caribbean Set Pictures

Contributed by our friend and reader Keevo, here are some pics from the set of PoTC 2&3!

I tell you, the ships are a beauty!