Save the Date!!! Something new is in the air, with cinemas still struggling to attract back post-pandemic audiences and the public looking for select new experiences the new Chinese Kung Fu Film Festival & the already popular London based Kung Fu Cinema have joined forces to launch ‘Kung Fu Cinema’ branded events at the Ritzy Cinema, Brixton on Sunday 8 December, 2024; with additional screening events across the UK following after.
Event Details:
– Date: Sunday December 8, 2024 (4.00pm for 6.00pm film)
– Venue: Ritzy Cinema, Brixton, London, SW2 1JG
For tickets https://www.picturehouses.com/movie-details/000/HO00015650/kung-fu-cinema-shaolin-temple.
In the 1980’s the Ritzy Cinema was part of a chain of cinemas across London that on a Friday night and Sunday afternoon screened classic kung fu films mainly from Hong Kong fuelling a growing sub-culture captivating especially young black British men in a time of racial oppression, inequality and a lack of opportunities.
Kung Fu cinema sets out to revive the once popular Friday and Sunday kung fu films screenings and launches with the iconic kung fu masterpiece, Shaolin Temple.
The film that propelled young martial arts champion Jet Li to international stardom and Hollywood (Romeo Must Die, The Mummy, Lethal Weapon 4, Expendables films). Shaolin Temple is set to captivate audiences once again with a new digitally restored 4K release and UK theatrical premiere, making London the first international market to experience this groundbreaking restoration.
Shaolin Temple, originally released in 1982, is recognised by the Hong Kong film industry as a culturally significant film representing Chinese culture. The film marked the acting debut of real martial arts champion Jet Li, at the time production started, Jet Li was a national sporting hero, having been the leading Chinese national wushu champion throughout the seventies. He was the perfect choice to play the part of the impetuous young hero “Chen Yuan”, and his natural martial arts ability meant he was able to perform his own stunts.
The film also is unique as it featured a whole cast of other real Wushu martial arts champions from mainland China, many acting for the very first time and the story is based on an ancient and legendary story from China’s real Shaolin Temple. The film’s remarkable choreography and compelling story of bravery and resilience have earned it a cherished place in Hong Kong cinematic history.
### About Chinese Kung Fu Film Festival
The Chinese Kung Fu Film Festival is a new event that works closely with the Hong Kong based Southern Film Culture Foundation and aims to champion and showcase the best of Chinese martial arts culture on film, by bringing new, restored and original classics to UK cinemas.
### About Kung Fu Cinema:
Kung Fu Cinema, was founded by Marlon Palmer of Kush Films in 2021, Marlon is a pioneer film exhibitor of black films and was one of the first in the UK to champion black filmmakers, open doors to UK cinemas and showcase the best in mainstream and indie black films. During the despair of Covid 2020 the concept of Kung Fu Cinema was born and then launched in 2021 at the Genesis Cinema, London, E1. Kung Fu Cinema is dedicated to bringing together people of all races, ages, and genders through the power of martial arts cinema and an overall unique retro event format incorporating fight gaming competition (Streetfighter, Tekken etc), 80s/09/s hip-hop beats and a touch of pure nostalgia. Inspired by Marlon’s own experiences growing up in the 1980s and the then phenomena of late night kung fu Cinema, Kung Fu Cinema replicates the passionate vibe of late-night kung fu screenings, featuring madly enthusiastic patrons, diverse audiences, and exciting, vocal & passionate screenings (it’s part of the rules). The events also include new martial arts action short films championing present day indie filmmakers creating a unique and fun action cinema event like no other in the UK.
### About the Southern Film Culture Foundation
Based in Hong Kong, the Southern Film Culture Foundation aims to enhance film culture by enriching audience experiences and fostering cultural exchange. Its goals include promoting film appreciation, cultivating new talent through workshops, and facilitating cultural exchanges worldwide. The foundation also focuses on preserving film heritage and using film as a tool for social progress. Additionally, it aims to establish community cinemas to make diverse film experiences accessible to all, believing that film can inspire thought and promote societal harmony.
### Sponsor:
The launch event and series of events to follow is proudly sponsored by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London, whose support has made this milestone possible
