Great Actor James Hong, Feature Docudrama 'Man of a Thousand Faces'

Press Release
Source: Dramatika Films, LLC
Dramatika Films Announces Completion of Feature Docudrama 'Man of a Thousand Faces'Wednesday April 11, 3:54 pm ET

Theatrical Release Focuses on Life and Accomplishments of Legendary Actor James Hong
LAS VEGAS, April 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Las Vegas-based Dramatika Films, LLC, announced today its completion and upcoming film release of the new docudrama "Man of a Thousand Faces," featuring veteran film and television star James Hong. This visually stunning film -- part documentary, part dramatization -- chronicles the life of the legendary actor, whose career spans more than half a century. Slated to premiere exclusively at this year's Festival de Cannes in May, "Man of a Thousand Faces" features highlights from Hong's illustrious career of nearly 500 film and television performances including blockbuster hits such as "Blade Runner," "Big Trouble in Little China," "Airplane," "Chinatown," "Black Widow," "Wayne's World 2, " "Red Corner," "Mulan," and many more.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070411/LAW087)
Source: Dramatika Films, LLC
· James Hong emulates a Chinese dragon
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Although Hong's vast body of work has made him one of the most recognizable Asian American actors in the world, many moviegoers do not know him by name. A true character actor, James Hong has appeared with industry giants such as Jack Nicholson, Kurt Russell, Christopher Walken, Tia Carerre, Mike Myers, Richard Gere, Debra Winger, Danny Glover and David Carradine to name a few, as well as many of Hollywood's most acclaimed directors including Ridley Scott, Spike Lee, John Carpenter and Roman Polanski.

"Man of a Thousand Faces" tells of Hong's tireless efforts to combat stereotypes in Hollywood, where many Asians and Asian Americans are continually cast in stereotypical roles even today, as well as Hong's pivotal role in forming the East West Players (EWP) -- a successful theatre company showcasing the talents of the world's most popular Asian American performers. Founded in 1965, EWP alumni include Mako, B.D. Wong, Russell Wong, David Henry Hwang, Beulah Quo, and George Takei.

With a running time of approximately 90 minutes, "Man of a Thousand Faces" features more than a dozen interviews with Hong's family and fellow actors including David Carradine, Tia Carerre and Edward James Olmos. The film also features the last interview with the late, great Japanese actor Mako [we miss you and thank you], who was nominated for an Academy Award for this touching performance in "The Sand Pebbles," in which he acted along side James Hong.

"It was clear from the beginning of this tremendous project that the life of James Hong was both unique and compelling," said director and cinematographer Kym Secrist. "He is a respected actor among his peers and critics, he is an icon to his loyal fans and admirers, and his achievements in film and television are unparalleled in virtually every country and culture." Now in the final stages of post-production before the film's release in Cannes, "Man of a Thousand Faces" captures the early years of the actor's life in vivid, motion picture quality re-enactments, and also features numerous clips from some of Hong's most memorable performances.

Secrist, an accomplished writer, director and cinematographer with more than 100 awards in commercials and music videos, is making his theatrical directorial debut with this film. Hong and Secrist met in 2000 on the set of "37th Chamber," an experimental short feature that managed to garner five international awards on the festival circuit, in which Hong starred and Secrist was Director of Photography. They joined forces again just over a year ago to create "Man of a Thousand Faces" with the help of producer Deborah Quan of the same film, retracing the actor's life from his ancestral roots in mainland China, to his birthplace in Minneapolis, on to his extraordinary achievements in Hollywood.

About Dramatika Films

Las Vegas-based Dramatika Films, LLC, is a full-service production company specializing in the financing and creation of outstanding independent motion pictures and documentaries with a number of planned motion picture projects on the horizon through 2010.
Source: Dramatika Films, LLC