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The independent action drama feature film BODYGUARD: A NEW BEGINNING, written and directed by Chee Keong Cheung, produced by Intense Productions in association with Mark Strange’s Radius Pictures and ScreenOps, has been officially invited to screen at the renowned Oldenburg International Film Festival in Oldenburg, Germany, September 10th-14th, 2008.

UPDATE: BODYGUARD: A NEW BEGINNING receives a nod from the Hollywood Reporter for being one of the highlights of the festival.

A non-competitive event now in its 15th year, the Oldenburg Film Festival is dedicated to showcasing a wide range of intense and passionate filmmaking from all over the world.

Its open minded approach has led to an inspiring mix of great premieres, surprising discoveries and original independent productions. As well as ‘Bodyguard: A New Beginning’, the 2008 Oldenburg Film Festival will play host to screenings and the premieres of films from such luminary directors as Nic Roeg, with his drama/fantasy ‘Puffball’, starring Donald Sutherland; Abel Ferrara’s documentary ‘Chelsea of the Rocks’; critically acclaimed British director Mike Figgis’ ‘Love Live Long’, and Brian De Palma’s war drama ‘Redacted’.

An eclectic and attractive programme has been the result for the past years. Films such as Julie Taymor’s ‘Titus’, Bill Condon’s ‘Gods and Monsters’, Takeshi Kitano’s ‘Kids Return’, Kevin Spacey’s ‘Albino Alligator’, Larry Clarks ‘Ken Park’, ‘The Aristocrats’ by Paul Provenza and Penn Jillete, Darren Aronofskis ‘The Fountain’, Michael Polishs ‘The Astronaut Farmer’ and David Cronenberg’s ‘Spider’ received their German Premiere Screening in Oldenburg.

A UK/ Hong Kong Co-Production, ‘Bodyguard: A New Beginning’, written, directed and produced by Chee Keong Cheung, tells the story of Leung (Vincent Sze), the bodyguard of a Hong Kong Triad boss, Wong (Richard Ng), who is sent to the UK to protect a woman (Stephanie Langton) whose identity is known only by his boss. Even the boss’ own errant son, Yuen (Carl Ng), is kept in the dark. The efforts of a rival boss, Kai (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa) to take over Wong’s territory leads Yuen to a betrayal that threatens to destroy all that his father has worked hard to protect.

The films cast includes well known Asian actors Cary Hiroyuki-Tagawa (‘Memoirs of a Geisha’), Hong Kong legend Richard Ng (‘My Lucky Stars’) as well as exciting new talents Carl Ng (‘Boarding Gate’), Vincent Sze (‘Invisible Target’, ‘SPL’) and British actress Stephanie Langton (whose credits include the West End production of ‘A Few Good Men’). Rounding out the cast are a number of familiar faces from Hong Kong Cinema, and two British martial arts stars, Mark Strange (‘Batman Begins’, ‘The Medallion’ with Jackie Chan) and three times World Kickboxing Champion Nathan Lewis (‘Batman Begins’).

The primetime nationwide TV-news magazine ‘Tagesschau’ stated that Oldenburg “is one of the most important European festivals for independent cinema” and the Cannes Market News confirmed; “Oldenburg: The German Sundance… has become a must on the festival circuit.

“Previous guests of honour have included Alex Cox, Frank Oz, James B. Harris, Tim Hunter, Belgian Cult-Director Harry Kümel, Jim McBride, Philippe de Broca, Andrzej Zulawski,

Ken Russell and Jerry Schatzberg who have all attended the festival for the retrospectives of their work. Iciar Bollain, Seymour Cassel, Asia Argento, Stacy Cochran, Richard Stanley, Ben Gazzara, Larry Clark, Tim Blake Nelson, Luke and Andrew Wilson, Stacy Keach have also attended the festival for tributes in their honor.

‘Bodyguard: A New Beginning’ is the highly anticipated second feature film from writer, director and producer Chee Keong Cheung, after his impressive directorial debut, the acclaimed martial arts/ action film ‘Underground’.

Chee Keong Cheung says: “We’re very pleased to have the opportunity to showcase our film at the Oldenburg Film Festival alongside other independent productions. With such a large audience, Oldenburg is an ideal platform for the international premiere and it is truly a privilege to be part of.” Chee Keong Cheung’s other selected credits include the acclaimed and award-winning dark comedy ‘Crashing The Wake’; the independent action film ‘Displaced’ with Ian McKellen; development on ‘Where Love Reigns’, a period drama revolving around the forbidden love affair between Dr Carl Jung and Sabina Spielrein, with two time Academy Award winning cinematographer Jack Cardiff BSC OBE, and which Martin Scorsese was attached as executive producer.

Also producing are Hong Kong based producers Mike Leeder (‘Rush Hour 3’, ‘The Mummy 3’), Ean Tang (‘Fearless’, ‘Rush Hour 3’) of ScreenOps, Mark Strange (‘Batman Begins’, ‘The Medallion’, ‘Displaced’) and Oliver Morran of Intense Productions, executive producers Jim Howell and Simon Barnes of Park Entertainment, and Chris Atkins and Luke Montagu of Met Film.

Anthony Carpio was the Action Choreographer on ‘Bodyguard: A New Beginning’. With over 20 years of professional experience in the film industry in Hong Kong and Hollywood, including almost every Jackie Chan film since 1985 (‘Police Story’, ‘Accidental Spy’), Anthony’s involvement ensures the film delivers an exciting and memorable experience to action film fans worldwide.

‘Bodyguard: A New Beginning’ was edited by RTS award winning Mark Towns (UK TV series, ‘The Apprentice’, ‘Underground’, ‘Gnaw’) of Mimic Media with audio Post Production undertaken at Met Post, with sound designer and mixer Vince Watts (‘Sixteen Years of Alcohol’, ‘Taking Liberties’), and sound effects editor Vincent Hazard (‘The Jacket’, ‘Bullet Boy’).

The music was written, composed and orchestrated by Stuart Hancock (credits include, ‘EMR’, winner of best film at Raindance Film Festival) utilising a 20 piece orchestra. Worldwide sales on ‘Bodyguard: A New Beginning’ are handled by Park Entertainment.

Also remember to buy the October issue for the conclusion of the interview.

Combat Magazine, September 2008

Just found out some cool news; UNDERGROUND was screened on Belgian TV last Sunday along side ROCKY BALBOA and CHILDREN OF MEN! Cool!

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The event will consist of screenings of Mark’s films, including his award-winning film UNDERGROUND in which he takes a starring role, as well as an exclusive screening of the forthcoming BODYGUARD: A NEW BEGINNING starring Hong Kong film veteran Richard Ng, Cary Tagawa and our very own Mark Strange. There will also be a chance to ask Mark your own questions in a Question & Answer session.

It will be held either in the North West or London, and exact times and dates will be announced nearer the time.