Schema's dedicated Dragon Boys Shrine

As you may already know, Jen Sookfong Lee is about to become one of the most celebrated newly published Canadian authors -- with her first novel, The End of East coming out in March (Knopf Canada), and the second in the works ... we were all really curious to know what she thought. Jen posted her response to the film on her blog.

"... easily the best-acted and best-written television movie I've seen in years." More here.

Not to be outdone by the uber-fans in Vancouver, Toronto-based Asian Canadian lifestyle magazine will be presenting the Toronto Premier of Dragon Boys.

DRAGON BOYS PREMIER
TUESDAY - January 2, 2007
The Fairview Library Theatre - 35 Fairview Mall Drive
click here for map
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM (2 parts, 90 min. each)
Q&A (9:30 PM) with Simon Wong, Jean Yoon and Jerry Ciccoritti to follow.

Presented by blink magzine in association with CBC Television, NAAAP Toronto and the Toronto Public Libraries. For more information, contact Lisa dragonboystickets@blinktoronto.com or call

Wish you could have been there! The preview screening of the complete two-part series was amazing. One of the best Q&A sessions ever -- it just couldn't end. And then all the talent and MCs were mobbed by the crowd after the screening. Photos are coming. The feedback from some of Vancouver's most influential Asian Canadians has begun to come in:

A mind-blowing suspense thriller that keeps you sitting on the edge of your seat. A white-knuckled roller coaster ride driven by this fantastic all-Asian cast. Byron Mann thrills, Lawrence Chou chills, and Eric Tsang is, well, classic Eric Tsang. CBC has a hit on its hands!

Photos from the Vancouver screenings here. (Thank You, Byron Mann's Unofficial Fansite!)

Many of us martial arts junkies have been watching Byron Mann kicking ass on TV and in movies for a long time! From Streetfighter, The Corruptor, Invincible and the occassional appearance on Dark Angel. See the most complete filmography from his unofficial fansite here.

Byron's character in Dragon Boys - Officer Tommy Jiang - gives a solid takedown to some of the stereotypes that have had Asian men by the balls for decades. You'll have to see for yourself, but we can say that he doesn't turn red from either a little alcohol or a lap dance.

Question for BM: How much input did you have in tweaking the portrayal of your character?

More
Ask Byron Mann a Question here.
Byron Mann's Unofficial Fansite
Interview in our favorite magazine of all time ... YOLK

If we told you how we got these pics, we'd have to ... well, you know. Some great pics of Fox Boy (Derek Tsang, left) and Movie Star (Lawrence Chou, right). He's totally the character we all love to hate. See photos here.

Q: How was the role of Henry Wah different for you, playing the husband of your real-life partner?

Tzi: It was fantastic. I normally don't like to talk or reveal my motivations about my work 'cause you lose the magic of giving the audience's imagination the chance to fully participate and transport themselves to another place and time.

You wish! And so do we. Imagine the possibilities if LEGO were to release a Dragon Boys limited series, in the same way they changed the LEGO-universe with Star Wars Lego.

Not only has this premier growing in anticipation ... Miss Chinese Vancouver 2005 Crystal Li will co-MC the upcoming Vancouver premier of Dragon Boys, alongside our fav' Sex in Vancouver star, Zen Shane Lim. Bring your cameras! As many of you know the 2006 Miss Chinese Vancouver Pageant is only a week away. Co-Produced by Fairchild TV, Radio and Plum Magazine - this is one of Vancouver's most eminent yearly events. Almost as big as Chinese New Year ... maybe even bigger! Crystal Li so happened to be returning to Vancouver for the holidays, visiting from Taiwan where she's been busy modelling. By the way, we at Schema think lucky contestant #8 Samantha Lam is going win!

More:
Asia Pacific Post Coverage here
Crystal Li wins 2005 crown here

We've just heard from the CAC that their Vancouver screening is SOLD OUT! Well done, CAC! Looking forward to great screening. Yah, we know ... CAC President Annie Li's "Christmas Wish", Lawrence Chou, can't be there. But Annie, I know he'd be impressed with how well you put this all together. For all of you in Toronto ... stay tuned. There's rumours that something is in the works.

As news of Dragon Boys' Official Selection in the 2007 San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival has begun to spread, the Canadianized Asian Club (CAC), an SFU student-run organisation, is making sure Vancouver audiences are the first to see their home grown mini-series on the big screen.

The private screening takes place in the beautifully refurbished RIO Theatre on Broadway, a historical site for imported Chinese cinema (back in the day). "First openend in 1938, the RIO theatre returns as a landmark theatre in the heart of Vancouver's Commercial Drive." The CAC is also using this as an opportunity to collect donations for the Food Bank (those keeners!).

DRAGON BOYS PREMIER
SUNDAY - December 17
The RIO on Broadway - 1660 E. Broadway (Commercial & Broadway)
Doors 11:15 AM | 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM (2 parts, 90 min. each)
Q&A with Byron Mann, Simon Wong and Tzi Ma (TBC) to follow

Presented by the CAC, in association with CBC Television and NAAAP Vancouver. For more information, contact Annie Li dragonboysticket@gmail.com