TORONTO REEL ASIAN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

November 23–27
Closing Night Gala Presentation
November 27, 9:00 p.m.
Tickets $9

The 9 th Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival (voted NOW Magazine’s Best Small Festival for 2003) is back with a vengeance! With more than 70 shorts and features showcasing the best in contemporary Asian cinema from N orth America and around the world, this year’s Canadian Artist Spotlight is on filmmaker Simon Chung, and the National Spotlight is on Malaysia. The Closing Night Presentation is once again at the Royal, with the Toronto premiere of the award-winning film set in Tibet, “Kekexili: Mountain Patrol”.

For more information about other screenings, parties and events at Reel Asian 2004, go to www.reelasian.com.

Kekexili: Mountain Patrol

Dir: Lu Chuan 2004 China 35mm 90 min
In Mandarin and Tibetan with English subtitles
Toronto Premiere

Based upon actual events, Kekexili: Mountain Patrol chronicles the travails of a ragtag group of Tibetan mountain patrols that volunteered to stop the illegal poaching. In 1993, a Beijing photojournalist was assigned to follow one such band, and his subsequent account caused a sensation throughout China, eventually leading to the government declaring the whole area a protected zone. His tale became the story depicted in the film.

Winner of the Golden Horse for Best Picture and the Special Jury Prize at the Tokyo Film Festival, this moving yet harrowing motion picture is the most progressive portrayal of Tibetans yet from China. Stoic and dignified yet not without their flaws, these men (acted by non-professionals) are as empathetic as they are benevolent in their cause. Amid stunning cinematography of some of nature’s most rugged terrain, the film shows how one group is willing to protect their way of life at all costs, risking perhaps even their own lives.