Celebrating the 70th anniversary of Bruce Lee, the Hong Kong International Film Festival (21 March – 6 April, 2010) spotlights Bruce Lee’s influence on global cinema. The special tribute entitled Bruce Lee 7010 includes Bruce Lee films, Bruce Lee exhibitions, seminars and a newly launched publication – Bruce Lee Lives.

Bruce Lee 7010 will be the first time audiences in Asia will have the opportunity to see nine of Lee’s films in theatres at a single festival. A rare delight for all Bruce Lee fans around the world, films with Bruce Lee growing up on screen will be a unique highlight. Bruce Lee 7010 will showcase films made from 1950 to 1973, such as The Kid (1950) and The Orphan (1960), with Bruce Lee as a lead player at the age of 10 and 20 respectively, as well as Cantonese films in the 1950s with Bruce Lee in the cast, such as The Thunderstorm (1957), and the film that made him a global superstar, Enter The Dragon (1973).

“Unique to Hong Kong’s heritage, Bruce Lee’s legacy continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences around the world,” said Shaw Soo-wei, executive director of the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (HKIFFS). “The HKIFF is proudly committed to supporting Hong Kong film talent of the past and present who pave the way for new filmmakers to establish themselves globally.”

As a global icon, Bruce Lee continues to drive worldwide interest in Hong Kong action cinema. His films have influenced all areas of popular culture including fitness, music, sport, dance, video games and philosophy, and drove the martial arts film industry into the mainstream, putting Hong Kong cinema on the world map.

Bruce Lee Lives, the new publication launched by the HKIFFS for Bruce Lee 7010, will unveil a rare insight into Lee’s life and the singular impact he had on those who met him and the audiences whose lives he touched. Newly penned articles by acclaimed critics including Sek Kei, Bryan Chang, Bono Lee and Po Fung will analyse the cultural significance of all his Cantonese films in the 1950s to the Kung Fu films in the 1970s.

In partnership with Bruce Lee Enterprises and sponsored by Tiger Beer, the Bruce Lee 7010 exhibition will be officially opened at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre on March 30, 2010 with Shannon Lee Keasler, daughter and Linda Lee Cadwell, wife of the late Bruce Lee. Audiences will be treated to a rare journey into Bruce Lee’s life with his actual personal belongings on display; including Lee’s costumes – the helmet he wore for kung-fu practice, family and behind-the-scenes photographs, Lee’s hand drawings and sketches of his martial arts techniques, philosophy and Jeet Kune Do, personal letters to friends and family, his contracts with film studios and much more. The exhibition will be on display from March 30 to April 6 with free admission to the public.

On Sunday April 4, audiences will also be able to gain insight into the films of Bruce Lee through a free seminar at the Science Museum, with established film critic and Hong Kong Film Archive (HKFA) programmer, Sam Ho, film historian Law Kar, chairman of the Bruce Lee Club, W Wong. This free public seminar will be conducted in Cantonese with English simultaneous interpretation.

The 34th HKIFF official hotel, W Hong Kong will also pay tribute to Bruce Lee. From March 25 – 28, from 7 – 9PM, fans can join the “Bruce Lee Hours” at W ’s Living Room, where screenings of Lee’s films with complimentary popcorn, and premium cocktails made to order, will be served.

Bruce Lee Lives will be available online at //www.hkiff.org.