A Taiwanese-American action director, Eddie Tsai, who has been practicing martial arts for over 30 years, announced good news regarding the collaboration between Taiwan and the United States in the field of martial arts stunts before his return to Taiwan on Tuesday, May 7th.
Firstly, the Estonian kung fu comedy film “The Invisible Fight,” in which Eddie Tsai served as the action director and stunt performer, is set to release on DVD after its screening in Hollywood’s online theater and will be shown in Taiwan on the 24th. The film has been dubbed as the “European version of Shaolin Temple,” and Taiwanese netizens have been enthusiastically sharing the film’s trailer, receiving continuous positive feedback.
Secondly, it has been confirmed that the renowned American action director of Korean descent, Arnold Chon, will visit Taiwan from August 5th to 12th to conduct a seven-day “2024 International Action Stunt Workshop.” Arnold Chon will provide the Taiwan industry with the latest concepts and trends in Hollywood international action stunts, aiming to facilitate future exchanges and collaborations between professional talents in Taiwan and the United States.
At the press conference held at the Taiwan Center in Los Angeles, Director Jian Deyuan of the Taiwan Academy, Deputy Director Fang Qiongyi of the Overseas Chinese Center, Vice Chairman Cai Hancheng of the Taiwan Center, as well as Arnold Chon and American actor Zsolt Kormendy, attended to show their support. They extended their best wishes for the success of “The Invisible Fight” at the box office and expressed hopes that the stunt training workshop could cultivate more Taiwanese action actors or professionals aligned with international standards.
Eddie Tsai has been practicing martial arts since the age of 13, exploring various styles such as Changquan, Nanquan, swordsmanship, and weapons training. He has also studied skills like lion dancing, boxing, taekwondo, close combat, and Filipino stick fighting. In “The Invisible Fight,” he showcases his acrobatic skills, leaping through bamboo forests, infusing Eastern elements into this Western film. The release of the movie trailer garnered over ten thousand views in less than two days, sparking discussions and excitement among Taiwanese netizens.
Eddie Tsai previously studied in Australia to specialize in wire work, proficient in efficiently designing and safely executing aerial wire stunts to capture intense fight scenes. Under the direction of Rainer Sarnet for “The Invisible Fight,” he skillfully applies his lifelong learnings.
Director Jian Deyuan introduced the film, citing its multiple cultural influences as it was shot in various European countries. Eddie Tsai, who wears both hats in front and behind the camera, was praised for his dedication to both Hollywood and Taiwanese cinema. Jian expressed gratitude for Eddie’s continued passion and support for Taiwanese films despite pursuing opportunities in Hollywood.
“The Invisible Fight” has received invitations from various film festivals including the Festival Del film Locaro in Europe and the Fantastic Festival in the Americas.
For group screenings, please contact Cineplex at 02-2361-6676; for more information, visit the Cineplex Taiwan movie fan page on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/CineplexTW or the official Cineplex website at http://www.cineplex.com.tw/. ◇