News Release

Toronto, Canada.
May 20, 2009

EXCLUSIVE CANADIAN PREMIERE OF MOVIE 'IRON ROAD'

Ground-breaking Canada/China co-production Fund-raising event - Sunday June 14, 2009

The benefit premiere of Iron Road, the sweeping story of forbidden love and adventure set against the building of the Canadian transcontinental railroad, will take place at 1 p.m. on Sunday June 14, 2009 at the new 500 seat Cinema at York University.

The fundraiser is in support of The Foundation to Commemorate the Chinese Railroad Workers in Canada, and is honouring the third anniversary of the historic apology given by Prime Minster Harper for the Chinese Head Tax of 1885 – 1923 and for the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1923 – 1947.   

The screening will feature a question period with the filmmakers, followed by a reception on the red carpet of the adjoining lobby.

Director David Wu, along with an exceptional cast -- including Asian film stars Sun Li and Tony Leung Ka Fai, as well as Peter O’Toole, Sam Neill and Luke Macfarlane -- bring the unique story to life through stunning visuals and outstanding performances. Inspired by an opera by Chan Ka Nin and Mark Brownell, produced by Tapestry New Opera Works, Iron Roadis written by Barry Pearson and Raymond Storey. The story exposes the dark and neglected history of Chinese workers forging the railroad that held Canada together. The film is a tribute to their efforts.

“It made me think, for the first time, about the tremendous risks taken by my  grandfather, Chen Sing, who arrived in Canada as a railroad worker in the 1880s.”
- Bev Wong, Federal Government, Community Historical Recognition Program, Head Tax Advisory Panel

“Iron Road should be seen by every Canadian.”

Judge Randall Wong, B.C. Circuit Court

“I think Little Tiger, the heroine, is a great role model for Chinese females. And yes, the inter-racial taboo is still an issue among my teenage friends.”
            - Elaine Poon, 18 year old Canadian University student

Tickets for the June 14th Iron Road premiere cost $100 for VIP seating and $88 for regular seating, and are available at www.yorku.ca/perform or by calling 416-736-5888. Tax receipts available upon purchase. The new York University Price Family Cinema is located in the Accolade East Building just inside the main entrance at 4700 Keele St., Toronto, Ontario.

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