[2009.09.21] ANDY LAU ATTENDS THE FOUNDING OF A REPUBLIC HONG KONG PREMIERE

In order to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the People's Republic of China founding, the film THE FOUNDING OF A REPUBLIC two nights ago held a grand charity premiere. Directors Han Sanping, Huang Jianxin, Tang Guoqiang who played Mao Zedong, Zhang Guoli who played Chiang Kai -Shek and Andy Lau Tak Wa who only had an one minute scene also attended. The event also invited Chief Executive Donald Tsang to host the ceremony. Other guests included Dragon Foundation chairman Yang Tieliang, Peter Lam Kin Ngok, Peter Chan Ho Sun, Sandra Ng Kwan Yu, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Chow Man Wai, Pansy Ho Chiu King and others. At the event the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups also performed one of the 2008 Beijing Olympics songs SINGING THE ANCESTOR NATION to open the premiere. Chief Executive Tsang and the other guests host a bronze gong ringing ceremony. This premiere raised fund to promote Chinese youth cultivation work.

After resting a month Lau Tak Wa yesterday made an appearance. Some fans from Chongqing, Chengdu and even held up banners that said "With you for life, forever support you"; however, the number and the noise level were unlike before. When Wa Jai arrived, fans screamed nonstop. Wa Jai flashed a smile and was in a light mood.

The event borrowed wax figures of Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai and Deng Xiaoping from Madame Tussaud's for guests to pose for pictures with. Wa Jai also posed with the three leaders' wax figures. Then he accepted media questions. Wa Jai expressed that of course he was very happy about having so many fans on hand. Was he nervous? He said, "Not at all, why do I have to be nervous? (You haven't seen fans in a long time?) I always see them." Was he still bothered? He said, "I am fine." September 27 will be Wa Jai's birthday. This year he will continue to celebrate his birthday with his fans as he did in previous years.

In the film Wa Jai only had an one minute scene. Wa Jai said, "This time I come to see how long it is. Actually I only spent two days on the shoot." After a month of rest, what plan did he have for the future? He said, "I am thinking about national events, the 60th Anniversary National Day I have to thin kabout too." He pointed out that actually work was already scheduled and no special change was made. Did he have to prepare to have a baby? Wa Jai immediately said, "Don't ask about that." Did he congratulate Miriam Yeung Chin Wa on her marriage? Wa Jai expressed that he did not see her yet. Some reporters pointed out that he dragged her into the storm with him. He said, "No. (Will you apologize to Chin Wa?) I am not answering that. (Will you host a make up wedding banquet?) I am not answering."

Wa Jai expressed that he received birthday presents but did not want to say what they were. Did he feel that fans were different after the earlier incident? He said, "This is between me and them. I will communicate with fans." Did he feel he had more supporters? He expressed that it has always been like this. Later Wa Jai in an electronic media interview praised this film's Chinese history and was a great teaching material. As for on site fan support, Wa Jai expressed thanks for their years of support. He felt touched and warm, after which he got a little teary eyed.

In addition, Zhang Guoli and Tang Guoqiang were interviewed together. Zhang Guoli expressed that he turned down the offer many times. Finally the director convinced him to play Chiang Kai-shek. He said that as his son he had to do something for his mother's birthday and contribute to the nation. He explained, "At first I turned down the role because I thought I didn't resemble Chiang Kai-Shek, but the result was unexpected. Even Mr. Tang was very satisfied." Tang Guoqiang has already played Mao Zedong 14 times. This time his character was the same. Yet Zhang Guoli honestly said that ths film was very stressful. Because of the many star cameos, he watched himself and dared not be lazy. This film alrady passed 100 million. Zhang Guoli said, "Right! This figure never appeared in past performance." Did he congratulate Wa Jai? He said, "We are good friends. Fortunately you mentioned it. If you didn't say anything I would have forgotten. When I see him I will congratulate him."