"THE SENSEI"
written, produced and directed by Diana Lee Inosanto
LOGAN THEATRE TO SCREEN POWERFUL ANTI-BULLYING FILM “THE SENSEI” IN CHICAGO WITH Q&A HOSTED BY
CANDI OF 103.5 KISS FM
CHICAGO, IL. JUNE 29, 2015- Historic Logan Theatre will be the site of an exclusive showing of “The Sensei” starring, written, and directed by Bruce Lee’s niece Diana Lee Inosanto. This film will kick off the theatre’s martial arts film series on Saturday, August 8 and will include a reception and Q&A with Diana Lee Inosanto herself. Q&A Session will be hosted by Kiss FM’s very own radio personality, Candi, immediately after the show.
Tickets can be purchased via phone at 708. 506. 0585 or at the Logan Theatre 2646 N. Milwaukee, Chicago, IL 60645 day of the event. Guests can choose between two levels of admission:
*$10 regular admission – ticket to screening and Q&A panel. Film screens promptly at 8pm.
*$40 VIP – ticket to screening, Q&A panel, meet and greet reception with Diana Lee Inosanto and Candi, VIP Giveaways before the show. Reception begins at 7pm at Logan Theatre with film to follow.
"THE SENSEI"
The Sensei explores the nature of prejudice through the tale of McClain, a gay teen who is constantly bullied and ostracized for his sexual orientation. The film is set in 1985, during the rise of the HIV and AIDS epidemic when homophobia was at an all time high.
After suffering a hate crime, McClain becomes mentored by Karen (Inosanto), a leader in the martial arts community. Through their training, he not only learns self-defense but life lessons that allow him to persevere amidst a chaotic dehumanizing society. This film exposes the harsh realities of communities who are “othered,” and the dangers of a society that finds comfort in bigotry and fails to take action against senseless prejudice.
Originally released in 2010, the film celebrates its 5-year anniversary during one of the most relevant and historic decisions of Supreme Court rulings: making same-sex marriages legal in all 50 states. This shows how far we’ve come as a nation and reminds us of the struggle of acceptance we have yet to overcome.
The film is screening in association with Flix of Fury (FOF) Chicago Martial Arts Cinema Club. FOF is a monthly Xtreme Martial Arts Cinema Club that is known for holding events showcasing martial arts films.
Award winning writer/director/producer/actor Diana Inosanto is a long standing veteran to the film industry. Prior to creating her own film projects, Diana worked as a stunt actress on TV and film with shows such as Face Off, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Walker Texas Ranger.
She grew up surrounded by the martial arts world, practicing various forms such as Jeet Kune Do and Eskrima, Filipino Martial Arts. Her godfather, global icon, martial artist, and actor Bruce Lee along with other remarkable figures inspired Inosanto to create The Sensei.
As an artist and athlete Diana was inspired by the professional boxer Tommy “The Gun” Morrison who publically struggled with the virus. Additionally, close family brought a new awareness for Inosanto of the injustices that gays, lesbians, and their families endure throughout America.
You can hear Candi every weekend on Chicago’s #1 hit music station KISS 103.5FM along with countless promos, celebrity interviews, and appearances on MTV, VH1, WCIU, and more. She’s worked behind the scenes on producing “On Air With Ryan Seacrest” and has covered events from American Idol, Teen Choice Awards, The Grammy’s and various other movie premieres.
Candi has interviewed celebrities from Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, J-Lo, Justin Timberlake, Pink, Rihanna, Reese Weatherspoon, Wes Craven and many others.
Master Kirk Haygood a student of film making with degrees from Hollywood Film Institute and Chicago Film Makers. Kirk being a film buff took major advice from seventies film star Fred Williamson, to work hard at his craft and never stop. He also got great advice from the ledendary Roger Ebert .
Kirk's involvement in Martial arts started at 9 years of age at Roseland Judo and Karate in the sixties under Grandmaster John Dee and Sensei Wayne Washington. Going into highschool he continued his training under Grand Master John Norman and Oso Tayari Casel.
Master Kirk Haygood is a member of the Black Belt Hall of Fame (2006), is the founder of K.I.D.S. (Karate Intensity Discipline & Success) United Martial Arts, and FLIX OF FURY MARTIAL ARTS CINEMA.
SUCCESS!
The event was a tremendous success! Flix of Fury Martial Atrts would like to thank all of those who came out and participated, most of all Diana Inosanto and company. Below are afew images from the event.
For more information on this event or for press passes, please contact Mary Angela Munez