Museum of the Moving Image Celebrates Chinese New Year with PUI CHAN: KUNG FU PIONEER Today

Museum of the Moving Image celebrates the Chinese New Year with a special screening and live event devoted to legendary kung fu grandmaster, Pui Chan, one of the martial arts pioneers who introduced traditional Chinese kung fu to the United States. Pui Chan: Kung Fu Pioneer, a new film about Chan, directed by his daughter Mimi Chan, will screen at the Museum today, February 23, 2013, at 3:00 p.m. as part of its Fist and Sword martial arts showcase. Mimi Chan will appear in person at the screening, with special guests who will perform a traditional Chinese lion dance.

Tickets for the event are free with Museum admission: $12 adults / $9 senior citizens and students with ID / $6 children 3-12 / free for Museum members and children under 3. Advance tickets are available online at movingimage.us or by calling 718 777 6800.

Pui Chan: Kung Fu Pioneer follows the extraordinary life of a Chinese immigrant who achieved the American dream. This biographical documentary begins with a boy who learns the value of hard work and perseverance through kung fu training. He escapes the harshness of political oppression, bravely ventures out, and embraces opportunity in a new land. The now highly recognized Grandmaster Pui Chan is one of the pioneers responsible for bringing traditional kung fu to America. Chan built the first authentic martial arts temple in the U.S., the Wah Lum Temple, in Orlando, Florida. (2012, 86 mins. Digital projection.)

Director Mimi Chan, Pui Chan's eldest daughter, is also a kung fu practitioner with many grand championships to her credit. In addition, she served as the model and martial arts video reference for the Disney animated feature, Mulan. Chan will participate in a Q&A following the screening. For more information about the film, visit puichan.com.

The program is part of Fist and Sword, the Museum's monthly martial arts showcase curated by Warrington Hudlin, a Museum trustee and filmmaker.