Epic Fantasy Film "Legend of Black Lotus," by African American Filmmaker Has Mostly Asian Actors

April 15, 2010 - PRLog -- Legend of Black Lotus is an epic fantasy short film project that shall be used to solicit investors for the making of the feature film in 2011. With a projected budget of $5-10 Million Legend of Black Lotus, written by Angelo Bell, story by Nicole Sessions, promises to be one of the most arresting independent film project in recent years. The project is an homage to epic American films like “Dances With Wolves” and “Braveheart” while honoring Chinese fantasy martial-arts cinema.

Legend of Black Lotus is “Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon” meets “Gladiator” meets teh classic Chinese fairytale, “Mulan.” The project comes from the minds of story creator Nicole Sessions and writer/director Angelo Bell (13 films). Legend of Black Lotus is one of the more ambitious independent film projects undertaken in recent years. The film will have it all: story, drama, strong characters, romance and action in a fantastical epic film.

To produce the short film, Angelo Bell has to reduce the concept of a 3 hour feature film, down to a 7-minute short film/extended trailer. It's no easy feat. "Obviously we have to hit the highlights of the screenplay without giving away the twist," said Angelo. "With the right performers and the efficient directing and editing, it's not impossible."

When asked about how he feels about directing a film with a prominently Asian cast, Angelo responded with a hearty laugh. "People who aren't African American have been making African American films since films began. No one ever questions that. When Ang Lee directed the award-winning turn-of-the-century period film, 'Sense and Sensibility'  no one questioned his reasons or ability to do justice to the story. Then there's Antoine Fuqua who directed 'King Arthur.' We are all storytellers. In fact, my film is pretty close to to story of King Arthur but in Ancient China. The story of 'Black Lotus' is uplifting and inspiring. It's about unconditional love, racism, sexism, family and hope. These things are universal to every race and nationality."

The support of filmmakers and film aficionados will ensure the making of this short film, its release to film festivals worldwide, and its inclusion in important Film Markets in the United States and abroad. Film enthusiasts are encouraged to support the making of this short film using crowdfunding initiatives.

For more information on how you can help, visit http://www.Indiegogo.com/BlackLotus/

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