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'Crazy Rich Asians' stars proudly represent Asia at red carpet premiere in Singapore

Actress Fiona Xie poses at the Singapore premiere of “Crazy Rich Asians”. (PHOTO: AFP)
Actress Fiona Xie poses at the Singapore premiere of “Crazy Rich Asians”. (PHOTO: AFP)

By Flora Yeo

The cast of Crazy Rich Asians, much-hyped as being a milestone for Asian representation in Hollywood, were conscious of its momentous nature as they celebrated its Asian premiere in Singapore with a glamorous red carpet event at the Capitol Theatre on Tuesday night (21 August).

Lead actor Henry Golding, together with Singapore actors including Pierre Png, Selena Tan, Fiona Xie, Tan Kheng Hua, Amy Cheng, Janice Koh, and Koh Chieng Mun, charmed the crowd with their beautiful outfits and selfie opportunities.

Director Jon M. Chu (Now You See Me 2, Step Up 3D) and producer John Penotti also attended the premiere.

Fiona Xie, who plays gold-digging soap opera star Kitty Pong, said that being a part of the movie was “the best gift by far”.

“To be able to be a part of this historic moment for more Asian-centric stories to be told in Hollywood is important (for me) and I’m so glad to be a part of it,” said Xie.

For Australian actor Chris Pang, who plays Colin Khoo in the romantic comedy, he felt that the responses from fans and viewers have vindicated the film’s importance.

“Messages are flooding in – Asian kids growing up overseas have not seen themselves represented on screen and I’m getting these beautiful and heartfelt messages explaining how this film means to them, seeing themselves reflected in media and pop culture.”

“It feels really good to be back home, premiering the film on home ground,” said Pierre Png, who plays Michael Teo, the husband of Astrid Leong, Rachel Chu’s friend in the movie. “I’m enjoying the heat, and it’s the best thing ever to be here walking the carpet, for the second time. Really proud to represent Singapore.”

Based on the book by Kevin Kwan, Crazy Rich Asians premiered in the US last week and has become No. 1 at the box office in North America, taking in US$35 million so far.

American reviewers have praised the film for the virtuosity of its all-Asian cast, even though detractors in Singapore said it doesn’t accurately depict the city-state’s ethnic diversity.

Chu addressed the criticism about the film’s representativeness, saying, “This is just one little movie for the bigger movement of telling Hollywood that we want more perspectives, more stories (about Asians). To say that this (film) can tell the stories of all Asians everywhere is unfair.”

The director also talked about the #GoldOpen movement where entrepreneurs and influencers alike are buying out entire movie theatres to screen the film. The initiative has sparked a movement with celebrities, theatres and even fans joining in the movement to show their support.

“To have that kind of financial support means the world to me,” said Chu. “It’s really amazing to have a group of people to support your film like #GoldOpen, all around the world – businessmen, sports people, celebrities buying out theatres, sharing the tickets. We know that it is an important movie to share with people.”

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