Cinema Rediscovered Festival to Showcase Rare 1919 Film Featuring Japanese Star

This month, the Cinema Rediscovered festival in Bristol will present a rare screening of "The Dragon Painter," a 1919 film that highlights the early career of Japanese actor Sessue Hayakawa. Known for his significant contributions to cinema over six decades, Hayakawa's work in this film is particularly notable as it features authentic Japanese settings and characters, a departure from the stereotypical roles he often faced in Hollywood. Produced by Hayakawa's own company and co-starring his wife, Tsuru Aoki, "The Dragon Painter" became a cultural phenomenon, elevating Hayakawa's fame not only in the United States but also in Europe and Japan. Initially aspiring to join the navy, Hayakawa's career took a different path after an injury led him to pursue acting. His talent caught the attention of major studios, making him a top choice for leading roles, including the iconic part in "The Sheik," which ultimately propelled Rudolph Valentino to stardom. Despite his success, Hayakawa often found himself typecast in roles that limited his range, typically portraying characters with generic East Asian traits. However, "The Dragon Painter" was marketed as a film with genuine cultural representation, showcasing Hayakawa's commitment to authenticity in his work. His later success in films like "The Bridge on the River Kwai" helped to restore his reputation as a pioneering figure in American cinema. For those in need of support, resources such as the Samaritans in the UK and Ireland, and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in the US, are available for crisis assistance.