After several tweets, Otakon confirmed that Tokyo Godfather & Paprika director Satoshi Kon has passed away. UK Anime Network wrote;

This is breaking news just coming in as I type this, emanating from the Twitter account of GAINAX’s Yasuhiro Takeda and later confirmed by Madhouse’s Masao Maruyama via theOtakon committee, but the renowned and much-admired anime director Satoshi Kon passed away yesterday at the age of 47.

Everyone at Podcast on Fire sends their deepest condolences to the family and friends of Satoshi Kon

Everyone should take a time out and rematch their favourite Satoshi Kon flick!

Podcast on Fire have joined Sarcastic Gamers annual “Extra Life” charity effort.  We’re raising money and awareness for my local Children’s Miracle Network hospital, Royal Hospital for Sick Children. On October 16th, 2010 I’ll attempt to play video games for 24-hours straight, and I’ve asked you to come by in hopes that you’ll support me by giving just $1.00 per hour ($24 total) (Stoo Note; That’s £15, but being honest, I would happily except donations of £2.40). Your donation is tax-deductible and 100% of your gift goes to help heal sick kids, here in Edinburgh.

This Fall, my fellow Extra Life gamers are going to make miracles happen for kids. I can’t do that without your support. My goal is to raise $240.00. On that date I do hope to have a live feed running on the website so you can watch my progress and send messages of encouragement, fuck, I might even get online and record a podcast with Ken during! Although I WILL NOT take the Webcam to the bath room when I play Planets vs. Zombies on the iPhone.

You can Support my Team through this link, you can Donate now OR on the day!

LOVEFiLM is the United Kingdoms leading Online DVD/BR/Video Game rental service. They are now providing the luxury of watching over 4,000 of their movies online off their website for free for the next Fortnight (Unless your Unlimited Package subscriber) in aid of the World Cup! Yes, in a “Extra Time” special we’re given the chance to watch some great films online for free!

We’re given everything from the Infernal Affairs Trilogy, Thirst, Zatoichi and some early Wong Kar Wai!

I’ve looked through thier World Cinema section listed all the free movies (almost 50 flicks!) within this post; (continue reading…)

News broke earlier this week that Hong Kong actor Kelvin Wong Siu passed away. Far East Films reported;

News has filtered out that Chinese actor Kelvin Wong, also known as Wong Siu, has passed away. Wong was a prolific character actor who will probably be best remembered for playing a number of larger-than-life villainous roles in several Hong Kong and Taiwanese movies.

Initally seen playing minor bad guys, Wong soon made the move into larger productions and appeared alongside Hong Kong stars such as Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Sammo Hung, Andy Lau, Maggie Cheung and Anita Mui. His most memorable and highly acclaimed roles came when he played an evil mastermind opposite Jet Li in ’High Risk’ and appeared as the diabolical 14th prince in Sammo Hung’s swordplay adventure, ‘Moon Warriors’.

Although little was known about his most recent activities, he was reportedly working in Taiwanese television. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this difficult time.

At this time at Podcast on Fire, I think the best thing to do is look up his Filmography (which is posted on the Far East Films article) and watch your favourite movie which features Kelvin Wong, I’ll be looking out my copy of Moon Warriors soon.

Hey! The good people over at Hong Kong Store have reincarnated with “Asia On Film”! The company will be familiar to some as they are the people who also run Jade Screen and Screen Power magazines! They cover all your bases by supplying DVDs, Blu-Ray, Magazines, CDs and Books! Here is a brief message summing things up;

We would like to inform you that as from April 17th 2010 the Hong Kong Store will be closing down. We have been most busy the past month relaunching a bigger and better store for everyone and it officially launches today at: www.asiaonfilm.com Please visit the store and sign up for a FREE customer account as all customer details registered for you at the old Hong Kong Store will be deleted shortly. We do hope you like the new store and we look forward to serving your Asian film needs soon!

Enjoy!!

Illustrator/PoF Historian Paul Loudon maybe a familiar name to our regular listeners last year, helping with his coverage of Visible Secrets: Hong Kong’s Women Filmmakers, where he interviewed director Ivy Ho and of course he joined us on our Two Year Anniversary Special.

Paul is also known as a kick ass Illustrator and he even spiced up our Team Page this week (which is also updated with Kens biog btw!). We want to take out this time to thank Paul for his terrific work and encourage everyone to visit his official website; PaulLoudon.com

Meeeh, I’m Jay Chou!

Photo Credit WENN; Photos of Jay Chou on set of his first American feature “The Green Hornet”, starring alongside Hollywood funny man – Seth Rogen.

The Green Hornet project was brought to our attention when Seth Rogen teamed up with Stephen Chow to star and direct the flick. Stephen then gave up the directors chair to Michael Gondry and then Stephen Chow just left the project completely. Thankfully they hired the Tofu street racer Jay Chou!