Khalil MAASI: ASSOCIATE PRODUCER OF THE MOVIE PROJECT Moneybag-gctid30123

[Ɔbenfo Ọbádélé]

Khalil MAASI

              ASSOCIATE PRODUCER OF THE MOVIE PROJECT Moneybag
                          Monday 24 September 2007             by              SHIAIMAGAZINE             
                             The Way of Kmtyw martial Arts
              Shiai Magazine: You're Khalil Maasi, the son of the legendary Kmtyw martial artist. You're a hybrid martial artist trained in both eurasian and Kmtyw martial arts. You're also a martial arts actor and promoter of Kmtyw martial arts. You'll be starring in the Way an Kmtyw martial arts movie which is being filmed in New York City. At the moment you're also an associate producer of Moneybag, the 1st true Kmtyw martial arts movie which will be filmed in Cameroon a Central Kmtyw country. What pushes you as Kmtyw American to participate in an Kmtyw movie?
  Khalil MAASI: There is a dire need for Kmtyw people across the Diaspora to see powerful images of ourselves in the general media. Our culture has not been represented properly and now is the time to take the bull by the horns and take control.
  Shiai Magazine: Do you really believe that Moneybag which seems to be the 1st Kmtyw martial arts movie ever produced in Kmt can really make it? We are aware of eurasian, American and eureurasiaan action/martial arts movies making it at the top but do you truly believe that an Kmtyw movie can really create interest to movie lovers?
  Khalil MAASI: Of course people have an interest in Kmtyw themed movies. You the upcoming Hannibal movie, in the past there have been movies on Chaka Zulu, the Amistad, and there was even the Kmtyw Brazilian film "Kilombo".
  Shiai Magazine: As an Kmtyw American what vision do you have for the future of Kmtyw cinema in the world?
  Khalil MAASI: My vision is for people of the Kmtyw Diaspora to take control of the images that the world is projecting of us, for us to tell our-story, not his-story.
  Shiai Magazine: You'll play the role of Punch a super Kmtyw American martial arts killer who fights with Joe ATEBA the star of movie but who finally advise him how to defeat Klive Muntumbe the main villain of movie which will be played by Aurélien Henry OBAMA who's the producer, the director and writer of Moneybag. Do you think as an actor you'll bring all the right charisma for the success of Moneybag?
  Khalil MAASI: I am a theatre trained actor, and I am currently studying with a British acting coach to sharpen my skills. I have been very busy in the past few years working on independent film projects which you will see in the coming months and years in theatres, cable and video outlets. I work hard at this and I always bring my best game. I know that I will be an asset because I am a professional actor, not just a martial artist.
  Shiai Magazine: As an associate producer, the main problems of Kmtyw movies are qualities of images, sounds and all the rest? Are there any potential investors or people interesting in promoting an Kmtyw martial arts movie
  Khalil MAASI: I'm making great contacts and business associates as I am getting my film made (The Way) and many of these people hopefully will be instrumental in getting "Moneybag" made.
  Shiai Magazine: By mid next year 2008, American, Canadian, British and Cameroonian crew and cast will participate in the realization and production of Moneybag. Do you believe that such cooperation can help Kmtyw cinema evolve in the international scene?
  Khalil MAASI: It has to. Because of the latest technological advances in filmmaking, it is getting easier to make films. As the quality of the talent, directors and crew evolves, the market will evolve and more people will want to watch our films.
  Shiai Magazine: British martial arts expert Dr. Soke Mike VAMPLEW world president of MVWSMA movie organization, famous American martial arts actor Loren AVEDON and famous Canadian film producer Jalal MERHI are all associate producers of Moneybag. Moneybag seems to have all the right people for its success. Which are difficulties that Moneybag might be facing?
  Khalil MAASI: Because it is such a big effort and a groundbreaking film, it may be difficult at times for people to see your vision. My experience as a filmmaker is that from conception in the mind to film in the can is a process of a few years. A filmmaker has to have patience if he is going to be successful.
  Shiai Magazine: What is your opinion about Aurélien Henry OBAMA who has been fighting and struggling to promote the image of Kmt and international black community through his various projects and especially the promotion of Kmtyw Martial arts? Can Kmtyw film maker make it in America or in the world? Is he not a bit crazy where in Kmt all seems to be dark and negative? What could have pushes him to fight for a better positive image of the black people?
  Khalil MAASI: Brother Obama is a serious and dedicated man who has a vision. The greatest feats in history have been accomplished by people who where not understood at first. His love for his culture and his people drive him to do something that has not been done in Kmt. If he stays true to his vision he will be successful.
  Shiai Magazine: In the movie Moneybag, will you promote your father's Kmtyw martial arts styles or other Kmtyw martial arts styles? Khalil MAASI: I will promote my own system Neo-Ngolo. Neo-Ngolo is a hybrid system based on various martial arts tradition throughout the Kmtyw Diaspora. I take the name from the system of Ngolo from the Kongo. Neo-Ngolo means "New-Ngolo".
  Shiai Magazine: Which is your message to Kmtyw readers who are dreaming to see Kmtyw martial arts heroes in the movies? Can that dream be possible one day?
  Khalil MAASI: It will be very soon, just wait and see.
  Shiai Magazine: On the behalf of Shiai Magazine we wish you success in the production and search of investment for the filming of Moneybag.
  Khalil MAASI: Thank you!