Chan's bid for new action stars

Chinese film legend Jackie Chan has been showcasing new martial art talent in Cannes.

He is in the South of France as executive producer of new movie Wushu which tells the story of two young martial arts prodigies.

Chan - whose real name is Chan Kong Sang which means "born in Hong Kong" - said there is a new generation of young fighters coming through who have the ability to be stars.

He said: "All those years all you saw in martial arts films were Jet Li and Jackie Chan so we really need new talent.

"After I saw those two young kids, I thought wow. They can do everything, they can jump, they can do acrobatics, they can fight with all kind of different weapons. So, yes I said go ahead."

He stressed the film is not about fighting, but above all about education and culture. "Trust me, it's a good movie. It's about Chinese culture."

Asked to react on last week's Chinese earthquake which has claimed tens of thousands of victims, Chan praised those taking part in the rescue effort.

He said: "I've never seen people like this, helping each other, children helping children and people helping people, they help everybody."

Chan paid tribute to all the countries offering support to victims of the disaster.

© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.

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