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 The
day started with an educational film journey of Bruce Lee's films,
martial arts and philosophical career. It touched on how Bruce
brought about, and single-handedly introduced the martial arts to
the west through the medium of film and his final project "The
Game Of Death", which brought all three elements together and
would have been Bruce Lee's crowning glory in obtaining his ultimate
multi-level film.
It was
with great pride that the Film Festival hosted the first European
BLEF Symposium, with the exclusive European film premiere of John
Little's production of Bruce Lee's final production "The Game
Of Death".
John
went into very specific detail regarding Bruce Lee's philosophy and
"The Game Of Death." Shown first on the day was the
original 1965 "Number One Son" black and white screen
test, which was shown in it's entirety. Next to be shown was the
filmed storyline to "The Game Of Death." This filmed
storyline was filmed in Korea by John Little, using some of the
local actors to tell the story prior to the Dan Inosanto fight. After
that, it was time for the main event - the European premiere of
"A Warrior's Journey." For the first time in 28 years, the
fans finally got to see "The Game Of Death" how Bruce Lee
intended it to be shown.
Once the
film was shown, it was time for John to do a small questions and
answers session from the audience. The questions were not just
limited to "The Game Of Death," but questions were also
asked about Bruce's life, martial arts and his philosophy.
 Andrew
Staton asked Peer Hesstvedt from Norway to present John Little with
a special framed print of Bruce Lee. John, in return, presented
Andrew Staton with one of Bruce Lee's original vaccination
certificates. John explained how he came to acquire it, how it had
been hung on his wall as he wrote the Tuttle "Bruce Lee
Library" books. He also said that he hoped that it would bring
Andrew as much inspiration as it had brought him.
 The last
part of the day was a chance for the fans to meet John Little and to
ask any questions that they had. John was also on hand to sign any
books, magazines, etc that the day's attendees wanted. Books,
magazines and videotapes wre also available to buy on the day from
one of the BBLA's sponsors, Hayashi. Many fans bought their books on
the day thanks to special discounts that were offered by
Hayashi.
Once the event was over,
the BBLA team and John Little went for a Chinese meal at a local restaurant,
where fun definitely endured.
 A great
day was had by all. John flew back to America the next day, but not
before giving Andrew an exclusive interview. The interview. The
interview was included in a "A Warrior's Journey"
supplement which was given away free with the October 2001 edition
of Martial Arts Illustrated. People who don't have this and would
like a copy, please contact MAI Publications.
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Many people also
managed to get Pat Johnson's autograph, either on a photo or on
copies of the two film scripts that Mr. Johnson kindly provided.
People who got the signed photo were also given a great set of
extremely rare postcards, two of which were unpublished and provided
by Mr. Pat Johnson. A full report will appear in the next Dragon
Tracks magazine and maybe on the website. With the success of this
years convention, next years will be even bigger!