Keanu Reeves makes directorial debut

Keanu Reeves has added another string to his bow. The acclaimed Hollywood actor is making his debut behind the camera, having directed and starred in his latest film. As part of the Beijing International Film Festival, the film's cast and crew were at the National Conference Center to launch the trailer of "Man of Tai chi."

Keanu Reeves' passion for kung fu earned him international recognition in the Matrix series. At a press conference, the star spoke of his one-eighth Chinese heritage and said he has been mad about kung fu ever since he worked with choreographer Yuan Wo Ping. In "Man of Taichi", Reeves plays the bad guy up against the hero, played by Tiger Hu Chen.

Tiger is a former American Karate Champion who also coached Keanu Reeves for the Matrix. The two have worked together for so long that they even refer to each other as brothers. Upon hearing the news of the earthquake in Lushan, the cast extended their wishes to the victims and prayed for their safety. "Man of Taichi" will hit Chinese screens this summer.