Originally there was to be a single screening primarily for distributors and industry insiders at 7:30 PM but due to overwhelming interest of both the Hollywood suits and friends and fans of Pearry there was a 2nd showing added for 9:30 PM

Having gotten to know Pearry Teo over the last year and half I was really excited that I got to ride in the huge Hummer stretch limo along with some of his closest friends and associates. I heard rumors Pearry wanted to rent a tank instead of a limo but was out-voted on that idea.

Director Pearry R. Teo describing the concept of the film to the audience

We arrived at AFI for the 2nd screening. The lobby was over-flowing with people from the early show that lingered to mingle and enjoy the atmosphere of a festive underground party. We got there just in time for me to grab a glass of Merlot, chat with those coming from the 1st screening to get their impressions and to say a quick hello to the man himself, director Pearry Teo.

Then we went into the theater to finally get our 1st glimpse of the upcoming theatrical release of The Gene Generation. Producer Keith Collea introduced the film and without further ado the curtains opened and we were transported to the cyber-punk world of ‘The Gene Generation’.

Director Pearry R. Teo and Producer Keith Collea at the premiere

There is always so much hype surrounding anything Pearry Teo does and this movie particularly, I was afraid The Gene Generation would not to live up to expectations and in the end viewers would be disappointed with the final product. I’m happy to say I couldn’t have been more mistaken. I LOVED it as did every other person I polled for their reactions to the movie. Awesome was the word most often used to describe it.

The setting is the futuristic city of Demeter, populated by DNA Hackers, hustlers and assassins. The landscape is dark, stark, yet stunningly beautiful from the harsh metallic industrial interiors to the meticulously crafted moody and dream-like exteriors.

The two central characters are a brother and sister trapped in decaying Demeter. Jackie, played by Parry Shen, is a gambler and a hustler with an affinity for getting into life-threatening situations. Jackie’s sister, Michelle, is a ruthless yet sympathetic assassin, played superbly by Bai Ling, whose only desire is to escape with her brother to a better life in Olympia.

Director Pearry R. Teo and Actress Bai Ling at after party at AFI

The movie pulses to a killer Industrial sound track driven by Combichrist. Gene Generation has enough spectacular special effects, stunts and martial arts sequences keep even the most avid action-junkie enthralled from beginning to end yet offers a unique and compelling story that is so often lacking in the genre. It moves at break-neck speed with tons of action, plot twists and turns from the opening credits to the stunning conclusion.

All too soon it was over. Keith Collea introduced Pearry Teo and Bai Ling to a standing ovation then it was time for a 2nd Merlot, a Clove and a chance to catch my breath before going back into the lobby to mingle. Pearry, Bai Ling and some of the other cast members stayed to meet and greet the filmgoers

Director Pearry R. Teo, Gene Generation Actor Daniel Zacapa with daughter and Cole Braxton at afterparty at AFI

The Gene Generation is based on the DNA Hacker Chronicles, a limited release graphic novel that was written by Pearry Teo and Great news; I discovered a table in the AFI lobby manned by representatives from Bloodfire Studios - www.Bloodfire.com, with concept art and layouts for a new release they will be publishing as a tie-in to the movie.  Look for More on that in the near future.

Next it was time to make the move to the after-party. A large group of us toasted Pearry and the overwhelming success of Gene as we rode in the giant Hummer to The Edison, a multi-level industrial loft-style club in Downtown LA. There we met up with several of the early show-goers to again toast and congratulate Pearry on his stunning success.

As the night turned to the early hours of the morning it was time to say good nite, stumble off to bed and reflect on a dark future where ‘Death is just an Upgrade’

By Celeste
 

Mixed crowd at the after party at downtown's Edison Bar