Synopsis
Discover the untold story behind the legend in the most extensive documentary on Wing Chun and Yip Man.
This groundbreaking film delves into the real-life story of Yip Man (a.k.a. Ip Man) and the legacy that he left behind in the martial arts world. How accurate is his cinematic portrayal in the popular Ip Man movies? How was Yip Man really as a person?
Uncover personal stories of Yip Man and his renowned disciples, including Wong Shun Leung and Bruce Lee. What was the connection between the martial arts superstar and his teacher? Through exclusive interviews with Yip Man’s disciples and Bruce Lee’s friends, gain insights into the profound connections and influences that shaped martial arts history.
What is Yip Man’s legacy? Through exclusive interviews with some of the best next-generation Sifus, we are looking at the big picture of where the art of Wing Chun currently is and where it may go in the future.
Our Creative Team
The Director/Producer
Marc Oberdorfer, a visionary German filmmaker based in Hong Kong, masterfully blends European and Asian influences in his work. With expertise as a director, cinematographer, and producer, Marc has contributed to a wide range of projects, including feature films, music videos, and documentaries that celebrate cultural diversity. Fluent in German, English, and Cantonese, he navigates global projects with ease, creating captivating stories that resonate with audiences worldwide.
Marc’s film and multi-media portfolio includes collaborations with Hong Kong stars such as Karen Mok and Louis Koo. As a producer, he has worked on feature films like 8 Remains and award-winning commercial films such as The Blue Way Next Exit, which received top honours at the Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards, one of the world’s most prestigious commercial and television film festivals. Additionally, Marc has had the rare privilege of working alongside acclaimed director Michael Mann (Heat, Ferrari) and veteran cinematographer Stuart Dryburgh (The Piano, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty) on the feature film Blackhat, starring Chris Hemsworth, Viola Davis, and Wang Leehom.
As a martial artist with over 35 years of experience, Marc has the documentary’s best interests at heart. With a background in Taekwondo, Capoeira, and Wing Chun, Marc brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the project. He offers a fresh perspective and deep appreciation for the art, enhancing the documentary’s authenticity and depth.
The wing chun Consultant
Sifu David Peterson
Born & raised in Australia, David Peterson now resides in Malaysia, where he has been teaching ‘WSL Ving Tsun Kuen Hok’ since 2011.
His martial arts training began in 1973, and in 1983, he took the first of many trips to Hong Kong to commence his training in Wing Chun under the guidance of the late Sifu Wong Shun Leung.
He is now a respected representative of his Sifu’s system with students worldwide, and a published author of books, hundreds of articles, instructional videos, and documentaries on this method that his peers highly regard.
David has a wealth of knowledge about Wing Chun and Kung Fu in general and has been an invaluable consultant on the project.
The producer
Louise (an AACTA nominee) started in the Marketing department at Palace Films and Palace Cinemas in ’98, building the first cinema movie database in Australia, and working on classic Australian films like Yolngu Boy, Chopper, Lantana, etc.
From 2016, Louise has written and directed for Jerry Lewis, Colin Mochrie, Brad Sherwood, and Anupam Kher. She has also written, directed, and produced two children’s interactive series on the Oz Kids network, including the first live talking bear animated show.
Louise is a producer on Never Get Busted, a documentary premiering at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, and is currently producing Kriv Stenders’ next major feature film thriller, Screaming Peak.
The PRODUCER
Steven Kerr is an award-winning director and filmmaker who has worked on the periphery of Australian film and television for years. His WA Screen Academy short film “Spiral” earned critical acclaim and is featured on DUST’s YouTube channel.
With experience producing and working on a diverse range of films in both Hong Kong and Australia, Steven continues to develop projects that expand his body of work.
Passionate about storytelling, he remains dedicated to honing his craft as a professional filmmaker.
The Cinematographer
Originally from Toronto, ON, Derrick Fong began his studies in 3D Animation for Broadcast & Design but found his true calling in New York City, where he studied at the New York Film Academy.
He soon gravitated to the camera and focused on cinematography and photography, yet still retained his roots in filmmaking and design.
After graduating, Derrick arrived in Hong Kong and joined forces with several fellow creatives to produce content for different mediums, ranging from viral video advertising to feature film production.
His previous feature films include “Supercapitalist,” starring Linus Roache (Batman Begins) and Hong Kong legends Richard Ng and Kenneth Tsang, and the Bollywood debut feature film “Heartless,” from Shekhar Suman.
The Animator
Harry Tan is a self-taught animator based in Malaysia, whose passion for storytelling and creativity knows no bounds. Growing up immersed in the vibrant world of animation, Harry drew inspiration from the bold, emotional storytelling of Japanese anime and the imaginative, diverse styles of Western cartoons. These influences sparked a lifelong love for the art form and set him on a path to bring ideas to life through motion and storytelling.
With a unique blend of talent and self-discipline, Harry honed his craft independently, mastering the intricate techniques of animation while developing a distinct artistic voice. Today, he collaborates with companies and individuals from around the globe, transforming their creative visions into dynamic, visually compelling works of art.