Latest news with #YanMa
Epoch Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Epoch Times
‘The Unrestricted War' to Premiere Online Exclusively on Gan Jing World
An edge-of-your-seat political thriller inspired by true events during the early days of the COVID-19 outbreak in China, 'The Unrestricted War,' premieres on Aug. 8, exclusively on GJW+, the streaming platform hosted by Gan Jing World. ' The Unrestricted War, ' directed by Toronto-based filmmaker Yan Ma, will stream at 9 p.m. ET and includes a live watch party. After the film, viewers can join an interactive Q&A with the director and the film's lead actress, Uni Park. The film tells the story of Dr. Jim Conrad, a prominent Canadian virologist working in Beijing on a biotech initiative. His work takes a dark turn when he and his wife, Sophie, are detained without warning by Chinese Communist Party (CCP) secret police. With their young daughter still in China and their lives in peril, Jim is issued a chilling ultimatum: steal a classified viral sample from a high-security laboratory, or disappear forever. 'This is an absolutely stunning film. Stunning both because of the technical quality of it and the performance, and the story. It is hard to overstate the importance of it at this moment, because we are at war with the Chinese Communist Party,' Frank Gaffney, president of the Institute for the American Future, said at 'The Unrestricted War' premiere screening and panel discussion event on Capitol Hill on July 31. The film's title refers to a real-life Chinese military strategy meant to destabilize enemy societies without firing a shot, called unrestricted warfare. Unlike conventional warfare, this strategy aims to weaken enemy societies by blending into everyday life through infiltration, technology, information warfare, and media manipulation. The production of this political thriller was a risk in itself, said filmmakers. Director Yan Ma faced intense pressure from CCP authorities: He was harassed by agents, a relative's income was cut off, and one actor dropped out just days before filming due to threats by CCP operatives in Canada. The film's original Canadian premiere was canceled just 24 hours before the scheduled screening, another move Ma attributes to external interference. 'Making this film took not just talent and hard work, but courage. As a Chinese Canadian filmmaker, I've seen firsthand the risks involved in telling stories like this,' Ma told The Epoch Times. 'Our team never backed down, because we knew it was a story that demanded to be told. This film doesn't offer all the answers, but it opens a window to a reality we can't afford to ignore.' The film, banned in China, is being released exclusively on GJW+, a platform dedicated to spotlighting human rights, traditional values, and honest storytelling. Viewers can join the exclusive online premiere by subscribing to GJW+ at 'The Unrestricted War' Director: Yan Ma Starring: Nadia Hatta, Dylan Bruce, Uni Park, Russell Yuen Runtime: 2 hours, 20 minutes Platform: GJW+ (exclusive streaming) Premiere: Aug. 8, 9 p.m. ET
1News
16-06-2025
- 1News
Property owners fined for 'serious' breaches of RMA, Building Act
Three property owners have been convicted and fined for knowingly allowing unconsented minor dwellings to remain on their Auckland properties for years. Yuanhua Li, Chao Ma, and Yan Ma were sentenced in Auckland District Court for serious and prolonged breaches of the Resource Management Act and the Building Act, involving unconsented dwellings at properties in Mission Bay and Northcote. They failed to comply with abatement and enforcement notices, after knowingly allowing unconsented minor dwellings to remain on properties at 2 Prebble Place, Mission Bay and 12 Exmouth Rd, Northcote for over four years. The properties in question were in residential zones governed by Auckland's Unitary Plan, which sets limits on the number and size of dwellings to ensure liveable, safe environments. The unconsented works breached both zoning limits and minimum dwelling size requirements. Judge Dickey said the defendants' culpability ranged from moderate to high. ADVERTISEMENT The unconsented minor dwelling pictured at 12 Exmouth Road, Northcote. (Source: Auckland Council) "The offending occurred over several years, there were a number of notices, and there was extensive delay in complying. This was serious offending. "Statutory notices were ignored while rental income was derived from unlawful dwellings. Not only was the Unitary Plan breached, but so was the Building Act, raising concerns about health and safety." Li was convicted and fined $22,750, Chao Ma $13,000, and Yan Ma $7000. The court heard that despite being repeatedly notified through abatement and "Notice to Fix" orders from Auckland Council, the defendants failed to remove or legalise the illegal dwellings. Instead, they continued to profit from the properties while disregarding their legal responsibilities. Council prosecutor John Kang described the defendants' conduct as "cavalier". "The defendants were given every opportunity to comply but chose not to. Their actions showed a clear disregard for planning and building laws designed to protect communities. A deterrent sentence was warranted." ADVERTISEMENT The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including a push to lift our superannuation age, rising Middle East tensions, and Auckland's amateur footballers face off against global giants. (Source: 1News) Kang also told the Court the defendants were not typical homeowners, but wealthy investors with eight Auckland properties. "This was commercially motivated offending," he said. "A moderate fine is unlikely to significantly affect them, but it's important we send a message that compliance is not optional." Auckland Council's field operations manager David Pawson said the behaviour was "deliberate, unacceptable and will not be tolerated". "Ignoring legal orders while collecting rental income is not just unfair, it undermines the integrity of the planning system. Auckland Council will prosecute without fear or favour to protect our communities and uphold the law," he said. Pawson emphasised the importance of following proper processes to ensure buildings are safe, lawful, and respectful of community planning outcomes.
Scoop
15-06-2025
- Scoop
Experienced Property Owners Convicted For Persistent RMA Breaches Across Auckland Homes
Three property owners have been convicted and fined in the Auckland District Court for serious and prolonged breaches of the Resource Management Act and the Building Act involving unconsented dwellings at two Auckland addresses, one in Mission Bay, the other in Northcote. Yuanhua Li, Chao Ma, and Yan Ma were sentenced by Judge Dickey for their failure to comply with abatement and enforcement notices, after knowingly allowing unconsented minor dwellings to remain on their properties at 2 Prebble Place, Mission Bay and 12 Exmouth Road, Northcote for over four years. Judge Dickey said the defendants' culpability ranged from moderate to high. 'The offending occurred over several years, there were a number of notices, and there was extensive delay in complying. This was serious offending. 'Statutory notices were ignored while rental income was derived from unlawful dwellings. Not only was the Unitary Plan breached, but so was the Building Act, raising concerns about health and safety.' Ms Li was convicted and fined $22,750, Mr Chao Ma $13,000, and Mr Yan Ma $7,000. The court heard that despite being repeatedly notified through abatement and 'Notice to Fix' orders from Auckland Council, the defendants failed to remove or legalise the illegal dwellings. Instead, they continued to profit from the properties while disregarding their legal responsibilities. Council prosecutor John Kang described the defendants' conduct as 'cavalier'. 'The defendants were given every opportunity to comply but chose not to. Their actions showed a clear disregard for planning and building laws designed to protect communities. A deterrent sentence was warranted.' Mr Kang also told the Court the defendants were not typical homeowners, but wealthy investors with eight Auckland properties. 'This was commercially motivated offending,' he said. 'A moderate fine is unlikely to significantly affect them, but it's important we send a message that compliance is not optional.' The properties in question are in residential zones governed by Auckland's Unitary Plan, which sets clear limits on the number and size of dwellings to ensure liveable, safe environments. The unconsented works breached both zoning limits and minimum dwelling size requirements. David Pawson, Auckland Council's Field Operations Manager, said the case is a reminder the council will hold property owners accountable. 'This kind of behaviour is deliberate, unacceptable and will not be tolerated. 'Ignoring legal orders while collecting rental income is not just unfair, it undermines the integrity of the planning system. Auckland Council will prosecute without fear or favour to protect our communities and uphold the law.' Mr Pawson also emphasised the importance of following proper processes to ensure buildings are safe, lawful, and respectful of community planning outcomes. This prosecution reinforces Auckland Council's commitment to enforcing the Unitary Plan and the Building Act to maintain safe, sustainable development throughout the city.
