By Logan Wells, News Director | Logan@kymnradio.net
Several hundred Northfield theater students and community members gathered last Thursday at the Weitz Center for Creativity for a screening of the new Karate Kid movie. Appearing at the event was Northfield High School and Theater alumni Ben Wang, the lead in the new Karate Kid film. School Board member Amy Goerwitz was the organizer of the event and said that it was a 3-part celebration:
- The sesquicentennial (150 years) of the Northfield School District,
- The recognition of longtime district director Bob Gregory-Bjorklund as Northfield’s 2025 Living Treasure, and
- The success of high school alum Ben Wang ’16 in his new movie, Karate Kid: Legends.
In her original plan, Goerwitz proposed having only one screening event with theater community members; however, Wang insisted on providing an opportunity for current theater students.
“And I thought that it would be a good way to show them that, growing up in a community like Northfield. It doesn’t get in the way of any big dreams that you might have, you know, I I grew up just like them.” – Ben Wang, as Li Fong in Karate Kids: Legends (KYMN News File)
Two screening and Q&A events were hosted, one for current theater students and the second for theater community members. Gregory-Bjorklund, a theater director and mentor to Wang during his time in Northfield praised him for taking the time to talk with the students:
“I know from experience that it’s easy for me sometimes to put people in this case, artists, actors, singers, on a pedestal. And I think sometimes that can get in the way of how we see and interact with people. What I said to the kids is Ben is Ben. First of all, he is an incredibly talented actor who’s able to do incredible things. But he grew up in this community just like all of these kids.” – Bob Gregory-Bjorklund, Long-Time Theater Director in Northfield (KYMN News File)
Karate Kids: Legends, follows kung fu prodigy Li Fong (Ben Wang) relocating to New York City with his mother to attend a prestigious new school, he finds solace in a new friendship with a classmate and her father. But his newfound peace is short-lived after he attracts unwanted attention from a formidable local karate champion. Driven by a desire to defend himself, Li embarks on a journey to enter the ultimate karate competition. Guided by the wisdom of his kung fu teacher, Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), and the legendary Karate Kid, Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), Li merges their unique styles to prepare for an epic martial arts showdown.
Wang as Li Fong in Karate Kids Legends. Pictures from Sony Pictures.
Wang said he hopes that everyone enjoys and takes away the following message:
“It’s a movie about teachers and students. It’s a movie about mentorship. It’s a movie about how the right teacher in the right moment can put you on the right path. So I hope it, it helps people think about the mentors in their life.” – Ben Wang, as Li Fong in Karate Kids: Legends (KYMN News File)
You can hear my full conversations with Wang and Gregoy-Bjorklund today at 6:30 am or the recording below
Thursday’s event was entirely paid for by donations from Sony Pictures and Carleton College. Karate Kids Legends is airing at Cannon Valley Cinema 10 through Thursday.
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