As the Honolulu opium trade peaks, a street-smart Chinese detective goes undercover and battles corrupt officials, the Japanese Yakuza, and his own illiteracy to save his family and destroy the drug ring. Chang Apana was the true-life inspiration for “Charlie Chan”.

SYNOPSIS:

Chang Apana couldn’t read or write.

He used martial arts and a whip instead of a gun.

His detective skills, disguises, and network of diverse informants helped him overcome obstacles.

“Apana: Tears of the Poppy” is an action/drama in the style of the “Sherlock Holmes” films... but, based on true events.

This is easily a limited series(episode and series outline available). Also, a feature script (franchise) is available.

In “Tears of the Poppy”, Chang Apana, the only Chinese officer in the 1904 Honolulu Police force, infiltrates and exposes a worldwide opium operation. Corrupt officials thwart him and blow his cover to the Japanese Yakuza. When Yakuza go after Chang’s family, they incur the wrath of this single father... and this is only his first story.

The unique action set pieces interwoven with strong diverse characters (Chinese, American, Japanese, British, and Filipino) create the fabric of an international co-production (Shanghai Studios' back lot and nearby parks can play as old Honolulu).