Swank, Costner to narrate upcoming 9-11 documentary

New York – Hilary Swank and Kevin Costner will narrate the upcoming film “On Native Soil: The Documentary of the 9/11 Commission Report.”

The actors will share voice-over duties for the feature-length film on the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks, directed by former NBC News producer Linda Ellman.

“I was in lower Manhattan that horrible day” when the World Trade Center collapsed, Swank said in a statement Friday. “I was drawn to the project by the amazing stories of the 9/11 families and survivors featured in the film, and I am proud that by contributing my voice to the project, I can help their voices to be heard.”

“On Native Soil” tells five stories of survival and examines the 9/11 Commission’s final recommendations. The film features interviews with people such as the victims’ families, Sen. John McCain, a former FBI counterterrorism official and the former head of the CIA’s Osama bin-Laden desk.

“I saw this film in a rough cut and wanted to become involved,” said Costner. “It’s honest, it’s serious and it’s not political. This film tells stories every American will and should want to know.”

Chan says Hollywood restricts his artistic freedom

Hong Kong – Jackie Chan says he prefers making movies in Asia because he can try risky new genres on his home turf, while in Hollywood, he stars in action comedies that are more likely to be box-office hits.

“In America, it’s just ‘Rush Hour 1,’ ‘Rush Hour 2’ and ‘Rush Hour 3,’ then ‘Rush Hour 4.’ If ‘Rush Hour 4’ fails, that’s it. But if it doesn’t fail, there will be ‘Rush Hour 5,”‘ Chan said in an interview with The Associated Press.

Chan was paired with Chris Tucker for two “Rush Hour” movies. His Hollywood films also include “Shanghai Noon” and “Shanghai Knights,” co-starring Owen Wilson, and “The Tuxedo,” with Jennifer Love Hewitt.

The 51-year-old actor said he understands that Hollywood producers are inherently risk-averse because of the huge monetary investments involved. He also knows his roles are limited because his English is limited.

“We can only play Hong Kong killers and Hong Kong police officers,” he said.

Under house arrest, Stewart pens book on following her path

New York – Martha Stewart is using some of her time under house arrest to write a guidebook for entrepreneurs who want to follow her path to business success.

The founder of the Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc. merchandising and media empire is serving a five-month term at her home in Bedford, N.Y., after recently completing five months in a West Virginia federal prison for lying about a stock sale.

“Martha’s Rules,” a handbook for developing a business from scratch, will be published by Rodale Inc. of Emmaus, Pa., in October, Stewart’s company said Wednesday.

The book deal follows Stewart’s decision to host a version of “The Apprentice” – the NBC reality show that weeds out contestants based on tests of their business acumen.

Birthdays

Actor-comedian Will Ferrell is 38. Former Atty. Gen. Dick Thornburgh is 73. Dancer Michael Flatley is 47. Actress Phoebe Cates is 42. Actor Corey Feldman is 34. Country singer Craig Morgan is 40.