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Meet the Asian artists behind 18-minute film ‘Bare-Knuckle’

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Josh Mercado

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17159944187541715994415689.jpeg" style="width:900px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/>Handout</div>Representing the Asian community in the US, artists Kevin Kreider (“Bling Empire”), Devon Diep (“Dead Reckoning”), Marvin Aritrangco (“Labyu With An Accent”), Tommie Mopia (“No Room for Love”), Jordan Mahr (“Brooklyn Vans”), and Michael Naizu (“Hacks”) recently attended the 24th Beverly Hills Film Festival to debut their 18-minute movie “Bare-Knuckle.” The “Bare-Knuckle” cast members shared some of their favorite film fest moments, which was attended by stars like Garrett Morris and Amanza Smith from Netflix&#x27;s hit reality show “Selling Sunset.” “It was an overwhelming experience. Walking on the red carpet with the movie stars that I admire was a privilege. Sharing the stage with them, having conversation — those were the moments. It was really a dream come true,”“I hope we continue to support our homegrown Asian artists. ‘Di ba ang sarap makita na nare-represent tayo nang maayos, sa narrative na galing mismo sa experience natin as Asians,” hDirected by Alex De Ocampo and written by acclaimed Mark Labella, &quot;Bare-Knuckle&quot; follows the story of a hitman, coming to terms with his sexuality and grapples with the dual challenge of breaking free from a toxic relationship while confronting the merciless underworld he has chosen. He ultimately aims to redefine his own destiny through self-love and redemption.De Ocampo said they plan to tour the movie, targeting other film festivals and cinemas.“It’s been well-received and we’re really honored that the people had been receptive to our story and to the film. We thank the Beverly Hills Film Festival for giving us the opportunity to spotlight a story which really shows the idea of this toxic masculinity within the society,” he said.“Currently, the feature (longer version) is being developed, and the goal is for next year to shoot in Manila and Pampanga,” the director added.The action movie itself showcased an Asian ensemble, championing stronger Asian representation and touching on significant issues. On what’s special about Asian stars, the Filipino director said, “We’re a growing but loud minority in this country (America). We’re unique in our own ways, and we’re special because our families or as individuals we have immigrated here looking for that idea of the American dream and we’re building it in such a fascinating way and I think that what makes us so special. Like you put us anywhere and we will make it happen and we will figure it out. It’s our tenacity, our ability to adapt, and whatever you throw at us, we will make it work.”For Labella, who wrote the 18-minute film, he wants to normalize Asian culture and break stereotypes. “My mission is to put our faces as regular human beings not people who just came out the boat with these accents that are weird. I’m going to write these stories that normalize us as part of the worldwide culture not just American culture. That’s my personal goal as a human being — to show people that we are here and we are human beings too,” he told ABS-CBN News. Lead actress Diep, who revealed her struggles as Asian-American in Hollywood, including getting stereotypical roles and conforming to American standard of beauty, said that executives should avoid hiring Asian artists for &quot;nerdy&quot; and &quot;dragon lady&#x27; roles, and that people should view Asians as humans. “The reason why I love &#x27;Bare-Knuckle; is it’s so refreshing. When you watch the movie, yes, we’re all Asians but it’s not like we’re doing kung-fu or something. Any white person can play that role and would love to play that role. &#x27;Bare-Knuckle&#x27; is truly great in a sense that we were able to just be us and it doesn’t have to be like a stereotypical role where white execs in Hollywood made it out to be. We should have more beautiful stories that we could be ourselves and that doesn’t have to portray a ‘dragon lady’ or a ‘nerdy Asian.’”She continued: “Growing up as an Asian woman, starting out in entertainment, you don’t know when it’s gonna end. I’m still doing it. People are gonna cast me for immigrant or like a masseuse. And then when you go for an immigrant role, another American born Asian would get the role. I think it’s such a really important time for the Asian representation and we just want to be one of the leading examples to have more of that to inspire others to make more. Normalize Asian roles as well.”She recognized the importance of creating a platform dedicated to representing Asian cultures and voices in a way that avoids stereotypes, saying, “I feel like it’s our responsibility to really pave that way for us as Asian-American talent. There’s just so much going on, with the Asian hate, and it’s heartbreaking. The silver lining of the Asian hate is like we were there for each other. We have to say something. We have to speak up onscreen and off screen. We wanna be that strong representation for us and I think it’s super important to be in Hollywood and having this voice.”Asked of her thoughts on the cancelation of Michelle Yeoh’s Netflix series “The Brothers Sun,” she said: “I was in tears when she finally won (Oscars). I hate the fact that her show got cancelled. I just feel like how hard it is for us to get stories out there. We have to support Asian content to make more of it in Hollywood. If Michelle Yeoh had a canceled show, there’s something wrong. I just think that it’s just so important to support anything, support your favorite actors, follow them, and support Asian content too. We deserve to have all sorts of content.”“Bare-Knuckle” will shoot its full-length version in the Philippines and will feature Filipino artists based in Manila.

'Bare-Knuckle' will shoot its full-length version in the Philippines and will feature Filipino artists based in Manila.

'Bare-Knuckle' will shoot its full-length version in the Philippines and will feature Filipino artists based in Manila.