The Fighting Spirit Film Festival is a unique festival dedicated to Martial Arts films. Through martial arts cinema the organisers aim to entertain and inspire people, promote martial arts culture, and support those who have chosen it as a career. Now in its sixth year, the London edition returns with a full action-packed weekend at Stratford East Picturehouse! The 2021 edition and its poster are dedicated to martial artist Max Repossi and filmmaker/musician Steven Santa Cruz, who prematurely died this past year.
In addition to screening five feature films, it will also be showcasing 32 short films by independent film makers and artists from all over the world. On top of that, there will be live Martial Art demonstrations from various clubs throughout the two days. Attendees will be able to meet and mingle with all the performers, and also with actors and production staff from the films who will be at the event. There will be a gallery with art and posters, and merchandise such as DVDs and T-shirts on sale.
You can click HERE to find out about schedule for Fighting Spirit 2021 and to buy Festival passes or individual tickets.
Feature Film Programme
THE PAPER TIGERS
Bao Tran | 2020 | English, Chinese | Cert PG (TBC) | 108 mins
After pitching the film to Hollywood financiers, writer/Director Bao Tran rejected calls to rewrite the lead as a ‘big name' caucasian actor; instead, crowd-funding and producing Paper Tigers as a fully independent feature – with an Asian American lead and diverse supporting cast as intended. Successfully mixing comedy with martial arts drama, which draws on classic American martial arts genre and Hong Kong action cinema; Tran and Action Director Ken Quitugua deliver a compelling mystery, grounded by great action and chemistry from its cast, and some hilarious cameos.
Synopsis:
Three former Kung Fu brothers reunite after decades, as they attempt to solve the mystery of their Sifu's death. Starring Alain Uy, Ron Yuan, and Mykel Shannon Jenkins, with Roger Yuan and Matthew ‘Master Ken' Page.
ARMOUR OF GOD
Jackie Chan | 1986 | Cantonese with English subtitles | Cert 15 | 98 mins
After the phenomenal success of Police Story, Jackie Chan returns with international action epic Armour of God. Initially directed by Eric Tsang, production was halted in September 1985 when Jackie fell onto rocks during filming at Samobor Castle in former Yugoslavia (now Croatia). The near death experience wasn't enough to stop Jackie. After emergency brain surgery and a brief recovery period, he miraculously returned to deliver one of the biggest stunt driven films of his career; completing the film as both star and Director. Released in time for Chinese New Year 1987, Armour of God was the first Hong Kong movie to break $35m HKD at the box office. Presented in a stunning new 2K restoration by 88Films, this screening is also supported by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office.
Synopsis:
Jackie Chan stars as Asian Hawk: former Canto-pop star and Indiana Jones style adventurer (no less!), who becomes involved in a plot to recover the lost Armour of God; he must battle a mysterious cult who also want the Armour, and save his loved ones. Also stars Alan Tam, Lola Forner & Rosamund Kwan.
KUNG FU WARRIOR
Hoang Phuc Nguyen | 2017 | Vietnamese with English subtitles | Cert 15 | 118 mins
Former Jackie Chan Stunt Team member Andy Long Nguyen (Police Story 2013) stars as Luc Van Tien; a celestial kung fu warrior who comes to earth in search of his lost love. Blending fantasy and reality, with nods to classic Hong Kong cinema, Andy Long effortlessly riffs on the innovate choreography of his mentor Jackie Chan, while always feeling fresh and funny. Kung Fu Warrior is a joy to watch and Long is clearly a star in the making.
Synopsis:
Luc Van Tien, kung Fu warrior descends to earth from seventh heaven, to rescue his lost love. A charming action adventure with terrific fights and comedy. Also stars Martial Club members Andy Le, Brian Le and Du Au.
MORE THAN MIYAGI: THE PAT MORITA STORY
Kevin Derek | 2021 | English | Cert 15 (TBC) | 89 mins
Director Kevin Derek (The Real Miyagi) crafts an intimate documentary, celebrating of one of martial arts cinemas' most loved characters and actors. With a host of great interviews and memories of costars and friends, rare behind the scenes footage and videos from the collection of Karate Kid Director, John G. Avildsen; as well as narration and home videos from Pat Morita himself who passed away in 2005. A must for fans of the genre and cinema in general.
Synopsis:
The life story of Karate Kid actor and star Pat Morita, with interviews from cast members including Ralph Macchio, Martin Kove, William Zabka, stunt double Fumio Demura, and choreographer Pat Johnston.
CHARITY SCREENING: EJ'S WARRIORS
Ellis Jennings Jnr | 2021 | English | Cert U (TBC) | 60 mins
After turning his life around, Sensei EJ creates Warriors Karate Academy in the basement of Greater Glory Ministries in Columbus, Ohio. A summer school is created and the school quickly grows outside of the church and becomes involved in the community. After money struggles, location changes and other obstacles, including failing to make it to Nationals, the school fights back with a vengeance, overcoming every obstacle in their way. They go from a church basement to every news station and radio station in the city, on National Teams, and even fighting for the United States outside of the country.
Short Film Programme
QUARANTINE WITH LOVE
Jose Manuel | 2020 | Spanish | Action,Comedy | 5 mins
THE COCKTAIL PARTY
Jessica Sanders | 2020 | English | Action,Comedy | 5 mins
DUTY – OUT OF LINE
Felix Fukuyoshi Ruwwe | 2020 | German | Action,Comedy | 10 mins
JIU JITSU SAVED MY LIFE TWICE
Tin Brendel | 2021 | English | Documentary | 15 mins
STATE OF MIND
Olaf Crato, Paul Philip Clark | 2020 | English | Experimental | 5 mins
ELIZABETH HARDY: PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
Emory Rice | 2020 | English | Animation | 3 mins
SMALL TOWN STRENGTH
Darryl Haugen | 2020 | English | Documentary | 25 mins
JAYRO
Wojciech Lorenc | 2020 | English | Documentary | 15 mins
VAGABOND
Marcos de la Rosa, George Karja | 2020 | Spanish | Action | 9 mins
FALLING SPARROW
Justin Wang Powell | 2020 | English, Chinese | Action | 15 mins
奇妙功夫手 DEADLY SHAPES OF SHAOLIN
Jiachen Peng | 2020 | English | Action | 9 mins
EXTRACTION
Zac Fudge | 2021 | English | Action, Comedy | 8 mins
FIGHT TO WIN
Flávio Colombini | 2021 | Portugese | Action | 5 mins
ECHELON – SCHISM:ALPHA
Benjamin L Brown | 2021 | English | Action | 4 mins
CLOSET COMBAT
Augustus Hinton | 2021 | English | Animation | 3 mins
WEAPON OF CHOICE
Matthew Merritte | 2021 | English | Action | 3 mins
THE COACH VOL 2
Wilson Ng | 2021 | English | Documentary | 11 mins
WELCOME TO THE STING
Christopher Sheffield | 2021 | English | Action | 12 mins
MON BOXING
Tate Zandstra | 2021 | English, Thai | Documentary | 31 mins
POYTHU
Ramesh Menon | 2021 | Malayalam | Action | 16 mins
SURVIVORS
Harry Kirby, George Kirby | 2021 | English | Action, Horror | 7 mins
WODEN – LET ME EXPLAIN TO YOU THE LANGUAGE OF THE SWORD
Thomas Hacikoglu | 2021 | English | Action | 21 mins
DEVIANTS
Godefroy Ryckewaert | 2021 | French | Action | 12 mins
DOGFIGHTS
Fakhereddine Houf | 2021 | Dutch | Action, Drama | 10 mins
STALKERS
Teen Gohan | 2021 | English | Action, Horror | 8 mins
ONE FIGHT FIVE TIMES
Tim McLachlan | 2021 | English | Action, Fantasy | 9 mins
LOSING CONTROL
Filippo Capuzzi Lapietra | 2021 | English, Portugese | Action, Comedy | 5 mins
DEADLOCK
Samuel Delitans Lee | 2021 | English, Mandarin, Hokkien | Action, Drama | 20 mins
Out of Competition Shorts Selection
THIRST
Filippo Capuzzi Lapietra | 2021 | English | Action | 3 mins
THE WONTON WARRIOR
Aeddan Sussex | 2021 | English | Action | 10mins
ACÉRÉ
Ross Peacock | 2021 | French | Action | 5 mins
RESIGNATION DAY
Adam Brashaw, Adam Basil | 2021 | English | Action | 18 mins
