A new action short film challenging Hollywood norms premiered at the 24th Beverly Hills Film Festival on May 5. ‘Bare-Knuckle’ stands out not only for its electrifying action but also for its bold Asian representation and LGBTQ+ theme (for having an openly gay Asian lead).
During a virtual media conference, CinemaBravo posed questions to the stars and crew. Spotlight initially fell on their award-winning screenwriter and actor Mark Labella, whose previous work included being the US producer of the Metro Manila Film Festival 2022 entry “Labyu with an Accent,” which starred Coco Martin, a prominent action star on Philippine showbiz.
On the idea of working again with Coco Martin
Mark: “Wow! I love working with him. He’s one of my favorite human beings. He’s so kind and so serious about his craft talaga. And he can turn it on like this [in a snap]. Pag may dramatic scene, grabe! Magaling talaga si Coco! I would like to work with him again. I love Brillante [Mendoza]. I’m excited to work with Brillante as well [as his director]. They are just incredible human beings over there.
“And, you know what, can I just say, this is something that hasn’t been said out loud: I work with Paramount, I work with CBS a lot, and when I go on set and they find out that I’m Pinoy, they get so excited, because they know that [for one] someone in their life’s a Filipino, [or] they’ve worked with Filipinos, [or] someone’s married to a Filipino. And they’re like, ‘O, my god, I love pansit! Why are Filipinos so good, so kind, so sweet, and always want to feed us [and] make us fat?!’ I’m telling you, guys, there is a great, incredible, reputation of Pinoys here in this business now. And it’s about time that we shine as well. ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ doesn’t even have Filipino nurses yet! It’s time that we get out there!”
His director Alex De Ocampo seconded, “There’s such amazing talent in the Philippines. We need to do our best to communicate that to the international film community… And that’s why I’m wanting to dedicate my next two projects, if I can [make] these films in the Philippines.”
Within this discussion, the conversation led to an intimate look on the set of ‘Bare-Knuckle,’ The film stars Kevin Kreider and Devon Diep of ‘The Bling Empire’ fame, Jordan Mahr, and Michael Naizu, introducing an openly gay Asian action lead, challenging stereotypes and offering a fresh take on heroism.
Experiences working with real-life couple Kevin Kreider and Devon Diep
The dynamic between real-life couple Kevin and Devon, both on and off the screen, added a unique layer to the film’s production. Devon shared her perspective on working intimately with Kevin, while their director and screenwriter provided their observations.
Devon: “Kevin was really jealous [because] I have a really intimate kissing scene. We had to talk off-screen but he was flipping out.”
Mark: “Really? I didn’t notice! He was so composed! That is a true professional there!”
Devon: “We had a lot of talking… We’re just like so lovey-dovey. Whatever! It was very interesting. It’s not the first time that I worked with Kevin. Seven years ago, when I wrote the title song for a Scorsese film, one of the first A24 films, ‘Revenge of the Green Dragons,’ I had this opportunity to cast him as the leading man in my short film, which was based on the song that I wrote for the Scorsese film. There was trouble there too! He didn’t want me to cast any white actor. But I wanna be a little bit more well-rounded, talking about Asian representation. But he was able to persuade me to stick to [casting] Asian for that project.
“I think it was just important that we found something bigger than our goals even. The fight was the time to find a common ground and move forward, and that’s exactly what happened on Bare-Knuckle. It’s always drama that you don’t see. Harmless drama, I should say. He’s just being a cry-baby. But, no, he’s really professional.
“He actually really loved the film. He was like, ‘O, my god, baby, you did such a great job!’ He’s so supportive. He loves all of the cast and crew, and we’re a big, happy family when we’re on set.
“I love working with Kevin. I think he’s such a brilliant actor. He came from acting as well, and I think for something like this, I just know that he went all-in with his heart as well. It’s really good to find a partner that understands where you’re coming from with Asian representation and amplifying Asian stories.
“At the end of the day, we just wanted to do some kick-ass work and show it off in Hollywood and be the example of what low-budget indie film can be if there’s great people behind it.”
Alex: “First of all, they’re great producers and I’m glad to work with them. It is always interesting when the two producers are very tight and close, and are boyfriend-girlfriend. There is a lot of teasing and inside jokes… They are both very professional. There were just some funny moments. Devon was also helping with some of the makeup, and there were some fight scenes, and there was blood involved, and whatnot. It was just hilarious as she applied the blood on his face. It was cute and funny because they’re a team—the kindness that Devon showed to Kevin. All in all, it was a delight, and we all were there for one common mission: to really get this film done, and I think we all did it.
Mark: “The really cool thing about Devon and Kevin, I will be honest, and I’m always honest with both of them too. I don’t know if you, guys, have seen ‘Bling Empire.’ It’s one of the most popular shows on Netflix. Devon and Kevin come just as they are. There’s no pretension if they don’t like something. They are who they are. That’s why I love them so much. It’s so fresh, right, to be with people who are, yes, already famous and already made names, and still are so real. You can’t buy that, you can’t pay for that. You have to be with people [who] are like that. They will ride or die for you, one. And two, [who] will just be real with you…
Devon: “I love that, Mark. You forgot to tell them that I toned Kevin down. He’s so real to the point that I’m like, ‘You can’t say that, Kevin!’… He was so blunt sometimes. We saw him from the show, we loved him because he’s so blunt and honest. He wore everything on his sleeves… I remember, I was powdering Mark’s face for one of the scenes. He was flipping out because we’re going overtime. And I was like, ‘Kevin, calm down! You’re disturbing the actors!… I got to make them look good, so get out!’… It’s just a blast having him around, and I’m so sad that [he] couldn’t be here.”
‘Bare-knuckle’ received rave reviews at its premiere, reflecting a strong appetite for diverse and dynamic storytelling. It also features memorable cameos from Tommie Mopia in his big-screen debut and Celebrity Chef Marvin Aritrangoco, adding to its unique flair and appeal.
Tommie: “It was an honor seeing Filipinos lead this action film with powerful male and female Asian characters.”
Future plans for the full-length feature version
The team also shared their excitement about expanding ‘Bare-Knuckle’ into a full-length feature, particularly in the Philippines, where they also aim to give Tommie Mopia and Celebrity Chef Marvin Aritrangoco longer roles (coming off from cameo roles).
The full-feature version is already in the works, with the filmmaking team gearing up for an exciting journey ahead. Tommie and Marvin were both ecstatic upon hearing this and cheered together in agreement.
Alex: “We are finishing the script and putting all the details and projects together. We want to collaborate with everyone that was involved [in the short film]. We are exploring the opportunities that we can do on the ground. For my experience, I have the opportunity to film something in the Philippines and have learned the culture and the kindness of our Filipino people, and the work ethics, and it was an amazing experience. The set was truly positive. There’s been a lot of positivity in working with some great creative folks. And that’s what is gonna get me going. That’s what’s exciting about doing some projects in the Philippines.”
“Bare-Knuckle,” is not just an action movie; it’s a vital commentary on the challenges and triumphs of the AAPI LGBT community, blending thrilling action with deep social commentary.
Set against the backdrop of the 1980s, it challenges stereotypes and champions diversity, offering both exhilaration and enlightenment to its viewers.
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