Shattering Asian stereotypes

“Bare-knuckle,” a film reminiscent of Hong Kong-style action film from the 80s, sparked considerable notice at the 24th Beverly Hills Film Festival.

Many deem it groundbreaking, transcendent – inasmuch as it actually challenges long-standing Hollywood stereotypes.

Imagine an action-packed vehicle with an openly gay Asian lead.

Brave as it is, note that it is actually a brainchild of a Pinoy, award-winning screenwriter and actor Mark Labella.

He said, “It’s about time we tell our story.”

“There are tons of stories relating Asians far removed from the usual stuff we see on TV and films,” he added. “I felt like we need to tell the world about it ourselves.”

It also aims to empower the LGBT community.

Film director Alex De Ocampo, who is also Pinoy, chimed in, “At its core, ‘Bareknuckle’ is a mirror reflecting the harsh reality faced by Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth, echoing the struggles that persist in a society that is meant to be progressing towards acceptance and understanding.”

Joining in on the fun are several high-profile Asian actors

Kevin Kreider of “Bling Empire” fame, Devon Diep, Jordan Mahr and Michael Naizu.

Devon related, “Shattering stereotypes was and is my main motivation as an

Asian actor trying to make it in Hollywood. I feel blessed to be part of a project that cements that further.”

Making a cameo in the film are Tommie Mopia and Marvin Aritrangco.

Tommie couldn’t contain his happiness being part of the film.

“I felt like I finally made it in Hollywood,“he laughed. “Seriously, it was an honor seeing Filipinos lead this action film with powerful male and female Asian characters.”

Asked what they hope to achieve with the project, Alex related, “We just want to reach as many people as we can. We hope for it to entertain but most especially to enlighten.”