The 24th Beverly Hills Film Festival was ignited by the debut of "Bare-Knuckle," an 80s Hong Kong-style action film that excited audiences and pushed boundaries in cinematic representation.

The film, helmed by the visionary Alex De Ocampo and penned by the celebrated Mark Labella, has already sparked a wave of curiosity and eagerness for its full-length version. The project's funding is secure, and with Mark Labella's track record of delivering international hits like 'Labyu With An Accent' in 2022, the anticipation for 'Bare-Knuckle' is palpable.

During a recent Zoom from Hollywood, Alex talked about the fight scenes in the 18-minute short film. He added that "Bare-Knuckle" will soon be seen in full-length as they prepare to shoot scenes in the Philippines.

"They're good fight scenes. We had a great fight choreographer named David Chung. And he had done many other things. He teaches other actors on set to fight. So he took it seriously. We were also under a time constraint and budget. And if you watch them, they're fun, great, and especially the finale," Alex said.

Featuring Kevin Kreider, known for his role in "Bling Empire," and Devon Diep, "Bare-Knuckle" introduces a groundbreaking Asian action lead who is openly gay. This unique combination challenges long-standing Hollywood stereotypes and offers a fresh perspective on heroism, making it a film that stands out in the industry. 

On having an openly gay actor, Alex said: "I think this would interest the general audience because it's so specific; it's focused on character. I think when you look, and you strip down, and you look beyond the idea that this is a story showing to gay hitmen, it comes down to oneself or being breaking free. And you could go past all the ideas and conversations about sexuality. Anything further than that, what it does, you look deep, and you can see a person who has been surrounded by violence and how you break free from it." 

The film's premiere at the Beverly Hills Film Festival was a triumph, with a packed house and a chorus of rave reviews. This enthusiastic reception underscores the growing demand for diverse and dynamic storytelling, further stoking the excitement for the full-feature version of "Bare-Knuckle."

"The best part of this experience was seeing it sold out. It was cool to know that we were showing this film to an audience that loved what we put out, and you're seeing an Asian American lead. Not only are Asian Filipinos in the movie, but you're seeing people who are just gravitating to the story and loving it. So, it was cool to produce this project. It was such a great experience," said Mark.

Devon said she admired her character in the short film.

"You know, I relate Gravillo was such a cool character. What's beautiful about her is that she is very strong. I love that about her. She's sexy. People are really afraid of me after the screening. They say, 'Oh, my God, don't mess with me.' And I'm like, 'That was me playing. I'm just kidding.' But I'm really like that, too. So please don't mess it up. But I love portraying the strong female characters. 

"I'll say it again: it's been years of being an actor in the entertainment industry, and I have refused to play the stereotypical roles. So I feel like I just went all in on her. It's about time I got to play a character like Gravillo with two hot and talented male Asian actors. I mean, you don't see that. Our whole cast is just so beautiful and amazing. I mean, from the writers to the director. They work hard. I enjoy it," said Devon.

The cast also features memorable cameos from Tommie Mopia in his big-screen debut and Celebrity Chef Marvin Aritrangoco, adding to the film's unique flair and appeal.

"It was an honor seeing Filipinos lead this action film with powerful male and female Asian characters," said Mopia, reflecting the sentiment of empowerment and pride that permeates the project. 

Alex said, "At its core, 'Bareknuckle' is a mirror reflecting the harsh reality faced by AAPI LGBT youth, echoing the struggles that persist in a society meant to progress towards acceptance and understanding."

This poignant message resonates deeply with audiences and critics alike, positioning "Bare-Knuckle" as a film that transcends its action-packed sequences to touch on significant social issues. 

The Beverly Hills Film Festival, known for attracting major stars like Sharon Stone, Al Pacino, and Jeff Goldblum, touted "Bare-Knuckle" as one of its most well-attended showings, further solidifying its status as a must-see film. 

With the script for the full feature already underway, the filmmaking team is gearing up for an exciting journey ahead, pushing boundaries and setting new benchmarks in the industry. 

"Bare-Knuckle" is not just an action movie; it's a vital commentary on the challenges and triumphs of the AAPI LGBT community, offering exhilaration and enlightenment to its viewers. The innovative action film also stars Kevin Kreider, Jordan Mahr, and Michael Naizu.