If you are interested in becoming a patron of the festival, please email us on info@fightingspiritfilmfestival.com

Patrons

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scott adkins

Born in Sutton Coldfield, England, Scott Adkins is one of the most popular action stars in the world. His first break came when he was offered a role in a Hong Kong martial arts film called Dei seung chui keung (aka Extreme Challenge) in 2001. Spotted by Head of The Hong Kong Stuntmen Association and director Wei Tung and English-born Hong Kong movie expert Bey Logan, Adkins found himself in the East for the first time. Scott got the chance to work with some of Hong Kong cinema's leading action directors including Woo-Ping YuenCorey YuenSammo Kam-Bo Hung and the legendary Jackie Chan. Starring roles in feature films soon followed with his portrayal of Talbot in Special Forces and Yuri Boyka" in Undisputed 2: Last Man Standing. It was this film that broke him into the mainstream with his villainous portrayal of a Russian MMA underground fighter Boyka in what has been hailed as one of the best American made Martial Arts films of recent times. Since then Adkins has starred in Hollywood films such as The Bourne Ultimatum, Doctor Strange, The Expendables 2. More recently, his collaborations with director Jesse V. Johnson have been some of the most popular films of his career, with Accident Man and The Debt Collector drawing high praise from both fans and critics.

 


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JEsse V Johnson

Jesse V. Johnson is from Winchester, England. An accomplished stunt man and director, he is known for his work on ThorStarship Troopers, and The Amazing Spider-Man. His recent collaborations with Scott Adkins have become hugely popular, including Savage Dog, Accident Man, The Debt Collector, and the upcoming Triple Threat, which boasts an all star action cast including Iko Uwais, Tony Jaa, Tiger Chen, Yeeja Yanin, Michael Jai White, Michael Bisping, and Celina Jade.


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ross boyask

Ross Boyask is an award winning genre filmmaker whose films have been released in more than 20 countries around the world and whose fan-base continues to grow. His micro-budget action feature Ten Dead Men, which Ross edited and directed, has sold over 40,000 copies in the UK alone and has been re-released numerous times across several territories. Currently Ross has three features as director on wide release, including Vengeance, and a huge library of over 40 short films to his name including Pure Vengeance which was selected by the film critic Jonathan Ross to be featured on his television series Stop! Kung Fu, and Salvation which has recently screened in official selection at numerous international film festivals. Ross studied Media Production at the prestigious Bournemouth University, and is also the Creative Director of Evolutionary Films.


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martin pennell

Martin is a Welsh born Film Producer, with a broad background in Fundraising, Film Production and Market Research; Martin works effectively using initiative in a highly organised manner, demonstrating loyalty, reliability and the highest standards of personal and professional integrity. Martin is fluent in all aspects of commercial production and post-production and has an ability to collaborate effectively and direct a team of diverse individuals.

-Known for the award winning film, ‘The Freemasons’ which won three awards. 
-Martin’s film, ‘Found’ released in 2014 has won nine international awards. 
-Martin’s award winning project, ‘Butterfly’ has also captured much media attention due to it’s captivating storyline.

Martin is working on two books which are due to be released in 2019, and has also developed his own brand of chocolate.


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Mark Strange

Mark Strange is a British actor and action performer. He has played roles in a number of major films including: Ip Man 4: The Finale, Avengement, Adam Joan, and a leading role in the award winning action horror film Redcon-1

Mark has an extensive experience in film, television and martial arts. His early film work includes Twins Effect under action director Donnie Yen (Ip Man franchise) and appearing with Jackie Chan in two movies, the Medallion and Twins Effect, plus stunt work on Batman Begins.

Early in his career Mark starred in Displaced, a British sci-fi action film featuring Sir Ian McKellen (The Lord of the Rings trilogy). Mark went on to star in 12 (aka Underground), one of the most successful British fight films of all time (which was released worldwide). He also featured in Bodyguard: A New Beginning and also played a fighting role in Best Laid Plans, alongside Stephen Graham (The Irishman) and Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (Lost), and played the villain in Indian blockbuster, Adam Joan. He also featured in Stan Lee’s Lucky Man alongside James Nesbitt (The Hobbit trilogy).

Redcon-1, which Mark helped produce and co-write, earned several awards including a National Film Award and won five categories at the Urban Action Showcase in New York. The film received a theatrical release in the UK and many other countries, as well as a release on Netflix, and was promoted at MCM Comic Con in both London and Glasgow.