Fighting Spirit Film Festival turns 10

The 2025 edition of the Fighting Spirit Film Festival takes place this year between 12-14 September at London’s Hackney Picturehouse and marks 10 years of this brilliant festival, which first launched in 2015. I’m proud to have been on the awards jury from the very beginning, and I always enjoy the diverse selection, not to mention the eclectic variety of filmmaking talent from all over the world.

This year's festival lineup includes the new 4K restoration of Wesley Snipes' Blade, a classic screening of Operation Condor: Armour of God II + Q&A with Vincent Lyn, the only UK screening of Kung Fu Games + Q&A with British star, Mark Strange and a special screening of Gunner, starring Luke Hemsworth and Morgan Freeman. Plus, there's new short films from tomorrow's stars, training workshops, martial arts demos and more.

I was asked to write a foreword for the festival programme. Here’s what I said:

Celebrating 10 years of Fighting Spirit

“It’s surreal to think that the Fighting Spirit Film Festival celebrates its 10th birthday this year. I’m very proud to have been there from the beginning, invited and welcomed aboard as part of the awards jury. From this vantage point, I’ve had the chance to see this hard-working team flourish and witness the festival go from strength-to-strength.

One important point stands out: they have always stayed true to their original vision, paying tribute to the spirit of martial arts cinema, while nurturing the next generation of talent. Their programming consistently demonstrates the idea of growth and legacy. Crucially, they have always offered a platform for new and aspiring filmmakers to have the best of their short films seen on the big screen. At the same time, they organise premieres for new features from today’s filmmakers, some of which may not otherwise receive big screen treatment in the age of streaming. Meanwhile, they screen classic martial arts cinema, comprising all-time greats and even rare gems, which remain well loved, and with good reason. If this doesn’t illuminate the full journey, I don’t know what does!

What’s always been apparent, while judging the awards, is that art and filmmaking is so individual, even more vivid when seeing such an eclectic mix of films side-by-side. Yet every voice is valid, even celebrated, by the Fighting Spirit team, a reminder that everyone is capable of bringing something new to even well-worn tropes. In a time when every kind of kick, punch and physical stunt has likely been seen (here’s hoping for some hidden tricks still to emerge!), it’s the expression of storytelling which sets the best work apart, and should be the starting point for any new writer or filmmaker.

The festival always infused a strong sense of community, and I’ve made friends with the entire team, not to mention international filmmakers and fans from all over the world. Yet, a whole decade on, some of the original team are sadly no longer with us. Steven Booth (aka Steven Santa Cruz) and Max Repossi were both great characters who brought infectious energy and enthusiasm, shared by the entire team with everyone who ever attended an event. Still going strong after 10 years is no small feat in any endeavour, and it’s a testament to this team’s passion and dedication. Here’s to another 10 years, and many more.”

Find out more, visit the website here.