A night of glitz, action, and camaraderie unfolded in Juffair, Bahrain, as the who’s who of the country’s film industry gathered for the exclusive premiere of “The Martial Artist.” Marking the first collaboration between KHK Media Group and BRAVE Films, in association with Odysseus Entertainment, the event was a celebration of the burgeoning partnership and a love letter to the sport of mixed martial arts (MMA).
Held at the Mukta Cinemas, the premiere attracted a star-studded audience. Among the attendees were Mr. Faisal Al Arayadh, Head of Creative Sectors at Tamkeen, Mr. Mohammed Qamber (president of both the Bahrain MMA Federation and the Asian MMA Federation), Mr. Mohammed Mansoor (president of Life ‘N Style Magazine), and Mr. Eldar Eldarov (head coach of the Bahrain National MMA Team and a BRAVE CF world champion).
Shaz Khan, the film’s lead actor and director, expressed his delight at the warm reception. Having visited Bahrain twice before, Khan is captivated by the nation’s unique blend of tradition and modernity, and the harmonious spirit of its people. He enthusiastically shared his dream of filming a future project in the Kingdom, praising its beauty and potential as a future hub for the film industry.
Khan’s character, Ibby Bakran, portrays a fighter on a journey of self-discovery after a setback. Highlighting the potential for compelling MMA-inspired narratives, Khan hopes the partnership with BRAVE Films will involve real-life BRAVE CF fighters in future projects. This sentiment was echoed by Hamza Kooheji, one of the premiere’s attendees and the Middle East’s top Bantamweight fighter. While focused on his recovery and competitive career, Kooheji saw the potential for future involvement, impressed by the film’s technical accuracy and fight choreography.
Mohammed Mansoor, Chairman of Life ‘N Style Magazine (a sponsor of the event), lauded “The Martial Artist” as one of the best martial arts films in recent memory. Applauding the film’s human element and fight sequences, Mansoor expressed optimism for its positive impact on the regional film industry and the leadership role KHK Media Group and BRAVE Films are poised to play in this burgeoning genre.
The successful premiere of “The Martial Artist” sets the stage for an exciting future. With a captivating story, skilled fight choreography, and a strong partnership, this film has the potential to not only inspire audiences but also solidify Bahrain’s position as a rising star in the global film industry.
