The Afghan Bruce Lee
A martial artist turns his uncanny resemblance to Bruce Lee into an inspiring message of hope in war-torn Afghanistan.
Abbas Alizada is a man who lives in Afghanistan. He also bears an uncanny resemblance to Bruce Lee, the legendary martial arts fighter and actor — a fact that he’s used to propel himself beyond his circumstances and towards his dreams.
Driven and optimistic, Abbas trains in kung fu, and with persistence and resilience has turned himself into a well-known athlete in his home country. But his achievements often have to compete with a region of the world whose problems are legion and overwhelming in scope and scale.
This remarkable short documentary doesn’t flinch away from these problems, but it also takes pains to show a lively, richer side of Kabul outside what is normally seen on the news. Understanding the rich, complex context that Abbas exists within helps the documentary transcend the usual “inspirational true story,” making the stakes even higher for Abbas.
Abbas becomes a social media star in his country, but he also runs afoul of the fundamentalists who are offended by his emulation of a movie star and his drive to transcend his circumstances — which makes his optimism and charisma all the more remarkable.
“The Afghan Bruce Lee” is a pleasure to watch for its central subject, whose hard work ethic, good spirits and ambition are genuinely engaging and enjoyable to watch. But it’s also a fascinating look at a part of the world troubled with strife, but still able to conjure a spot of brightness during a dark part of its history.
By Richard Raymond |
Drama
A love story -- filmed during an actual solar eclipse -- about a looming moment that can change everything.
A young woman wakes up in a strange place, with a strange guy. Then, she start to piece together how she got there.
By Marshall Tyler |
Drama
A day in the life of a bathroom attendant in a Los Angeles nightclub.
A couple's love life begins to slump, forcing them to reconsider the relationship and confront how intertwined they've become.
A bullied college student seeks out shooting lessons with an ex-militia member to prove his manhood.
By Patrick Muhlberger |
Comedy
A man who thinks he's a samurai wants revenge on a DJ for ruining his niece's school dance.
Two friends climb a mountain, connected by a rope. But when one falls, the other's life hangs in an unstable balance.
The lone survivor of a failed mission to Mars uses his last moments to transmit a message of hope.
A young man finds himself in between a food-truck and a brothel. Then, he meets his dream girl.
By Damien O’Donnell |
Drama
A woman is excited about the approaching birth of her first child. But then, it doesn't match her expectations.
By Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart |
Drama
A couple is determined to plant a tree in the middle of winter following the loss of their child.
By Dane Clark and Linsey Stewart |
Romance
A heartbroken woman finds a one-night stand. But the guy lives two hours away... via public transit.
A man is convinced he'll die on his 10,000th day. But when he meets a girl at his cousin's funeral, things don't go to plan.
A lonely woman travels to Barcelona and meets a tall, dark stranger. Then, he challenges her to live in the moment... with him.
A hopeless romantic takes desperate measures to win her former lover back. But he already has a new girl at his side.
