Kung Fu meets Western. This cross-genre action packed film is set in the Australian outback in the midst of the gold rush.
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This proof of concept follows a Traveller who enters an isolated bar desperately in need of water but is turned away. He stumbles upon a familiar face... an English convict from rioters that murdered his father. A brawl breaks out with guns, knives and vomit. The Traveller fights his way through to the owner, squeezing out a name and a location that will set him on a path for vengeance...
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The proof-of-concept was made with the involvement of over 80 Queensland creatives and technicians; some of the best working professionals in the state.
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This But Not This Productions successfully raised $14,926 of their ambitious $60k through the Australian Cultural Fund. The remaining expenses were self-funded.​
DIRECTORS
Award-winning co-directing duo Kailani D'Amour and Tin Huyen Pham are Asian-Australian creatives and storytellers based in South East Queensland. Their experience in film as technicians in camera and lighting informs their technical and precise directing style, producing films that are authentic and well-crafted.
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Their latest 100% self-funded co-directing project "Erzi"
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Through connecting and supporting local artists, they strive to create opportunities that promote and inspire artists and technicians alike. Similar to "Erzi", Kai and Tin endeavour to authentically represent the Asian and immigrant experience, this time in the historical setting of the Australian Gold Rush.
In this next ambitious project, they aim to push the boundaries of Australian-made independent films. They intend to inject larger-than-life characters from Anime, fast paced action from Hong Kong cinema and classic filmmaking styles from Spaghetti Westerns. Journey to the West will be a genre-defining film that showcases Kai and Tin's foray into action cinema and hyper-stylised filmmaking.
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STUNTS
The directors and stunt team crafted a 4 minute fight sequence over a 2 month period, incorporating complex wirework and breakaways.
Inspired by fights from Mission Impossible, The Raid, Blue Eye Samurai and more, our stunt team has coordinated a visceral, brutal fight sequence with notes of comedy and loads of character.
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Stunt Coordinator: Daniel Weaver (Fast X, Mortal Kombat, Uncharted)
Fight Coordinator: Aaron "Dex" Dexter (The Fall Guy, Mortal Kombat 2, Furiosa)
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Stunt Performers: Dylan Wilson, Casey Wright, James Web, Joel Menagé (Hacksaw Ridge, Pirates of the Carribean, Mortal Kombat 2)
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PRODUCTION DESIGN
​In order to achieve the stylised look of an 1880s tavern, the production design team constructed the set from scratch, incorporating period-appropriate stylings and story-appropriate wear and tear. Building a set allowed the filmmakers maximum control of lighting, set design, stunt rigging and sound. It also allowed for breakaway walls, furniture and props as well as safety infrastructure for the stunt team.
$34,000 went towards production design, our biggest expense. This covered set construction, aging, prop manufacturing, set decoration and wages.
Production Designer: Matt Stitt (Rock Island Mysteries, Nautilus, Deadlock)
Art Directors: William Charleson (Nautilus, Boy Swallows Universe), Annabelle Norman
Props Master: Tiarna Parente (Love is in the Air, Rock Island Mysteries)
HAIR AND MAKEUP
A key piece in the look of this film is the inclusion of the Manchurian 'Queue', a Qing Dynasty haircut that is composed of a shaved head with an isolated long braid (see gallery). In order to achieve this look, the Hair and Makeup team have designed a custom wig for our main character. The authentic and specific representation of the queue is rarely seen on screen despite its historical significance; its inclusion was of vital importance to the filmmakers.
Hair and Makeup Artist: Chelsea Brown (Elvis, Thirteen Lives, Spiderhead)
Makeup Artist: Mellissa Johnston (Kong: Skull Island, Young Rock, Boy Swallows Universe)
COSTUME DESIGN
A big part of creating hyper-stylised visuals is our main character's costume; we want people to cosplay the characters in this film. The costume will incorporate a mix of East and West and use materials authentic to the period.
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Costume Designer: Alexis Weiser (Troppo, The Bluff)
CAMERA
A multi-camera shoot to capture breakaways and complex stunts. Shooting on ARRI Alexa Mini LFs and P&S Technovvision Anamorphics, for maximum character and an homage to the early years of spaghetti western filmmaking. We will incorporate Western crash zooms and Kung Fu camera movement.
DP: Caleb Ware (calebware.com)
Camera Operators: Esteban Rivera, Beau Selwood, Nathan Frost (Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, San Andreas, Aquaman)
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Camera Equipmet: Lemac
Lighting Equipment: Monkey Business Films, Conway Film Lighting​​
WHAT'S NEXT...
In 2025, Kai and Tin are taking the film into post-production. After cutting, compositing, colouring and sound designing they hope to deliver the film to significant film festivals including Sundance and SXSW.
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Kung Fu Western is the first scene of a full-length feature written by Kailani D'Amour. After completing their festival circuit, the filmmakers hope to garner interest and support around the feature, using the proof-of-concept as a stepping stone.
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Follow @tbnt.films on Instagram for the latest or contact us at tbnt.films@gmail.com
PRESS
ABC Radio • Dec 2024
Tin and Kai had a conversation with Cathie Schnitzerling on ABC Radio BRISBANE to talk about the proof of concept including the Manchurian queue hairstyle, representation, the technical crew, independent filmmaking and the story of how the crew surprised the pair with a pro bono pickup shoot.
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Listen below:
The Project • Feb 2025
Tin and Kai were featured on Channel 10's "The Project" as they dove into post-production to showcase Logan QLD and put a spotlight on the two filmmakers and their unique friendship. They discuss independent filmmaking, authentic representation and their families' involvement in the project.
"When two young filmmakers had an incredible idea, they did everything they could to make it happen. Now, with a mostly volunteer crew, a Kung Fu Western movie short has been shot, but they need help to make it into the feature film it deserves to be."
- The Project
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See the featurette below:
Follow @tbnt.films on Instagram for the latest or contact us at tbnt.films@gmail.com