See Zodiac Killa: Year of the Rat on August 29 at the Esquire Theatre!
Zodiac Killa: Year of the Rat brings independent filmmaking, martial arts, and multicultural storytelling to Cincinnati. The film is produced by Blackcat Kung-Fu and co-produced and co-directed by Vernard Fields. Jayshan Lundy wrote the screenplay.
Featured performers include Benjamin Kennedy, also known as Instructor Bensei, Scott R. Calmeise, S. Francis Livisay, and Hanven Yang.
Admission
Tickets are $10.
About Zodiac Killa: Year of the Rat
The project is led by Blackcat Kung-Fu, a Cincinnati native, engineer, content creator, and martial artist. With more than 20 years of experience, Blackcat Kung-Fu connects creatives and community members through independent projects.
Zodiac Killa: Year of the Rat marks the first major film project from Blackcat Kung-Fu. The film highlights martial artists and other talented performers who often receive limited opportunities on screen.
Event Highlights
- Screening of Zodiac Killa: Year of the Rat
- Prerecorded cast interviews following the film
- Live martial arts demonstrations
- Demonstrations by accomplished martial artists
- Merchandise available from the independent production team
- Opportunities to support Black and Asian creative talent
Following the screening, prerecorded interviews will feature cast members. The interviews will provide insight into the performers’ experiences during production. Live martial arts demonstrations will follow the interviews. Featured martial artists include Instructor Bensei and Zane “Akko” Reese.
Featured Martial Artists
Benjamin Kennedy, known as Instructor Bensei, began martial arts training at age four. Training includes Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Japanese Jujitsu, Jeet Kune Do, Escrima, and Xing Yi Kung Fu.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kennedy developed expertise with the meteorhammer. The traditional Chinese weapon features a rope with weighted ends. Kennedy later performed internationally, including appearances on Lo Show Dei Record in Italy and El Hormiguero in Spain. A meteorhammer performance on Lo Show Dei Record earned Kennedy a Guinness World Record. Kennedy currently teaches martial arts at Team Torque Mixed Martial Arts in Wilmington, Ohio.
Zane “Akko” Reese began martial arts training at age two. Early inspiration included Bruce Lee, Sonny Chiba, and Hiroyuki Sanada. Reese began formal training at Ohio Taekwondo Academy at age six. Training later expanded into Jeet Kune Do, Kung Fu, Kickboxing, and other disciplines. At age 13, Reese began developing screen-fighting skills. The training combines martial arts technique with cinematic choreography, timing, and performance.
A Celebration of Independent Creativity
The film screening and live demonstrations create a unique Cincinnati experience. The event brings together independent filmmaking, martial arts, and multicultural storytelling.
The program also highlights the work of Black and Asian creatives while creating opportunities for local audiences to experience independent talent.
The Voice of Black Cincinnati is a media company designed to educate, recognize, and create opportunities for African Americans. Want to find local news, events, job postings, scholarships, and a database of local Black-owned businesses? Visit our homepage, explore other articles, subscribe to our newsletter, like our Facebook page, join our Facebook group, and text VOBC to 513-966-3328.
