Paper Made, an upcoming feature film written and directed by Ryan Watson, is set to begin filming this March in Tampa, Florida, with a cast led by BMF star Myles Truitt and original Black Power Ranger Walter E. Jones.
The film follows Tavon Watkins (played by Truitt), a student at a fictional HBCU who, after surviving a brutal hazing ritual, is drawn into a secret fraternity of Black martial artists. What unfolds is a story that mixes brotherhood, self-discovery, and fight choreography with the distinct culture and energy of Black college life.
“Martial arts have been a part of the Black American experience for generations,” Watson shared in a statement. “Paper Made brings that excellence to the forefront from a perspective that has rarely, if ever, been seen in American cinema.”
Taimak, best known for his iconic role in The Last Dragon, returns to the genre as both actor and executive producer. He’s joined by Quartay DeNaya (Pizza Guys Vs Vampires), professional wrestler and co-producer Daria Rae Berenato, and Jamara Garrett, also known as Mara Sadé, another wrestling force making her feature film debut. Rounding out the cast are Sam Lee Herring, a seasoned stuntman and martial artist known for Back In Action, and martial artist Jair Muhammad.
The screenplay was co-written by Watson and Jerron Horton, known for his work on Forever. Producing the film are Shaun Greenspan (Amber Alert), Brian Yuran, and Berenato. Casting is led by Karlie Loland-Ringer, with production shaping up to deliver a stylish, action-packed, and emotionally resonant take on Black identity, tradition, and strength.
We’re excited to see a secret martial arts brotherhood in an HBCU setting. Stay tuned for more information on Paper Made.
