SUPANOVA Media is proud to support the Fighting Spirit Film Festival now in its 10th year. Kingdom United and The Panharmonion Chronicles are two graphic novel series created and written by Henry Chebaane, which shares similar ethos of entertaining, connecting, supporting and inspiring people. While both series have very different worlds, plots and settings, both are characterised by a multi-cultural cast of unlikely action heroes struggling against seemingly overwhelming adversity.

As an indie entertainment studio and comic publisher SUPANOVA Media was present throughout the week-end activities that took place at the Hackney Picturehouse, engaging in meaningful conversations with martial artists, actors, filmmakers and an audience with a strong sense of purpose and community.

Many enthusiastic professional martial artists filled the lobby with positivity and good-humour. Here, the London Kickboxing duo Clayre and Esmond demonstrated some fine self-defence moves in the community spirit of the street cleaning family business at the heart of the graphic novel “Kingdom United”. Their training school is located at the Tottenham Community Sports Centre, where they provide an exciting workshop with young people to boost self-confidence, personal and social development.

Other talented martial artists and film enthusiasts, such as Andrew Dunkelberger (above left) or Jessie Macas and Jaan Kurtulan (above rigth) joined the SUPANOVA Media stand to demonstrate their own take on how to use cleaning tools for self-defence, as done by the team of Neeta Rao, the lead protagonist in the graphic novel KINGDOM UNITED – Clean up London. Audiences were treated to various styles of Kung-Fu and Karate as well as Kickboxing, MMA, Eskrima and Kendo.

This included a fun and spirited impromtu demonstration by Matt Law and Peter Halloran, from the Glasgow-based charity Geez-A-Gi. Their organisation strives to make Martial Arts accessible to all. They believe that “Martial Arts can have a positive impact on individuals of all ages and backgrounds, and are committed to removing any obstacles that may prevent someone from experiencing these. ”

Gezz-A-Gi is also a sponsor of Project Sifu, an important charity based in Sheffield, whose vision is “to create a supportive and inclusive environment where young people can explore their cultural identities, build confidence, and develop a wide range of skills. The project aims to celebrate the rich tradition of martial arts cinema, foster cross-cultural understanding, and contribute to a safer, more cohesive society.” Project Sifu is led by Dr. Wayne Wong and Soo Cole. For more information check here.