Dojo (2023 film)
Dojo Dojo is a 2023 martial arts short film that has achieved a remarkable milestone, winning 495 international film awards. This surpasses the current Guinness World Record of 383 awards held by the film Cognition, a high-budget production backed by the BBC Studio and the BBC Studio Orchestra, featuring a large crew and a director from BBC.[1] Cognition had a substantial production budget of €510,000 (approximately $550,800 USD). In stark contrast, Dojo was produced on a modest budget of just $5,000, which was self-funded by Jon Paul, the producer.
Despite the vast difference in financial backing and resources, "Dojo" has managed to outshine its predecessor in terms of recognition and awards, highlighting the power of creativity, passion, and determination over sheer budget.[2][3]
Background[edit | edit source]
Dojo is a reflection of the producer's lifelong passion for martial arts and storytelling. Jon Paul, the producer has been training in judo at Baragua Judo Kai, a non-profit dojo founded by his father, who has been his sensei since he started training at the age of 6.
Jon PauI have trained in Japan six times, achieving a top 32 world ranking in his division. He currently hold a 4th-degree black belt in Judo and have won the USA Judo Nationals twice and earned a bronze medal at the Pan-American Judo Championships.
As a first-time filmmaker, Jon Paul took on multiple roles in the creation of Dojo — serving as the writer, producer, lead actor, and casting director. This film was a passion project that he self-funded on a shoestring budget. Despite the constraints of a low budget, "Dojo" has made a significant impact, demonstrating that powerful storytelling and creative vision can resonate without substantial financial backing.[4]
Plot[edit | edit source]
The short film tells the story of Shane Lucas, an ex-Yakuza member and 4th degree black belt in Judo, who is hunted down at his local dojo in Los Angeles by his long-time rival, Elias Da Rosa and his crew members from the same crime family. Shane is faced with two dangerous options- either to rejoin the Yakuza crime family or to face the consequence of backing out.[1]
Cast[edit | edit source]
The cast includes actual Judokas from Jon Paul's dojo and the wider Judo community, including a Judo Olympian and a national veterans champion, which lends authenticity to the film's fight choreography. They include:
- Jon Paul as Shane Lucas
- Christofer Aguero as Elias Da Rosa
- Juan Vilacoba as Alfonso Lucas
- Daniel Gonzalez as Alfonso Lucas (V.O.)
- Alex Jacobson as Yomi Nakaya
- Justin Harris - Yakuza Crew Member
- Josue Deprez - Yakuza Crew Member
- Joe Fuentes - Yakuza Crew Member
- Rick Acuna - Yakuza Crew Member
Awards[edit | edit source]
So far, Dojo has won 495 international film awards and still counting. Among its accolades include:
- 2023 - Best Martial Arts Film at the Cannes World Film Festival[5]
- 2023 - Best Martial Arts Short Film Showdown at the International Action Film Festival[6]
- 2024 - Best Action Film of the Year at the annual Red Movie Awards[7]
- 2024 - Best Actor, Best Sport Film & Best Cinematography at 2024 New York Film Festival Best Indie Selection[8]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Dojo is a Must See for Martial Arts Fans" 5 September 2024
- ↑ Sun Film Fest 23rd Edition 2023 -Aug "LA Sun Film Fest 23rd Edition 2023 -Aug"
- ↑ "Winners Marseille International Film Meeting 2024"
- ↑ "“Dojo” Wins Best Shorts Competition In Los Angeles"
- ↑ "World Film Festival in Cannes 2023 Awards"
- ↑ "Winner 2023 Urban Action Showcase"
- ↑ "Best Action Film of the Year at the annual Red Movie Awards"
- ↑ "WINNERS New York Film Festival Best Indie Selection 2024"