The action genre has been long undervalued within the cinematic landscape. Ten years ago, when I was starting out as a filmmaker, I found myself hiding my love of action in the hope to be taken seriously. I would cosplay as a ‘worthy’ filmmaker, hiding my love of Jackie Chan behind gritty social realism. But not anymore. After ten years of trying, I finally made my action-comedy debut film Polite Society last year and now I have been given the honour of curating a season of action movies for Watershed.

 It has been nothing short of thrilling to delve back into the movies that shaped and inspired me and pick out some total bangers.

Although it was Hong Kong action that truly inspired me, The Matrix had to be a part of the season, as it was my gateway into Hong Kong action cinema proper. Having watched and re-watched the making of The Matrix, I was just astounded by the work of fight choreographer Yuen Woo-Ping and his stunt team. No fast cuts hiding behind stunt doubles, but long, elegant takes – showcasing the skill of the performers. Each action sequence is a dance, with perfect rhythm and timing. This film made me fall in love with action and introduced me to the awe-inspiring world of Hong Kong action.

It has been nothing short of joyful to see Michelle Yeoh celebrated in recent years for the brilliant actor, performer, martial artist that she is. In my season, I wanted to delve into her back catalogue and showcase not only some great Hong Kong action, but some of the best movies of Michelle Yeoh. From the Oscar®-worthy subtlety of her performance in Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, to the wild B-movie silliness of The Heroic Trio; to the utterly jaw-dropping, death defying stuntery of Police Story 3: Supercop my season aims to capture the multitudes of Michelle Yeoh. My personal favourite film being Yes, Madam! where we see Michelle Yeoh team up with the brilliant Cynthia Rothrock for some 80s action fun! The hair, the music, the swagger! 

As a filmmaker I have always sought out women in action. Hoping to see an example I could follow in front of and behind the camera. 

Therefore, it was imperative I include Point Break in my season. Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, it has perhaps the greatest chase scene committed to film and the most exhilarating skydiving scene I have ever seen. A film I return to and study as an example of the perfect action movie. Also Keanu Reeves is in it, so an all-round win!

However, my favourite film of my season is perhaps one of the lesser-known films. The Inspector Wears Skirts was inspired by the success of Police Academy and combines so many things I love. Spectacular Hong Kong action, brilliant comedy (with Jackie Chan producing, it’s no surprise this film is so funny) and women fighting. My hero Cynthia Rothrock and Sibelle Hu kick some serious butt in this film, with some of the most inventive, unexpected action sequences around.  I cannot wait to see it in the cinema and share it with audiences!

Thank you, Watershed and the BFI, for this joyful opportunity to celebrate action cinema! Let’s go!