BATA
A feature film about Efren “Bata” Reyes. The Greatest Billiards Player of all Time. A Philippine legend who rose from humble beginnings and dominated the global stage.
The film centers around Efren’s most famous showdown: the legendary “Color of Money” match against American Champion Earl Strickland. In front of a roaring Hong Kong crowd, the Filipino underdog took on the brash, all-American star in a cultural clash that would redefine the sport. As the match unfolds, the story cuts back to pivotal moments from Efren’s life, his childhood in Pampanga, the nights in Manila hustling for survival, his secret travels through foreign halls, and the sacrifices that shaped his journey.
Told similarly to “Slumdog Millionaire”, the narrative interweaves the present-day drama of the match with flashbacks that reveal how every moment, every shot, and every risk prepared Efren for this defining moment. The tension builds until the final rack, where not only the title but also Efren’s place in history hangs, in the balance.
This is more than a sports story. It’s the tale of an unlikely hero, the overlooked Filipino who turned hardship into mastery, outwitted the world with intellect and skill, and inspired millions across cultures. Efren “Bata” Reyes is not just the GOAT, he is a symbol of grit, genius, and the belief that greatness can come from anywhere, a symbol that Filipinos and the rest of Asia, can rally behind. It is a movie that can remind them to be proud of who they are, where they come from and believe in what they can achieve.
The Team
-
Apl.De.Ap - Producer
Apl.de.Ap is a Filipino-American rapper, record producer and founding member of the GRAMMY winning group BLACK EYED PEAS and has been responsible for creating global sensation songs like “Where is the Love?” and “I gotta Feeling”
Beyond music, Apl is known for his strong advocacy of Filipino youth, education and culture. He established the Apl Foundation (AplFi.org) which supports Filipino education, culture and the arts, making him one of the most prominent FILIPINO CULTURAL AMBASSADORS in the world.
Apl was born in Pampanga, the home of Efren Reyes. This story holds a special place in Apl’s heart.
This film is the first project for Apl’s foundation as it first the mission of advocating Philippine culture and highlighting modern-day Filipino heroes.
-
Corinna Vistan - Producer / Director
An accomplished Filmmaker based in Los Angeles for 16 years and worked as an Executive at MARVEL STUDIOS for 9 years. Awarded a GOLD CLIO and two SILVER TELLYS for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Thor: Ragnarok and Doctor Strange.
She moved back to the Philippines to develop Asian talent. Was Showrunner for the VIU Original Series “K-Love” which won two awards at the ASIAN ACADEMY CREATIVE AWARDS. Her second series “Secret Ingredient” starring Korean actor Sang Heon Lee from the Netflix hit “XO Kitty” and Filipina actress Julia Barretto won two awards at the CANNES TELEVISION AND MEDIA AWARDS in 2024.
-
Ian S. Takahashi - Producer/Cinematographer
A sought after Cinematographer known for delivering high-impact visuals across major productions, from the TV series THE WHITE LOTUS to collaborations with artists BEYONCE and HARRY STYLES, as well as campaigns for APPLE and NIKE. He won a CLIO AWARD in 2017 for a commercial featuring STEPH CURRY. He has collaborated with directors ranging from JAMES GUNN, RON HOWARD and FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA.
With a background in Finance and Investment Management (UCLA) and two decades investing across global markets, what sets Ian apart is his combination of creative vision and analytical thinking. He applies asset allocation and budgeting principles to the art of Cinematography and the business of filmmaking. This unique blend focuses on maximize production value as well as investor returns.
-
Mark Kramer, WGA - Writer
Description goes hereMark Kramer wrote on 5 seasons of the hit TV show “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver”, where he picked up: 4 CONSECUTIVE EMMY AWARDS, 4 CONSECUTIVE WGA AWARDS, A PEABODY AWARD.
As a Filipino American, he was born and raised in Staten Island and wrote “My Life, Growing Up Asian in America” (2022), a compilation of essays published by MTV Books. Mark’s half-hour comedy ISO BALL was a NYTVF Official Script selection. He was one of a handful of writers selected for the NBC Late Night Writers Workshop and NBC Scene Showcase.
Mark brings a world-class writing pedigree and the proven ability to create stories that connect across borders. His creative credibility and storytelling excellence helps position the project for both critical recognition and international market success.
Contact Us
Please use the form below for contact.
We do not accept unsolicited submissions of scripts, pitches, or creative concepts.
