Isabel Lamers Action Packed Short Film “Kaya” Nominated At Hollyshorts For “Best Stunts”

Los Angeles, CA (August 21th, 2026). “Kaya” is the new short action film from first time director Isabel Lamers. It has been nominated for “Best Stunts” at the festival. The film has announced the inclusion of legendary stunt and fight coordinator Jeremy Marinas as Story Producer. The news comes days after the film’s screening at the Oscar-qualifying HollyShorts. It screened on August 18th in the festival’s action screening block at the TCL Chinese Theatres in Hollywood!

Marinas is a prominent stunt and fight coordinator, action designer, and second unit director. He has a long track record for his work with the 87Eleven team. On international blockbusters such as “John Wick: Chapter 4”, “Ballerina” and many more. The film, which Lamers’ also stars in and co-produced, received its world premiere at the Tribeca Festival Tribeca Film Festival.

Logline: It follows Half-Filipina kickboxer Nia (Lamers). Who sees a chance to finally belong by joining a prestigious Filipino Martial Arts team. Top-dog gym owner, Angel (Kayley Carrigan), turns Nia down. Nia secretly starts training with queer outcast Malic (EJ Lipana). Who introduces her to the techniques of FMA, to the philosophy and values at the heart of it.

The Official Trailer for “KAYA” TRIBECA Festival World Premiere

As pressure mounts outside the gym from her social-climbing mother, Maria (Gaye Angeles) to become more acceptable. To be more “white” and more feminine. Nia realizes that belonging will never come from shrinking herself to fit others’ perceptions. When Angel denies her a place at try outs, Nia refuses to back down. In a final show-down, Nia allows her Western-influenced kickboxing background and her FMA training to merge into a fighting style entirely her own.

Pre-production on “Kaya” kicked off in LA and involved extensive research, prep and rehearsal of stunt fight work. The stunt team included Lamers, fight coordinator, Lauren Mary Kim (“Mandalorian”, “Old Guard”, and “Star Wars”), and stunt coordinator, Nico Ramirez (trained at 87North), designed an almost 50-beat long choreography for the final fight scene between Nia and Angel as well as all FMA-fight and training scenes with Malic.

The previz (which can be found here) was shot and produced on November 26th, 2024, at Joining All Movement (JAM), Los Angeles, directed by Shane Yan (“Matrix Resurrection”, “Mulan”) from 87Eleven Action Design and filmed and edited by David Alarcon (“One Battle After Another”).

For Isabel, “Kaya” is a deeply personal story inspired by her upbringing in the Philippines and discovery of the indigenous martial arts of the Philippines as a powerful tool of self-expression, cultural connection and identity. The film is both homage to her home and a testament to the trials and tribulations of reclaiming one’s own identity.

Speaking about her journey so far and the response to the film, Lamers said: “I could not have imagined the film to have such a successful launch. I’m truly grateful for the resonance this film has had, both from industry folk and audiences alike. It means that we have created something of meaning, that makes people feel seen. Honestly it’s deeply moving, especially since this story comes from a personal place. I’m thrilled to see where we go next!”

Isabel Lamers is a Filipina-German actor, director, writer and producer based in Los Angeles. Shaped by her mixed-race heritage and upbringing, Isabel strives to tell stories from a unique point of view, specifically exploring larger societal issues in intimate, character-driven narratives. She also aims to give a voice to women-empowering stories.

Isabel’s notable acting credits include the Cate Blanchett feature “Tar”, “Club Zero” (a 2023 Cannes Palme d’Or nominee with Mia Wasikowska”) and “SISA” which was a main selection at the Black Nights Tallinn Film Festival 2025. She also co-wrote and starred in the award-winning short “A Dozen Suns”, which received a nomination at the Cannes Short Film Festival, and “A Serious Game” which won the 2025 Audience Award at FilAm Creative.

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