A sports massage therapist is crafting a no-budget martial arts film to demonstrate how community spirit can overcome any financial obstacle.
Jaiveer Asthana, 33, first discovered his passion for writing through several self-published books on Amazon, but over time, his focus has shifted to screenwriting.
His latest project is an old-school fighting film which follows the story of Rowan, a talented boxer from the Traveller community, who battles discrimination on his path to becoming a champion.
Like many other independent films, this martial arts feature has faced significant financial challenges.
But interestingly Asthana has deliberately chosen not to apply for funding – in fact, he is firmly against the idea.
He said: “There’s little financial support for filmmakers in the creative industry. Every time you apply, you either receive a generic response or hear nothing at all. These funds are very finite in my experience.
“The advice I would give to filmmakers seeking financial backing is to not rely on funding to get your project off the ground.”
Instead, he believes external funding would undermine the core message of the film: that with dedication and resourcefulness, anything is possible.
Undeterred by setbacks, Asthana has relied on goodwill and borrowed resources – from friends lending filming equipment to his sister providing some of the makeup.
The 30-strong team of volunteers has even secured the expertise of Rupert Hornstein, a cameraman on the set of Judge Dredd, while former Courtney Love guitarist Micko Larkin has composed the soundtrack.
He added: “Individuals have been amazing. We’ve had so much support from places like the Duke of York pub in Ealing and gyms like State of Mind Fitness in Hammersmith. I’m very grateful! People have offered funding, but that’s the one thing I don’t want.”
Once completed, Asthana plans to host a screening at the Ealing Project, inviting young creatives along.
The film is on track for release in late May, with about six weeks of filming left.
More than anything, he hopes this project will inspire others to take on similar creative challenges.
He said: “I love writing and getting people together. My aspiration is to bring more young people into filmmaking and show them that it’s achievable. To show them how to do it. To try something new and quirky.”
Ultimately, he envisions this as the foundation for a future hub where aspiring filmmakers can connect, exchange ideas, and receive guidance on their own projects.
That’s why Asthana plans to reinvest all profits into upgrading their gear for future projects.
He said: “The message I want to send to other filmmakers is simple: just pick up your camera and start making something. You may not have the best lighting or the best equipment, but just try.”
All images courtesy of Jaiveer Asthana
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