"Lotus" Launches ACT3–Blackops Studios Asia Five-Film Slate

ACT3 (Hong Kong) and Blackops Studios Asia (Philippines) have signed a multi-year agreement to produce five feature films. The first title, the action thriller “Lotus,” was unveiled at the Cannes Film Market to international buyers and distributors.

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• Five-film slate under ACT3–Blackops Studios Asia agreement.

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• “Lotus” is the inaugural title; the next project “A Thread of Steel” slated for 2028.

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• Filming locations cover two continents: Southeast Asia (Manila) and South America (Brazil).

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The film stars Cuba Gooding Jr., Luke Ford, Keith Duffy and multimedia artist Qymira. Supporting actors include Cristian Lavin and Brazilian “Big Brother Brasil” alumnus Alberto Cowboy. Director Pedring Lopez, founder of Blackops Studios Asia, co-wrote the screenplay with Rex Lopez and also produces alongside Maia Yambao-Lopez; Leslie Loh serves as ACT3’s executive producer.

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Principal photography runs September-October in Manila, with additional scenes in Brazil. Cinematographer Noel Teehankee leads a crew from the Philippines, Hong Kong and Brazil. Stunt and action coordination is handled by Filipino-American choreographer Sonny Sison, who works with a local crew and an international stunt team from the United States and Hong Kong. Additional Filipino casting continues.

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The partners describe “Lotus” as a globally-targeted film rooted in the “energy and chaos” of Southeast Asia and Latin America, aiming to deliver a “dangerous, emotional and alive” experience that showcases cross-regional storytelling.

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ACT3 and Blackops Studios Asia said the collaboration blends local cultural textures with high-budget action, seeking both regional and worldwide audiences. They highlighted the mixed crew and international stunt ensemble as key to the film’s transnational aesthetic and confirmed that the five-film slate will explore varied geographic backdrops, beginning with “Lotus.”

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• “There’s an energy to this project and to Manila that immediately pulled me in. The vision Pedring and the team have for this film is raw, dangerous and global.” — Cuba Gooding Jr., Actor

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• “What drew me to ‘Lotus’ was how grounded and unpredictable the world felt. There’s a rawness to the story and the way Pedring wants to shoot the film that makes it feel immediate and immersive. Manila and Brazil are incredible backdrops for this kind of action-thriller, and I’m excited to be part of something that feels both intimate and global at the same time.” — Luke Ford, Actor

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• “This film is bigger, darker and even more ambitious, and I’m excited to be part of a story that connects Manila and Brazil in such a visceral way,” — Qymira, Multimedia Artist

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• “This is a film designed for a global audience but rooted in the energy and chaos of Southeast Asia and Latin America,” — Pedring Lopez, Director/Producer

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After “Lotus,” the partnership will produce “A Thread of Steel,” a China-set action epic slated for 2028, expanding the slate’s geographic diversity.

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