Kicks Film Premiere at 2023 Chicago Underground Film Fest
The 30th edition of the Chicago Underground Film Festival concluded their short run on Sunday, September 17th with the World Premiere of the documentary “For Kicks,” directed by veteran filmmaker Sean Patrick Fahey.
Semi-retired Chicago security guard Eugene Thomas reflects on his life, music, and martial arts practice. Oh, and that decade between the 1980s and 90s when he was an international movie star, appearing in a dozen ninja movies filmed in Taiwan, the Philippines, Thailand, and Hong Kong. Also featuring the legendary Ron van Clief (“The Black Dragon”), “For Kicks” is a unique doc exploring the history of black martial arts in the movies, and the African Americans who became legion.
Fahey’s ‘For Kicks’ Is A Journey Beyond Fame With Eugene Thomas
Daniel Patton 17 Aug 2023, Screen Magazine
“Filmmaker Sean Fahey details the life of action star Eugene Thomas in For Kicks, a feature-length documentary premiering at the Chicago Underground Film Festival on September 17. Besides telling the story of an actor who scaled the heights of fame, Fahey also sheds light on a crucial era of cinematic history.”
“Get ready to kick off an unforgettable cinematic experience as Sean Fahey’s For Kicks makes its grand entrance at the 11th Urban Action Film Festival in the heart of NYC! The spotlight is on Eugene Thomas, the 67-year-old action-star-turned-jazz-enthusiast, whose journey in martial arts cinema is nothing short of legendary. But the excitement doesn’t stop there! Enter the stage, the one and only Ron van Clief, The Black Dragon, a martial arts action star and icon at 80, who holds the record as the oldest fighter to enter the Octagon in UFC 4. This dynamic duo, along with other action stars, promises an evening of celebration, inspiration, and a whole lot of high kicks!”
“One of the best movies of the year!”
Film Critic, Ian Simmons at Kicking the Seat.
“Urban Action Showcase only screens one documentary at their festival every year, so this was a huge honor.”— Sean Fahey, Director, “For Kicks”
Stay in Touch
Get news of Eugene’s Thomas’s appearences and activities by subscribing here.