The creative team behind globally recognised LIFE AFTER FIGHTING brings International star power to their next project in Western Sydney.
Western Sydney, November 2025 - Australian independent film company Spinning Plates Productions has greenlit a new martial arts action drama to be shot in Western Sydney, with major production support from Screen NSW, and has already secured global distribution through Spirit Media.
Hamburg-based independent distributor Spirit Media is making its boldest move yet, acquiring worldwide rights (excluding Australia and New Zealand) and joining as co-producer and sales agent on Relentless - the new feature from Australian filmmakers Bren Foster and Navid Bahadori following their debut Life After Fighting.
Known for over two decades as a trusted distributor in the German-speaking market, Spirit Media’s decision marks a defining shift toward global expansion. Led by Managing Director Nico Dautzenberg and International Content Executive Pethra Dautzenberg, the family-run company says Relentless represents “the kind of project that could take us somewhere new.” With Foster’s action-driven authenticity, Bahadori’s production vision, and Spirit Media’s deep distribution expertise, the partnership signals the company’s evolution from regional powerhouse to global player - driven by a shared belief in films that matter and stories that resonate worldwide.
“This is the kind of film we’ve been waiting for – a project that excites us creatively and allows us to expand our business globally,” says Nico Dautzenberg, Managing Director at Spirit Media.
“We are thrilled to be part of bringing this project to audiences around the world,” adds Pethra Dautzenberg, International Content & Business Affairs Executive at Spirit Media.
Head of Screen NSW Kyas Hepworth said, “After the success of Life After Fighting, I’m thrilled that Bren Foster, Navid Bahadori, and the team at Spinning Plates Productions have returned to Western Sydney to film Relentless. The film, which deftly balances high action with drama and heart, showcases the remarkable creative talent we have in Western Sydney, both in front of and behind the camera. I’m sure audiences in Australia, and around the world, will be on the edge of their seat when the film hits screens.”
The film, RELENTLESS, is written, directed, and stars Bren Foster (The Beast in Me, Life After Fighting), and tells a gripping story of love, sacrifice, and survival. Principal photography began on October 20th in the Western Sydney suburbs showcasing world-class action and storytelling to the heart of Australia. The film will be presented to international buyers for the first time at the European Film Market (EFM) in Berlin, February 2026.
The powerhouse cast also includes Matt Passmore (Jigsaw, North Shore, The Glades), Amanda Righetti (Friday the 13th, Reagan, The Mentalist), Aaron Glenane (Snowpiercer, Killing Ground), Callan Mulvey (Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Outlaw King) and Matuse (The Fall Guy, Mad Max Furiosa, Last King of the Cross). RELENTLESS blends high-octane martial arts action with deeply human storytelling.
Foster, who recently won Best Director at the BIG BAD Film Fest for Life After Fighting and was nominated for the IFJA Award (Indiana Film Journalists Association) for Best Stunt/Movement Choreography, continues to prove himself as one of Australia’s most dynamic creative talents.
The film also features internationally acclaimed actress Amanda Righetti (Friday the 13th, Reagan, The Mentalist), who has joined the production in Western Sydney for her first Australian feature. Righetti’s involvement brings global attention to the project, reinforcing Relentless as a major international collaboration.
“Filming in Australia and working alongside Bren and Navid has been an incredible experience,” says Righetti. “The story is intense, emotional, and full of heart - it’s exciting to be part of a film that combines world-class action with deeply human storytelling.”
SYNOPSIS
A former soldier and fighter is forced back into the brutal underground arena when he’s faced with the fight of his life – not against an opponent, but against time itself. Driven by love and the desperate need to protect his family’s future, he steps into a world where every hit could be his last. As the line between sacrifice and self- destruction blurs, his journey becomes a raw and emotional battle for redemption, legacy, and the enduring power of love. RELENTLESS is a gripping, heart-pounding story of resilience – a man’s ultimate test to prove that even in the face of death, some fights are worth everything.
DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT
“RELENTLESS isn’t just about fighting – it’s about what drives us to keep going when everything else is lost,” says Bren Foster. “Filming in the ever-evolving creative centre of Western Sydney allowed us to capture the grit, energy, and authentic feel of the story – bringing a slice of local Australian life to a global audience. This film delivers high-impact action, but also emotional truth, exploring love, sacrifice, and the legacy we leave behind.”
RELENTLESS is produced by Bren Foster and Navid Bahadori for Spinning Plates in association with Broken Yellow and Bluestone Media, Spirit Media, Eclectik Vision, and Alceon Entertainment Partners, with support from Screen NSW.
International sales inquiries [email protected]
Media Enquiries: [email protected] | 0409 888 218
About Spirit Media
Founded in 2000, Hamburg-based Spirit Media is an independent film distributor and co-producer known for curating standout titles for the German-speaking market. With over two decades of experience balancing major studio acquisitions with exceptional independent projects, Spirit Media is expanding globally, delivering films that resonate with audiences worldwide. The company’s bold move to acquire worldwide rights (excluding Australia and New Zealand) to Relentless marks a defining step in its evolution from trusted European distributor to international player.
About Spinning Plates Pty Ltd
Based in Sydney, Spinning Plates Pty Ltd is an Australian independent film company specialising in producing and distributing premium action and high-drama films. Committed to delivering compelling stories with world-class production values, Spinning Plates brings local talent and international collaboration together to create films that resonate with audience.
