Film Independent’s Fiscal Sponsorship program opens the door to nonprofit funding for independent filmmakers and media artists. Donate today and help bring The Triumph Of Ken’ichi to life.
 

Logline

When a supernaturally gifted 60 year old performer (Ken’ichi) is fired and humiliated by his acting manager, he quits his Hollywood career to work at an old school Japanese restaurant. Through wisdom and tough love from his elderly boss (Nene), Ken’ichi rediscovers his internal magic, leading to the surrealist performance of a lifetime on an unexpected stage: the hibachi grill.

Synopsis

Aging Hollywood veteran, Ken’ichi (AKA Kenny), is more than just an actor. He’s the ultimate performer. Thespian, rapper, comedian and supernatural magician all rolled into one. But he’s in a slump. Attempts to rejuvenate his career on social media backfire leading his manager Leo to fire him in humiliating fashion. Down and out, Ken’ichi leaves the Hollywood dream behind.

His wife Yumi is battling illness and money is needed for experimental medical treatment so Ken pleads for a job as a staffer at an old school Japanese Hibachi restaurant owned and run by Yumi’s hard-nosed elderly aunt Nene.

Though he initially sees the restaurant as a dead end, it soon becomes the perfect spot for Kenny to rediscover his internal magic and love of performing without the pressures of the spotlight. It feels good to be a success again. Still he remains literally haunted by visions and voices from his past Hollywood glory pushing him back to the stage.

The restaurant soon grows in popularity thanks to Nene’s amazing food and Kenny’s unique showmanship with the customers.

Finally Kenny’s renewed passion and self confidence are tested when he is forced to perform once again in front of an old nemesis on a new stage: The Hibachi Grill. This final confrontation will test all of his new and old skills in a reality bending fight for redemption.

Comedy, drama, romance, inspiration, magic tricks and surrealism. This story has something for everyone.
 

Meet the Filmmakers

Ko Massiah — Director/Producer
Ko Massiah is a filmmaker and editor based in Los Angeles, CA. He started off doing research on a historical project for his Uncle Louis Massiah, a famed documentarian and film activist in Philadelphia. Shortly thereafter, Ko moved to L.A. to pursue a career in film.

He started as an on-set production assistant before landing at Rock Paper Scissors post-production studio in Santa Monica. After paying his dues, Ko was promoted to assistant editor, working directly under two-time Academy Award® winner Angus Wall and several other prestigious editors. Thousands of hours in this fast-paced creatively demanding environment was his version of film school.

After three years, Ko set out to learn other aspects of film, pursuing a certificate in screenwriting and directing at UCLA Extension. Simultaneously, he honed his cutting and story skills as a freelance TV editor, working with Vice, A&E, 72&Sunny, and other fantastic ad agencies.

From 2018 through 2021, Ko settled into a full-time editor position with Panay Films in Santa Monica. There he cut for major brands like Microsoft and T-Mobile including a 2019 Super Bowl ad. He also edited two streaming episodes of “Not A Sports Show” starring Lil’ Rel Howery, among other TV projects.

When not editing, he independently wrote and directed short films and music videos and completed several television pilot scripts. During the height of the pandemic in 2020, Ko created and produced a web series called Flu Boos. All episodes were shot and edited in covid-safe environments. Two episodes were produced virtually with actors across the country. Back in L.A. he directed the third episode, “Livin For The Likes” which eventually played at film festivals. In December of 2021, he wrote and directed the short film White Elephant with a cast and crew of 25 people. This dark comedy satire won the audience award at the Burbank International Film Fest beating out over 100 other shorts.

His next project The Triumph of Ken’ichi is a tale of magical realism inspired by a true story and set in the world of a Hollywood Hibachi restaurant. This film is the first in a food culture fantasy anthology series entitled Full Flavored Fables.

Ko wakes up every day excited to bring stories to life and work with good people.

Make a donation to The Triumph Of Ken’ichi.

Contact

For inquiries, please contact fiscalsponsorship@filmindependent.org.