A Young Pilot and His Giant Robot: A Story of Friendship and War

In a world where giant robots and epic space battles are common, a young pilot named Kai dreams of joining the Mecha Corps to bring peace to his war-torn planet. His journey is not just about fighting; it's about the bond he forms with his giant robot, Little Dragon. This is the heart of the Singapore-produced film, "Heavens: The Boy and His Robot, " which has been making waves at international film festivals. The movie is a first for Singapore, being the country's first live-action feature in the mecha genre. This genre, popular in Japanese manga and anime, focuses on mechanical innovations like robots and cyborgs. The film's success at festivals like Bucheon, Fantasporto, and Fantasia speaks volumes about its appeal. It's set to make its U. S. debut at Cinequest next month, which is a big deal for any independent film. The making of this film was a labor of love for Rich Ho, who wore many hats—writer, director, producer, and even composer. He also served as the production designer, director of photography, and co-visual effects supervisor. It's a 12-year passion project, which shows in the film's attention to detail and emotional depth.The film's success is not just a win for Rich Ho but also for the executive producers, BC Tan, Takaki Nakadai, Sherman Ng, Penny Wall, Richard Stewart, and Grant Bradley. They took a risk on this project, and it's paying off. The deal with Radial Entertainment for North American rights is a testament to their vision and the film's quality. Radial Entertainment, formed last July by Oaktree Capital Management, is a new player in the industry. It's a merger of Shout! Studios and FilmRise, two well-known brands. The deal was negotiated by Gus Krieger, Senior Director of Acquisitions at Radial Entertainment, and Carlos Rincon on behalf of the producers. This acquisition is one of Radial's first since its creation, making it a significant milestone. The film's family-friendly approach makes it accessible to a wide audience. It's not just about action and war; it's about friendship, dreams, and the power of perseverance. The unique bond between Kai and Little Dragon is what sets this film apart. It's a story that resonates with anyone who has ever dreamed of making a difference.