Bari Kang

Deeply rooted in his experience as a South Asian immigrant, Bari Kang’s film’s have earned favorable comparisons to the works of his longtime idols Martin Scorsese and Quentin Tarantino. As a self-taught multi-hyphenate artist, Kang draws inspiration from his own personal experiences. His debut film LUCKY won the Audience Award at the Urbanworld Film Festival and earned the praise of critic Michael Rechtshaffen of the Los Angeles Times: “Kang, in his filmmaking debut proves adept at capturing background detail with a close-up hand-held authenticity. . .Palpably gritty!” Jared Mubarak of The Film Stage wrote of Lucky: “A script bolstered by a complex and relatable antihero.” Kang’s sophomore film THE SCRAPPER, continues to be distributed around the world. Tim Brennan of About Boulder wrote: “The Scrapper is a smart, solid, crime film that promises more good work from Bari Kang...he’s made a film with a point of view and something to say. Kang is a smart screenwriter.” Movie blogger Federico Furzan said, “The Scrapper is a pearl of its own world of small budget films. . . an action thriller that doesn’t let you rest. . . Bari Kang shines in the film.” Testifying on the compelling, gritty story, Battle Royale With Cheese’s Joel Fisher wrote “Kang creates a gritty world filled with gangsters, tense action and a heart at the centre.” Movie Insider’s review by Brian Renner highlighted him as a multi-hyphenate creator: “Kang shows prowess in all departments from writing/directing to acting.” Kang’s cultural ties have shaped his work as a filmmaker; beginning with the deflating of a showbiz stereotype attributed to ethnic actors. He grew tired of watching colored performers “being pigeonholed.” That’s why he decided to create his own opportunities and continues to tell stories that he’s passionate about. “It’s never easy, especially with a budding young family to raise. However, there’s always something inside that keeps pushing me ahead. When I strike a powerful chord with my characters and get lost in a whole new world I created, then it becomes exhilarating. If I make a movie that’s both entertaining and meaningful, I’ve achieved something.” ITCH! is Bari's first foray into the world of horror.