KAYVON DERAK-SHANIAN
AKA- KEVIN DEREK
DIRECTOR
SCOPLIN PICTURES CORP.
Kayvon Derak-Shanian made his directorial debut with the feature documentary Empty Hand, which follows four competitors as they train to face their fiercest rivals in pursuit of the National Karate Championship title. Hailed by Black Belt Magazine as “A MUST SEE… the first real Karate movie in years,” the film premiered at DOC NYC to critical acclaim.
His second film, The Real Miyagi, chronicles the life and legacy of Fumio Demura - regarded as one of the greatest karate masters of our generation. Featuring Steven Seagal, Dolph Lundgren, and Michael Jai White, the film won seven international awards and was acquired by Netflix for worldwide distribution from 2015 to 2022.
In 2018, Kayvon released his third documentary, Make America Laugh Again, which opened theatrically in New York and Los Angeles to strong reviews. The film went on to win the Audience Award at Cinequest and qualified for consideration at the 91st Academy Awards in 2019.
Kayvon returned to the Karate Kid universe in 2021 with More Than Miyagi: The Pat Morita Story, a deeply personal portrait of the beloved actor behind the iconic character. Featuring Ralph Macchio, Tommy Chong, and Henry Winkler, the film earned a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes and was distributed globally.
In 2022, he produced Pepe Serna: Life Is Art, a celebration of the prolific Mexican-American character actor Pepe Serna - a trailblazer who appeared in over 250 films and helped pave the way for generations of Chicanx performers. Starring Edward James Olmos, Eva Longoria, and Cheech Marin, the film premiered at both the Palm Springs International Film Festival and the Austin Film Festival.
Transitioning into narrative storytelling in 2023, Kayvon directed his first short film, Abuelo, a moving drama about an immigrant grandfather who must raise his teenage granddaughter after a tragic accident. Abuelo was Oscar-qualified in 2023.
His second short film, Living in Fear, delves into the undercurrents of prejudice and trauma in post-9/11 America. A poignant exploration of the human spirit amidst fear and misunderstanding, Living in Fear marks Kayvon’s fourth Oscar-qualified film and is currently in contention for the 98th Annual Academy Awards.
IN-PRODUCTION
"LIVING IN FEAR"
IS NOW OSCAR QUALIFIED FOR 98TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS
LIFE IS ART - ON AMAZON
PAT MORITA DOCUMENTARY - Completed I Website
"THE ONLY THING THAT STANDS BETWEEN YOU AND SUCCESS IS YOUR EGO"
-KD
THE MEDIA
Awards
2024 - Rochester International Film Festival - "Shura" Best Documentary
2024 - Official Latino Film and Arts Festival - "Shura" Best Documentary
2024 - Festival de Cine Latino Americano - "Shura" Best Documentary
2023 - Official Latino Film and Arts Festival - Best Editing "Abuelo"
2022 - 29th Ann San Diego Latino Film Festival -WINNER - AUDIENCE AWARD BEST FEATURE DOCUMENTARY
2022 - South Texas International Film Festival - WINNER - Best Documentary
2022 - 17th Annual Poppy Jasper International Film Festival - WINNER - BEST FEATURE DOCUMENTARY
2021 - Sunscreen Film Festival - Best Documentary
2021 - IIFC - Best Director and Best Documentary
2021 - World Music & Independent Film Festival - Best Documentary
2019 - Cinequest - Audience Award Best Documentary
2019 - L.A. Edge Film Awards Best Documentary Feature
2016 - Winter fest awards - Best Documentary Feature
2015 - Asian Pacific American Film - Best Documentary and Audience Award
2015 - Canada International Film Festival - Raising Star Award
2015 - Action On film Fest - Best Documentary Feature, Best Editing & Best Director
2015 - Arizona Underground Film Festival - Best Documentary Feature
Interviews with Kevin Derek AKA Kayvon Derak Shanian
CBS - Great Day LIVE with Director Kevin Derek
ABC - Morning Blend with Director Kevin Derek and Evelyn Morita
TODAY Show with Director: Kevin Derek
VIEW OF THE ARTS Written and interviewed by Maggie Gogler
TV RETROVISION - Director Kevin Derek, 'More Than Miyagi: The Pat Morita Story'
VOICES FROM KRYPTON - Filmmaker Kevin Derek on ‘The Karate Kid’ Star Pat Morita
TALKING PICTURES - Kevin Derek & Don Most
THE RALPH REPORT - Interview with Kevin Derek
MATT"S MOVIE REVIEWS Interview with Kevin derek
DEN OF GEEK - More Than Miyagi Director On Honoring Pat Morita
REVIEW NATION - Director Kevin Derek & wife Evi Morita
PACIFIC CITIZEN (Japanese American Citizens League Magazine)
CHATFLIX PODCAST (Australia) Episode 264 Interview with Kevin Derek
CINEMA SAVVY (UK) Interview with Kevin Derek
KSNV Derek Sante talks with director of 'More than Miyagi'
Kung Fu Kingdom (USA) Janurary 2018 by: Ramon Youseph
Black Belt Magazine (USA) March 2017 by: Patrick Xavier,
Los Angeles Times 9 January 2014, by: Michael Miller, "Moviemaker looking to sweep the board"
Tae Kwon Do Times - Page 25-27 Volume 36 No.6 Issue 214
Budo International May 2014, Issue. May, pg. 78-103, by: Don Warrener, "The Real Miyagi"
Black Belt Magazine (USA) December 2010, Vol. 48, Iss. 12, pg. 73-76, by: Patrick Xavier, "Empty Hand"
LALIFF "ABUELO" Film Festival Premiere
CHATFLIX Episode 264 Interview with Kevin Derek
PODCAST/RADIO INTERVIEWS
Warrior's Edge Podcast - Kayvon Derak Shanian Interview
Knockin' Doorz Down | Director of “More Than Miyagi: The Pat Morita Story” Trauma Survivor and Inspiration
The Screen Chatter Interview with Kevin Derek and Don Most
Podumentary More than Miyagi: The Pat Morita Story: Directed by Kevin Derek
Cine Bijou In Conversation with Kevin Derek
Articles
DESERT SUN - American Documentary and Animation Film Festival: 4 filmmakers share their inspirations
Shout Out LA - Meet Kayvon Derak Shanian | Filmmaker
Inspiring Conversations with Kayvon Derak Shanian of Love Project Films
L.A. Times - 5 Movies to See at LALIFF
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY - Exclusive
YAHOO! More Than Miyagi trailer: New documentary explores Pat Morita's life and career
YAHOO! NEWS - Documentary on Iconic Actor Pat Morita Explores His Struggles With Depression
DAILY MAIL - The Karate Kid's Pat Morita and his iconic character
ET CANADA - The Late Pat Morita’s Life Beyond ‘The Karate Kid’ Revealed In ‘More Than Miyagi’ Documentary Trailer
Martial Arts Guardian (USA) March 2015, Vol. #1, Issue. #1, pg. 16-21, by: Steve Rowe, "The Real Mr. Miyagi"
OC Weekly (USA) 20 February 2015, by: Aimee Murillo, "The Real Miyagi Honors Martial Arts Legend With Two Screenings Tonight"
OC Weekly (USA) January 2013, Vol. 17, Issue. 20, pg. 30, by: Matt Coker, "Hidden Gems"
OC Weekly (USA) January 20, 2014, by: Aimee Murillo, Irvine international film festival brings indie flair to Laguna
O.C. Register (USA) Irvine International Film Fest has grown bigger, more selective by Antonie Boessenkool / Staff Writer
L.A. Times (USA) February 27, 2015 by Michael Miller
Meridian Booster 11 May 2015, by: Simon Arseneau, "Real Mr. Miyagi gets his story on screen"
O.C. Register (USA) 11 January 2012, by: SAMANTHA SCHAEFER, "Irvine International Film Festival launches"
Studio Photography (USA) 1 April 2006, Vol. 9, Iss. 4, pg. 10-13, by: Elizabeth Friszell-Neroulas "Cinematic Celebrations"
Hollywood Scriptwriter (USA) April 2005, Vol. 25, Iss. 2, pg. 25 & 25, by: David Allen Rigsby, "The Trap"
Indie Slate (USA) 2005, Vol. 9, Iss. 40, pg. 20 & 21, by: Sam Chouia, "Falling into the Trap"
Reviews
FILM THREAT "ABUELO "…a sweet story about family with a slightly dark and twisted ending... 8/10 "
THE IDEPENDENT CRITIC "Abuelo" is an Engaging, Thrilling Short
POPBREAK (UK) Review ‘More than Miyagi: The Pat Morita Story’ is a Touching and Intimate Tribute
CHICAGO SUN TIMES - ‘More Than Miyagi’ waxes poetic about Pat Morita’s charms and struggles
ABC 4/Good Things Utah - Plan your weekend with movie reviews
WGN AMERICA - ‘More Than Miyagi’ explores complex life of Pat Morita
KGUN 9 (Tucson, AZ) - 'More Than Miyagi' doc unveils the man behind 'Karate Kid' legend
BLEEDING COOL - More Than Miyagi: The Pat Morita Story Chronicles Actor's Life
THE HOLLYWOOD NEWS (UK) ‘More Than Miyagi: The Pat Morita Story’ Review; Dir. Kevin Derek (2021)
L.A. TIMES 'Travel Ban' tackles intolerance through humor - Gary Goldstein
Film Treat Make America Laugh Again" 9 out of 10 - Bobby LePire
Screen Picks "Entertaining from the get go" - Ian Murphy
Tae Kwon Do Life Magazine "The Real Miyagi is masterful storytelling that has something for everyone" -Marc Zirogianiis
The Daily Beast "A new documentary looks back at Demura's astonishing, influential life"
Meniscus Magazine "I highly recommend this film" -Paul Kazee
Examiner "Brilliant Film". "5 Stars" -Bobby Blakey -Dallas Movie Examiner
TKD Life Magazine "Empty Hand"
KnockOut Magazine" Empty Hand"
AXS "Empty Hand"
Senshin: The Enlightened Mind
Fantasia 2015 "The Real Miyagi" "The Real Miyagi is a superb documentary"- Eric S. Boisvert
Rafu Shimpo L.A. Japanese Daily News 2016
SAAFF "Kevin Derek did a fantastic job"
Reseda Daily News "I think any Karate Kid fan needs to see this documentary"
TK Times "Riveting Documentary" -Robert Barnes
Magazine Cover
Payam Ashena (USA) December 2015, Vol. 26, Issue. 310
Studio Photography (USA) 1 April 2006, Vol. 9, Iss. 4, pg. 10-13, by: Elizabeth Friszell-Neroulas "Cinematic Celebrations