Breathe: A Tabiyus Film

I had the pleasure of attending the Los Angeles premiere of BREATHE, and the event itself was a party-no after-party needed! As an indie film, BREATHE far exceeded expectations, showing what can be accomplished with limited resources when a passionate team comes together. Frederick Tabiyus Nah IV and his team created a film that feels polished, deeply emotional, and gripping from start to finish.

Jeff Rose, typically seen in faith-based roles, gives an award-worthy performance as Victor Brady. His emotionally charged scenes with Jesse Howland, who plays his son Alex, are some of the film's most compelling moments. Brandon Butler, known from Netflix's Trinkets and 13 Reasons Why, also delivers a raw portrayal of addiction as Craig London, keeping the audience deeply invested in his character's journey.

BREATHE also excels in its portrayal of diversity, particularly with its strong Asian representation. Remington Hoffman plays Brian Yune, the leader of the Asian International sector of a drug empire, in a role that is strikingly different from his previous work on Days of Our Lives. Hoffman brings depth and gravitas to Brian, and the scenes between him and Blue Kimble's Xzavion crackle with intensity. Forrest Hoffman, Remington's real-life brother, plays Garrett Yune, adding an extra layer of authenticity to their sibling dynamic on screen. Gilbert Galon's portrayal of Ryan Lee further strengthens the film's impactful representation. The Yune brothers, along with other Asian characters, are pivotal to the story's cultural and power dynamics, making this representation feel essential to the narrative rather than an afterthought.

Aaron Dominguez, best known for his role on HULU's Only Murders in the Building, delivers a standout performance as Javier Roberto, especially in his intense scene with Lucas Hernandez, played by his real-life brother Jona Dominguez. Their scene is one of the film's highlights, filled with palpable tension and raw emotion, showcasing the dynamic between the brothers in an unforgettable way.

Frederick Tabiyus Nah IV, who not only wrote and directed the film but also stars as James Reed, gives a heartfelt and sincere performance. His on-screen chemistry with Danube Hermosillo, as seen on SHOWTIME's Shameless, feels natural and adds a tender emotional layer to the story. The theme song, performed by Tabiyus alongside Anja Nissen, is beautifully executed and left a lasting emotional impact, perfectly capturing the film's core sentiment.

BREATHE is a prime example of what indie films can achieve with passion and talent. The story, diversity, and performances make it a must-watch, and I'm excited to see what the next chapter of The RUN Saga holds.

Frederick Tabiyus Nah IV proves himself to be a true creative powerhouse in BREATHE. Taking on multiple roles as director, writer, producer, lead actor, casting director, and even contributing to the soundtrack, Nah's vision is the driving force behind the film's success. His ability to weave complex storylines into a cohesive, emotionally charged narrative speaks to his multifaceted talent.

Nah's portrayal of James Reed anchors the film with quiet strength. James is the moral compass in a world teetering on the edge of chaos, and Nah plays him with understated intensity. His performance shines in moments of stillness, where James tries to guide his best friend Craig (Brandon Butler) away from addiction. The emotional weight of these scenes is palpable, with Nah conveying James's frustration and quiet hope in every interaction.

As a director, Nah demonstrates a remarkable gift for pacing. BREATHE is a slow-burn crime drama, but the tension never lets up. He masterfully balances quieter, character-driven moments with high-stakes sequences, creating a dynamic narrative flow that holds the audience's attention throughout. Nah's control over the film's tone-from introspective scenes to moments of explosive action-speaks to his strength as a storyteller.

In addition to his work on screen, Nah's casting instincts are impeccable. The ensemble, featuring standout performances from Blue Kimble (Xzavion), Jona Dominguez (Lucas Hernandez), and Allison McAtee (Kendal Macario), reflects Nah's ability to bring together a diverse, talented cast. Each actor shines under Nah's direction, with performances that are grounded in authenticity and emotional depth.

Nah also played a pivotal role in the film's music, contributing the single "Revolution" to the soundtrack. The song serves as an emotional undercurrent to the film, amplifying its themes of survival and struggle. Nah's involvement in every facet of the production underscores his dedication to creating a fully immersive cinematic experience.

Ultimately, BREATHE is a testament to Frederick Tabiyus Nah IV's talents as a filmmaker. His ability to balance the demands of directing, acting, writing, producing, and music creation is nothing short of remarkable. Nah's vision drives the film, making BREATHE a standout indie project that lingers long after the credits roll.

One of the most jaw-dropping aspects of BREATHE is how many incredible actors were brought together for this project. It's rare to see this level of talent all in one place, especially in an indie film. From Brandon Butler, who you might recognize from 13 Reasons Why, to Blue Kimble (P-Valley), Allison McAtee, and the Hoffman brothers, each actor brings something unique to the table, and it's clear that Director Tabiyus knew exactly how to get the best out of them.

What's impressive is how well this ensemble fits together, despite coming from such diverse acting backgrounds. You have actors from soap operas, network TV, streaming platforms, and even stage-all blending seamlessly into this gritty crime drama. I couldn't help but marvel at how cohesive the film felt, even with all these big personalities on screen. And it's not just about star power; these performances are grounded, raw, and emotional. Each actor seems perfectly suited to their role, and the result is nothing short of astonishing.

For me, what really stood out was how every actor, regardless of screen time, had their moment to shine. Whether it's Jesse Howland bringing depth to Alex Brady or Remington Hoffman as Brian Yune, no character feels wasted. You can tell that each actor took the time to truly inhabit their character, making even the smallest moments resonate. The way these performances intersect and bounce off each other is a testament to both the cast's chemistry and Tabiyus's direction.

It's not often that a film can juggle so many talented actors without one overshadowing the other, but BREATHE pulls it off effortlessly. This isn't just a collection of performances it's a masterclass in ensemble acting. Every character adds a new layer to the story, and by the end of the film, you're left in awe of the sheer talent that was packed into this one movie.

I had the pleasure of attending the premier of this film and it was beautiful! The way the lives of these LA citizens were woven while also displaying the director's own artistic choices was amazing. The film takes you through a journey from beginning to end, questioning who these people are and why we should care about them, to ultimately leaving us in silence and letting us think about our own lives. This film especially resonated with me having been raised in LA and seeing firsthand many of the same streets, people, situations. To be heard and seen is to be known, to be known is to be loved. 10 stars for this film I hope everyone takes the time to sit down and watch!

BREATHE masterfully unravels the lives of a suburban LA community ensnared by the drug trade, where interwoven fates collide, forcing characters to confront their darkest truths and navigate complex loyalties. This journey leads to a tragic, irreversible transformation.

I was thrilled to attend the Los Angeles premiere of the film. Jona Dominguez and Jeff Rose delivered standout performances that truly brought the story to life. The overall cast was impressive, particularly for an indie film, showcasing the raw, emotional depth required for such a complex narrative.

In his directorial debut, Tabiyus has crafted a compelling and gritty exploration of human nature under pressure. I'm excited to see what he does next as a director. BREATHE is a remarkable indie achievement that leaves a lasting impact.