FAIRFIELD WEST, Australia - AussieJournal -- Australian independent action franchise Echo 8 Trilogy is heading to international film festivals in the United States after selling out its initial Sydney premiere ticket allocations in just four days.

Directed by Vietnamese-Australian filmmaker Maria Tran and Japanese-Australian filmmaker Takashi Hara, and written by Elizabeth H. Vu, the trilogy includes Echo 8 (2023), prequel Five By Five and sequel Echo 8 Beyond.

Made for just US$6,500, the original Echo 8 has reached over one million views across platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Tubi, Apple TV and SBS On Demand. Its two follow-up films were produced for approximately US$18,000 each, shot back-to-back across Western Sydney over 50 days with more than 200 cast, crew and community collaborators.

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International Festivals and Australian Premieres

Echo 8 Beyond makes its world premiere at the US Martial Arts Film Festival in Tempe, Arizona, on October 17, 2026, followed by an official selection screening at the Urban Action Showcase in New York City on November 14.

Both films return to Australia for their Sydney premieres at Reading Cinemas Auburn, with Five By Five screening December 10 and Echo 8 Beyond on December 11. Initial ticket allocations sold out in four days, with waiting lists now open for potential cinema upgrades.

Community-Powered Action Cinema

Produced through crowdfunding, sponsorship and grassroots collaboration, the trilogy demonstrates how ambitious action films can be created outside traditional studio systems.

Tran, founder of Phoenix Eye Films, grew up in Western Sydney and now works between Australia and Las Vegas. Her filmmaking approach focuses on creating opportunities for emerging talent, culturally diverse performers and independent filmmakers.

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Five By Five features Takashi Hara, Xiang Ma, Ross Page, Anne Dao, Wilson Zou, Alan Zhu and Mike Leeder. Echo 8 Beyond stars Ashley Avci, George Basha, Damien Sato, Felino Dolloso, Joe Le and Kimberley Vo.

With international festival appearances and future digital distribution planned, the Echo 8 Trilogy continues to build its global audience while championing accessible, community-driven action filmmaking.

About Phoenix Eye Films

Founded by Maria Tran, Phoenix Eye Films is an independent production company operating across Australia and the United States, specialising in action cinema, diverse storytelling and grassroots filmmaking.

Website: https://www.echo8trilogy.com/

Sydney Premieres: https://www.trybooking.com/au/event/1659272