Inspired by a career geographic shift and the late 90s nostalgia for a foreign land, Keith Dorrington and IW Group’s “Hou Yi” is an exploration of family identity, ego, and how love and care have the power to change the course of things.

Keith Dorrington, the man behind the storyline of “The Fighter,” and award-winning AAPI marketing firm IW Group have collaborated on a new movie project, which serves as his follow-up to the critically acclaimed boxing drama “The Fighter.”

In China, the film tells the story of a self-absorbed executive who unexpectedly becomes the guardian of a three-year-old orphan named Hou Yi. Despite the challenges of language and cultural differences, this unlikely duo develops a profound connection that transforms both their lives.

On “Hou Yi,” the movie broadens his cinematic ambiance, shifting from less “kicking and screaming” to a more subtle and lighter tone. However, the complexities of family and existentialist values that can be felt in “The Fighter” are still well-retained, even if there’s a perspective shift to fatherhood.

Dorrington’s partnership with the multicultural firm IW Group is one to note as the agency is known for connecting and highlighting cultures in their campaigns through impactful storytelling. Set in China, this movie marks a dynamic cross-production as Dorrington’s personal experience and the firm’s cultural expertise will meld into the rawest and most well-done cinematic universe for the audience. 

Dorrington expressed, “Bringing ‘Hou Yi’ to the screen has been a deeply personal mission of mine for over two decades. I’m thrilled to take this important step in making that happen.” He will executive-produce the film based on his original screenplay. He added, “This story means the world to me because it is inspired by the events surrounding my own daughter’s adoption. While I spent time in China in my former career, I’m by no means a cultural expert. I’m excited to partner with IW Group to deliver this story in the most authentic way possible.”

As a multicultural and multigenerational organization, IW Group has long been acknowledged for their cross-cultural marketing endeavors. Boasting a strong portfolio of partnerships with Walt Disney, Warner Bros., and the mega-viral “Barbie” campaign last year, the agency will be the main force behind “Hou Yi”’s marketing strategy and cross-national account management. Moreover, this also marks their initial direction towards filmmaking, which promises an explosive celebration of culture and stories.

“As an agency that works at the intersection of Hollywood, Madison Avenue, and Asia, we feel there are some amazing untapped opportunities in his current media landscape,” said Bill Imada, co-founder and chairman of IW Group and 2024 AAF Advertising Hall of Fame inductee, who serves as a producer on “Hou Yi.” “With IW Group approaching our 35th anniversary next year, I felt it was time to embark on an exciting new chapter and I can’t think of a better way to begin this journey than to collaborate with a writer of Keith’s caliber to bring his powerful and inspirational story to the silver screen.”  

Bill Imada, co-founder and chairman of IW Group and a 2024 AAF Advertising Hall of Fame inductee, who is also a producer on “Hou Yi,” said, “As an agency that operates at the crossroads of Hollywood, Madison Avenue, and Asia, we see incredible untapped opportunities in the current media landscape. 

Telly Wong, IW Group Chief Content Officer and SVP, who is also a producer on “Hou Yi,” added, “We have two simple goals for “Hou Yi:” to produce a great film that resonates with global audiences and to explore the additional role our agency can play in the evolving world of media, entertainment, and culture. IW Group has always specialized in telling unique cultural stories in bold and innovative ways, and this new venture takes that philosophy to an exciting new level.”