Jacob Warman is a writer-director, documentarian, and martial artist telling stories of resilience, identity, and fight culture.
Born to a Black, Jewish, and Pacific Islander family, he was immersed in diverse worlds from a young age — from jungle tribes in Laos to host families in northern China — shaping a perspective attuned to the human condition.
A graduate of Emerson College on full scholarship, he launched Knucklehead, a streetwear brand blending animated characters with combat sports culture, extending his storytelling to design.
His current project, Against the Ropes, is a vérité feature in post-production supported by Reel Works Studios. Shot in Bangkok’s most notorious district, it follows three child fighters navigating survival and brotherhood under a Muay Thai coach, haunted by his past. Blending vérité realism with animation, the film explores their inner lives — drawing from Jungian themes of the collective unconscious.
With a background in screenwriting and photography, Jacob crafts narratives that feel lived-in and human. His commitment to immersive storytelling yields authentic work that resonates globally.
Me and Bas in Khlong Toei. Bas is an 8 year old Muay Thai fighter and protagonist of the documentary. I'm currently editing this film while studying at Emerson's LA campus.
Knucklehead: The brand's protagonist. an angsty teen doomed to a fist attached to his head. Underneath his rough edges he hides his heart white knuckled. because if he opens his fist, at any moment, his heart could fly away.
Can he build the courage to open his fist for a girl he loves all the while being bullied for his mutation? Join him on his epic journey of self actualization through martial arts.
Let's connect
Thank you!