Reborn Cinema has announced the January 30 premiere of "Reina Reborn," a 90-minute adult feature film conceived by producer-director Karim Z. The film features an ensemble cast, an original soundtrack, and a six-figure budget.

From Concept to Production

The project originated from Karim Z.'s concept, who initially approached veteran adult producers Michael Vegas and Siouxsie Q of Pig Machine Productions. Vegas stated that Karim Z. presented an idea for a "music video movie" where scenes would align with the pace of songs, featuring characters Karim Z. had envisioned. Siouxsie Q characterized "Reina Reborn" as the "most ambitious project and the largest budget our team has had the opportunity to work with thus far."

Karim Z. funded the movie, wrote the screenplay, and co-directed it with Pig Machine. He also took an active role behind the camera. The production included beach scenes, firearms, rain, a live band, and numerous group and double penetration scenes, culminating in an outdoor orgy with nearly a dozen performers.

Karim Z. had been developing the concept for "Reina Reborn" for close to two years. His initial vision, "Rio Reina," was set in Rio de Janeiro, featuring Brazilian performers, Portuguese dialogue, and a soundtrack of bossa nova, rock, and electronic music. He had no prior experience in adult filmmaking and few industry connections. An attempt to produce the movie in Brazil proved impractical, and outreach to the U.S. adult industry went largely unanswered. A prospective partnership with a custom video producer also fell apart.

Karim Z. contacted Michael Vegas while attempting to verify another producer's credentials. Vegas did not have the information Karim Z. sought but was intrigued by the movie idea. Vegas sent Karim Z. examples of his work, which Karim Z. overlooked for approximately a month. Upon viewing them, Karim Z. decided Vegas was the right person to realize his vision. Vegas and Siouxsie Q joined as producers, with Karim Z. directing. The project evolved from "Rio Reina" to "Reina Reborn," and Karim Z.'s fantasy expanded into Reborn Cinema, a new studio aiming to blend hardcore filmmaking with music video rhythms, cinematic swagger, and the soul of Brazil.

A Different Rhythm and Ensemble Cast

Karim Z. questioned whether viewers would engage with a hardcore film for 90 minutes. He aimed to make an engaging film by editing sex scenes to the length of a song and making the audio primarily music-driven. The film brings together a dozen characters across 10 interconnected chapters, with their desires colliding to a soundtrack that includes bossa nova, rock, drum and bass, and alternative music. Fourteen original songs by Lucas Hickory and various artists contribute to the film's pulse. Karim Z. stated that the music he envisioned inspired the film, and he sought to expand perceptions of what music styles could work with hardcore content, believing that sex and music are closely linked.

Further inspiration came from Guy Ritchie's "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" and "Snatch," specifically their quick cuts and propulsive soundtracks. The opening scene of "Reina Reborn," titled "The Feast," was the core of the original idea, initially conceived as a music video inspired by a drinking scene from "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels," but with a focus on sexual indulgence. This single music video idea developed into a feature with intertwined stories, where dialogue gives way to music-driven sex scenes. Karim Z. committed fully to the project, aiming to create something unprecedented in the adult film space.

For nearly two years, "Reina Reborn" existed in Karim Z.'s imagination. Bringing it to the screen involved finding performers who could embody its 12 interconnected characters. Karim Z. researched the cast extensively, including watching interviews to understand them beyond their on-screen work, seeking "true artists, with authenticity, pride and passion for their careers."

The cast includes Valentina Nappi as Reina, alongside Nicole Kitt, Lulu Chu, Maya Woulfe, Scarlett Alexis, Alex Jones, Charles Dera, Isiah Maxwell, Michael Vegas, Nathan Bronson, Ricky Johnson, and Vince Karter. Other performers mentioned in production details include Charlotte Cross, Ana Foxx, Vanessa Vega, Romeo, Mickey Mod, Christian Wilde, Dante Colle, and Dillon Diaz. Working with the ensemble influenced Karim Z.'s perception of the film, as he observed how the talent contributed to the final product beyond his initial vision. With Vegas and Siouxsie Q's assistance, Karim Z. recognized the contributions of the cast and crew. He plans a possible follow-up focusing on Nicole Kitt's character, Luana, in a sequel scene set in a bridal boutique.

Beyond the Screen

Karim Z. has another concept for Reborn Cinema: licensing existing adult scenes and re-editing them with new music to explore different interpretations. While the location, language, and title evolved from "Rio Reina" to "Reina Reborn," Karim Z. believes the original soul of the project endured. He also hopes the film will draw attention beyond the screen, specifically to climate change awareness, which has been part of his studio's vision from the outset. Karim Z. stated that the initial idea for "Reina Reborn" was to use it to raise money and awareness for climate change, aiming to create a film that would prompt viewers to inquire about its underlying purpose.

Karim Z. donated $10,000 to climate-related efforts before the film's release and has pledged 50% of net proceeds from each Reborn Cinema subscription to the cause. He also writes about climate policy, clean energy, and food systems on the studio's blog, where he discusses his own imperfections. He hopes that viewers who enjoy the film will be curious about his broader interests. Karim Z. indicated that the climate change message is present for those who look beyond the surface of the adult film.

Key Facts

  • "Reina Reborn" is a 90-minute adult feature film premiering on January 30.
  • The film was conceived by producer-director Karim Z. and co-directed with Pig Machine Productions.
  • It features an ensemble cast including Valentina Nappi as Reina, Nicole Kitt, Lulu Chu, and Michael Vegas.
  • The production had a six-figure budget and includes an original soundtrack with 14 songs by Lucas Hickory and various artists.
  • Karim Z. has pledged 50% of net proceeds from Reborn Cinema subscriptions to climate-related efforts.