Community-Powered Filmmaking

Built by hundreds of supporters through crowdfunding, workshops, and grassroots collaboration.

From $6,500 to Global Reach

A micro-budget feature that grew into an internationally distributed action trilogy.

A Fresh Voice in Action Cinema

Martial arts, humour, heart, and a unique female-led perspective on action storytelling.

Stories Beyond Borders

A diverse cast and crew exploring universal themes that connect audiences worldwide.

Reimagining Independent Filmmaking

A new model combining community, crowdfunding, self-distribution, and creative freedom.

What started as a $6,500 action film became an internationally distributed trilogy powered by hundreds of supporters, filmmakers, artists, and dreamers.

About Echo 8 Trilogy

Echo 8 is an independent, female-led action thriller that began as a passion project by Maria Tran and the Phoenix Eye Films team in Western Sydney. Despite a modest $10,000 budget, the film has garnered over 20 international awards, including Best Film at the Urban Action Showcase in New York.

The trilogy expands with two sequels:

Five By Five: A prequel delving into Agent 5's descent into chaos within the Zodiac organization.
Echo 8 Beyond: A sequel following Echo 8 (Anna) as she lives off-grid, protecting her mother until her identity is exposed.

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Behind the Scenes of Echo 8 Trilogy

Founded by Maria Tran and the Phoenix Eye Films team, Echo 8 Trilogy stands as a testament to independent filmmaking, showcasing diverse narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide.

With a dedication to excellence despite budget constraints, our films have received critical acclaim, earning over 20 international awards and inspiring future generations of filmmakers in the industry.

Pushing Boundaries in Film

Echo 8 Trilogy, we strive to create powerful stories that challenge the status quo and empower underrepresented voices in the film industry.

The Films

Echo 8 (2023): An assassin with amnesia must choose between her loyalty to the Zodiac organization and the haunting memories of her tragic past.

Five By Five (2025): A gritty prequel exploring Agent 5's rise through the ranks of Zodiac, set three decades before Echo 8.

Echo 8 Beyond (2025): Echo 8 (Anna) is pursued by lethal Zodiac operatives while trying to protect her mother, leading to a confrontation with a group of misfits.

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The Echo 8 Trilogy Double Feature — Australian Premiere December 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Echo 8 Trilogy?

The Echo 8 Trilogy is a female-led, Asian-Australian action thriller series created by Phoenix Eye Films. It includes three films—Echo 8, Five by Five, and Echo 8 Beyond—exploring themes of identity, loyalty, and redemption through high-stakes action and emotional storytelling.

Do I need to watch the films in order?

Not necessarily. Both Five By Five and Echo 8 can be enjoyed as standalone films.

However, Echo 8 Beyond is a direct sequel to Echo 8, and we strongly recommend watching Echo 8 first to fully understand the characters, relationships, and events that lead into the story.

For the complete experience, we recommend watching the trilogy in chronological order:

Five By Five (Prequel)
Echo 8
Echo 8 Beyond (Sequel)

Whether you start with the prequel or the original film, you'll discover a female-led action saga exploring identity, loyalty, and redemption through high-stakes action and emotional storytelling.

Three films. One universe. One extraordinary journey.

Where can I watch Echo 8?

Echo 8 is currently available on streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Tubi. DVD and Blu-ray options may also be available once all three movies are due to complete in 2026.

Where and When Can I Watch Five By Five and Echo 8 Beyond?

Five By Five and Echo 8 Beyond officially wrapped post-production in May 2026 and are now beginning their festival journey.

The films are currently being submitted to festivals around the world, with special preview screenings planned for:

Sydney, Australia – December 2026 (pending confirmation)
Las Vegas, USA – January 2027 (pending confirmation)

Following the festival and screening period, both films are expected to be available for audiences to watch online from February 2027.

To stay updated on screening dates, festival selections, trailer releases, and online viewing opportunities, join the Echo 8 community and follow our official channels.

The next chapter of the Echo 8 saga is almost here.

Is This Really an Independent Film?

Absolutely.

Echo 8 was produced on an ultra-low micro-budget of just $10,000 AUD ($6,500 USD), placing it in the same spirit as legendary DIY independent films such as El Mariachi, which famously demonstrated that creativity and determination can achieve what many believe requires studio backing and million-dollar budgets.

Created through community support, volunteer collaboration, and sheer determination, Echo 8 proves that ambitious action cinema can be made outside the traditional film industry system. Despite its limited resources, the film has gone on to win more than 20 international awards, secure worldwide distribution, and grow into a three-film action saga.

The Echo 8 Trilogy is more than an independent film series—it's an example of a new generation of filmmaking, where passionate creators can build audiences, tell diverse stories, and create globally accessible cinema without waiting for permission from studios or gatekeepers.

How can I support the Echo 8 Trilogy?

There are many ways to help The Echo 8 Trilogy reach new audiences and support independent filmmaking:

Watch and share Echo 8 with friends, family, and fellow movie lovers.
Leave a review or rating on streaming platforms and movie websites.
Follow the Echo 8 Trilogy on social media and engage with our posts.
Join the Echo 8 Action Movie Group to stay connected with the community.
Attend screenings, premieres, and special events when they are announced.
Back future crowdfunding campaigns and become part of the filmmaking journey.
Become a Producer Circle member and help bring future projects to life.
Purchase merchandise, DVDs, posters, and collectibles when available.
Tell others about the films—word of mouth remains one of the most powerful ways to support independent cinema.

Every view, share, review, and contribution helps us continue creating diverse, community-powered action films and proving that great stories can be made outside the traditional studio system.

The Echo 8 Trilogy exists because of its community—and its future depends on it.

Why is Echo 8 Trilogy groundbreaking?

The Echo 8 Trilogy is redefining what independent action cinema can be. Created by Vietnamese-Australian filmmaker Maria Tran, the trilogy places a complex female action hero at the heart of an emotionally charged story about identity, belonging, and redemption.

Set against the multicultural backdrop of Western Sydney and brought to life by an international cast and crew, the trilogy offers authentic representation rarely seen in mainstream genre films. What began as a micro-budget feature made for just $6,500 USD has grown into a three-film saga, demonstrating that community, creativity, and determination can achieve what many believe requires millions of dollars.

Combining martial arts action, humour, heart, and character-driven storytelling, The Echo 8 Trilogy has resonated with audiences worldwide, earning international awards and critical recognition. More than an action franchise, it is a powerful example of a new model of filmmaking—one built through collaboration, crowdfunding, grassroots support, and a belief that great stories can come from anywhere.

The Echo 8 Trilogy proves that independent filmmakers no longer need to wait for permission to create ambitious, globally relevant cinema.

What's Next?

Phoenix Eye Films is currently developing its next feature film project with writer Elizabeth H. Vu. While the story, characters, and final direction are still taking shape, the project is being developed in collaboration with our growing community of supporters, creatives, and producers.

We believe in building films from the ground up—allowing audience interest, community involvement, partnerships, and available resources to help shape what becomes possible. This flexible approach has been a key part of the success of the Echo 8 Trilogy and will continue to guide future productions.

The next film is expected to continue Phoenix Eye Films' commitment to ambitious genre storytelling, diverse voices, and community-powered filmmaking.

Over the coming months, we will be inviting the right producers, partners, and collaborators to join us on the next stage of the journey. As with the Echo 8 Trilogy, we are seeking people who want to be part of something bigger than a movie—helping to build a creative community, champion diverse voices, and bring an exciting new story to life.

Production is currently planned for April 2028, with development, fundraising, and community-building underway.

Stay tuned as we share updates, concept artwork, behind-the-scenes development, and opportunities to become involved in the next chapter of the journey.

The next adventure is already beginning.