BATA

A feature film about Efren “Bata” Reyes. The Greatest Billiards Player of all Time. A Philippine legend who rose from humble beginnings and dominated the global stage.

The film centers around Efren’s most famous showdown: the legendary “Color of Money” match against American Champion Earl Strickland. In front of a roaring Hong Kong crowd, the Filipino underdog took on the brash, all-American star in a cultural clash that would redefine the sport. As the match unfolds, the story cuts back to pivotal moments from Efren’s life, his childhood in Pampanga, the nights in Manila hustling for survival, his secret travels through foreign halls, and the sacrifices that shaped his journey.

Told similarly to “Slumdog Millionaire”, the narrative interweaves the present-day drama of the match with flashbacks that reveal how every moment, every shot, and every risk prepared Efren for this defining moment. The tension builds until the final rack, where not only the title but also Efren’s place in history hangs, in the balance.

This is more than a sports story. It’s the tale of an unlikely hero, the overlooked Filipino who turned hardship into mastery, outwitted the world with intellect and skill, and inspired millions across cultures. Efren “Bata” Reyes is not just the GOAT, he is a symbol of grit, genius, and the belief that greatness can come from anywhere, a symbol that Filipinos and the rest of Asia, can rally behind. It is a movie that can remind them to be proud of who they are, where they come from and believe in what they can achieve.