Entertainment has entered a golden age of diversity. Netflix is an essential force within Hollywood’s diversity movement. Much of the success within this space has come simply by being a proponent of great content and allowing creators the ability to craft stories without interference. In order to become a key player in changing the “face” of Hollywood Netflix, thus entertainment, must become an active advocate: articulating a commitment to diversity that becomes synonymous with brand’s lineage of disruption.

Netflix engages well with its loyal Daredevil fans, but after a long hiatus from its prior season, they wanted to create something more meaningful that would remind fans of their intense love for the show and thematically tie back to the show's heroic inspirational story arc; a man left with a debilitating blindness, but despite that, shows no fear and instead uses it as a strength to protect his community. This was the perfect time to 1.) Give a multicultural creative talent wholly unique opportunities to present unfiltered content and 2.) Bring new narratives to screen that are more representative of the diverse consumer base.

Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. And part of what makes someone a hero is their ability to tap into instincts they never knew they had after being robbed of something they never thought they’d lose. Netflix will showcase a real-life hero who's true story reflects that of Daredevil and is of equal caliber to the storytelling quality of Netflix’s own content. By enhancing the opportunities for African American content creators and renewing a commitment to tell unique stories that represent what is considered other, will force the industry to recognize Netflix as a true disruptor in the space of diversity.

We created a compelling, narrative-driven short film with world-renowned African American mixed martial artist Ronald Dlamini. He was a new voice to show that diversity is necessary to continue positive multicultural storytelling. Dlamini, who's own eyesight loss happened in 2012 when a bout of meningitis and 10-day coma left him completely blind, champions a mission that is steeped in challenges to the status quo and solidified by actionable steps to change it. Dlamini’s world once revolved around opponents he could see in front of him. When his vision faded, his spirit could have followed. But much like Marvel’s Daredevil, the prizefighter found strength in his other senses and came back even stronger in hopes to become a champion again as well as help out many other emerging heroes in with his "superpower."

The 3:00 film was ideated and executed from start to finish in less than a month. Taking the creative and production teams all the way from Los Angeles to South Africa proved challenging, but produced an incredibly human and inspirational outcome. The final film and coinciding editorial lived on Complex.com - the definitive journalistic voice of today and tomorrow's diverse youth culture.

The film lived on Complex.com - the definitive journalistic voice of today and tomorrow's diverse youth culture - is the #1 entertainment video streaming property in Men ages 18-34 with 61MM+ monthly uniques. It was also distributed across Complex #1 most engaged men's social channels to 180MM social followers, of which ~79MM show high interest in sports related content.