RZA Starts Film Distribution Company, Collaborates with Quentin Tarantino on Revenge Thriller ‘RZA’s One Spoon Of Chocolate’
EXCLUSIVE: RZA is set to debut his new label, 36 Cinema Distribution, with the U.S. theatrical release of his revenge-thriller, One Spoon of Chocolate.
RZA, known for his work with Kill Bill collaborator and mentor Quentin Tarantino, will present the film, which draws significant inspiration from martial arts and exploitation cinema. The narrative centers around an ex-military convict on a quest for redemption in a small town.
The film, directed, written, and produced by RZA, is scheduled for a U.S. theatrical release via Variance Films on May 1, 2026. It will be showcased in 35mm during select engagements, including a two-week run at the Vista Theatre in Los Angeles.
Looking ahead, 36 Cinema Distribution aims to manage feature distribution for both new releases and classic titles, catering to traditional theatrical runs as well as event screenings. Additional titles are currently in development. RZA initially launched 36 Cinema in 2020 as a virtual platform to present classic kung fu films alongside live audio commentary.
One Spoon of Chocolate premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival last year and features an ensemble cast including Shameik Moore, Blair Underwood, RJ Cyler, Paris Jackson, Emyri Crutchfield, Michael Harney, and Harry Goodwins. The film is produced by RZA, Paul Hall, and Talani R. Diggs.
Tarantino commented, “As a filmmaker, RZA really brought home the bacon on an old-school, foot-to-ass, Revenge-a-matic! This picture drives audiences wild wherever it screens. We’ll sell you a whole seat, but you’ll only use the edge of it.”
RZA has previously composed scores for Tarantino’s Kill Bill volumes and Jim Jarmusch’s 1999 film Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai. He collaborated with Tyler Bates on the score for One Spoon of Chocolate. RZA made his directorial debut in 2012 with the martial arts film The Man with the Iron Fists, which was produced by Tarantino.
Reflecting on his latest project, RZA shared, “My new film, One Spoon of Chocolate, is my fourth feature film as a director. It embodies my journey as a filmmaker, mixing action, drama, thrills, and substance. The first draft started over thirteen years ago and wasn’t completed until 2023. After two years of filmmaking, we are ready to present this film to the audience. I believe this film is best suited for theaters, which capture our imagination while holding our attention. At its core, One Spoon of Chocolate is a story of a young man’s journey to improve his life amid chaos. Our lives revolve around the choices we make. The film is both timeless and timely. Get ready for thrills, chills, and some bone-cracking action, followed by a spoonful of thought-provoking substance.”
The plot follows Unique, a veteran and ex-convict seeking a new beginning in a small town. After encountering a local gang, he suspects their involvement in the disappearance of young men in the area, including his cousin. As he seeks the truth, Unique becomes a target for both the gang and a local sheriff’s office, whose actions may be even more nefarious. In a bid to fight back, Unique and his allies prepare to confront the threats they face.
