David Bianchi-created sci-fi feature brings a Latino-led cast, a cyberpunk vision of Los Angeles and a commitment to expanding opportunities for underrepresented talent.
Hollywood’s relationship with technology takes a dark turn in Cyber Protocol, a science fiction thriller starring Mena Suvari, Emilio Rivera, Richard Cabral and David Bianchi. Now streaming on Prime Video, the independent feature imagines a dystopian Los Angeles where organized crime, cryptocurrency and revolutionary technology collide in a fight for power and control.
Set in a dangerous urban landscape known as the Grid Zone, the 105-minute film centers on Grimm (Bianchi), a brilliant hacker who develops Acumen, a neural implant capable of downloading and processing enormous amounts of information directly through the human brain.
Grimm initially sees the technology as a weapon against criminal organizations and the corrupt infrastructures controlling the city. But as his influence expands, so does the destruction surrounding him, raising questions about the morality of technological power and the danger of believing that one person has the answers to humanity’s problems.
The premise places Cyber Protocol at the intersection of cyberpunk, neo-noir and contemporary conversations about artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and the growing influence of technology over everyday life.
Hollywood Cast – Unfamiliar Future
The film brings together an ensemble with considerable television and film experience.
Suvari, known for her performances in the Academy Award-winning American Beauty and American Pie, joins Rivera, whose portrayal of Marcus Álvarez in Sons of Anarchy and Mayans M.C. made him a recognizable presence in television.
Cabral, an Emmy-nominated actor recognized for his work in ABC’s American Crime, Mayans M.C. and End of Watch, also stars. The ensemble includes Christopher Rodriguez Marquette (The Girl Next Door, Alpha Dog, Reacher) and Cuban-Bulgarian actress, comedian and writer Mimi Davila.
Leading the cast is Bianchi, who is also the film’s creator, co-writer and producer. His acting credits include Queen of the South, Outer Banks, Resident Alien and SEAL Team.
Through his production company, Exertion Films, Bianchi has developed and produced six feature films, with projects licensed to platforms including Hulu, HBO Max, Paramount+ and Apple TV.
Representation Beyond the Screen
One of the film’s most noteworthy accomplishments is its reported commitment to diversity and access within the production itself.
According to production figures, 90% of the cast comes from diverse backgrounds, while 90% of the leading cast is Latino. Women also account for 60% of department heads.
The production reports that 12 non-union performers became eligible for SAG-AFTRA membership, while four background actors and four stunt performers advanced into principal roles.
These numbers point to an important distinction in the ongoing conversation about Latino representation in Hollywood: inclusion is not simply about who appears in front of the camera, but also who gets the opportunity to build a career, move into leadership positions and participate in the creative process.
For an independent production, creating pathways for performers to advance from background and stunt work into principal roles represents a meaningful investment in developing talent.
Co-Directors Shape a Dystopian Los Angeles
Cyber Protocol is co-directed by Yuri Alves, Christopher Folkens and Daniel J. Pico, whose combined experience spans television, commercials, music videos and independent features.
Alves, a two-time Emmy winner born in Rio de Janeiro and raised in Newark, New Jersey, has developed projects showcased at festivals and venues including Raindance, the HBO Latino Film Festival and Tribeca Cinemas.
Folkens, an Emmy-nominated filmmaker, has directed more than 20 music videos for platinum-selling recording artists. His feature Catalyst received recognition for Best Thriller and Best Feature.
Pico, a Columbia College Chicago graduate, has directed two theatrically released features and more than 80 short films, earning over 40 independent film awards and nominations.
Together, the three filmmakers bring their respective visual approaches to a futuristic Los Angeles shaped by urban decay, criminal enterprise and technological ambition.
Produced by Exertion Films, Cyber Protocol continues the company’s effort to develop original projects with commercial reach and independent creative leadership.
Producer Noelle Hubbell brings additional industry experience, with credits that include Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Superstore, Don’t Worry Darling, Rustin and A Big Bold Beautiful Journey.
The film has also drawn coverage from entertainment outlets including Screen Rant, MovieWeb, Film Threat and Digital Journal.
Ultimately, Cyber Protocol offers more than a futuristic thriller. Its combination of established Hollywood performers, Latino creative participation and reported opportunities for emerging talent makes it part of a larger conversation about how independent productions can contribute to changing the industry’s landscape.
Cyber Protocol began streaming on Prime Video November 10, 2026.
Film Details
- Created by: David Bianchi
- Producers: David Bianchi and Noelle Hubbell
- Production Company: Exertion Films
- Runtime: 105 minutes
- Platform: Watch on Prime Video