"I actually got turned down from 25 or so actresses, recalls the Oakland-born Lucero, the director and writer behind the 2014 Oakland-set charmer East Side Sushi a radiant indie breakout hit about a Mexican immigrant finding her place as a sushi chef. His latest along with that first feature continue his intention to tell stories about everyday working-class people, characters too often that are given short shrift by Hollywood."
"Paper Bag Plan is a true indie through and through and a labor of love, blood, sweat and tears and came about minus posh bathrooms, fancy rigs, huge catered meals and was shot over six months. It's one of the most poignant film treasures of 2025, a crowdpleaser that keeps winning awards. It opens in select theaters this week: the Grand Lake Theater in Oakland"
Anthony Lucero, an Oakland-born director and writer, faced about 25 rejections from actresses for a lead role in Paper Bag Plan because the self-financed production was grassroots and low-budget. The production lacked typical actor amenities such as trailers and catered meals, was shot over six months in Burbank and briefly in Oakland, and used free locations like a grocery store after hours. Paper Bag Plan follows Lucero's focus on everyday working-class characters, serving as a poignant, award-winning 2025 crowdpleaser. The film premiered in select theaters, including Grand Lake Theater in Oakland, with additional screenings in San Rafael and San Jose. Lucero's wife suggested changing the role to a father to resolve casting issues.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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