Independent Film Festival Awards
Paper Bag Plan
- Best Feature – Santa Monica Film Festival
- Best Actor – Cole Massie, Santa Monica Film Festival
- Best of the Fest – Beloit International Film Festival
- Best Drama Feature – Poppy Jasper Film Festival
- Audience Award – Naples International Film Festival
- Audience Award – San Francisco Indie Festival
- Audience Award – Film Fest Tucson
- Best Premiere – Heartland Film Festival
- Best Actor – Lance Kinsey, Montreal Independent Film Festival
- Bill Paxton Award – OJAI Film Festival
Nominations:
Liverpool Indie Awards – Best Film
Other Festival Official Selections:
ReelAbilities Film Festival
Newport Beach Film Festival
Phoenix Film Festival
Sedona Film Festival
Tallgrass Film Festival
What the Critics are Saying about The Paper Bag Plan Film…
“Lucero is so good at working with actors that the performances appear seamless. Lance Kinsey as Oscar and Cole Massie as Billy are nothing less than superb.” —Peoples World
“I was repeatedly brought to the edge of tears. The sophistication of the screenplay’s cinematic storytelling is stunning. I was completely riveted for every second of every minute, the momentum is relentless.” —Film Threat
“3 mind blowing films not to miss out at the 2025 ReelAbilities Film Festival.” —Forbes
“Paper Bag Plan is a film that resonates deeply. Just remember to bring a box of tissues.” —Fan Boy Nation
“The emotional depth will rip your heart out.” —Bay City News
East Side Sushi
- Audience Award – Cinequest Film Festival
- Audience Award – Naples International Film Festival
- Audience Award – CAAM Film Festival
- Audience Award – San Francisco Indie Film Festival
- Best Screenplay – Napa Valley Film Festival
- Best Feature – Black Hills Film Festival
- Audience Award – Hola Mexico Film Festival
- Special Jury Award – Arizona International
- Audience Award – Cine +Mas Film Festival
- Best Feature – Beloit International Film Festival
- Audience Award – Prescott Film Festival
- Audience Award – Cinetopia Film Festival
Media Buzz about East Side Sushi Film…
“In ‘East Side Sushi’ a satisfying cross slice of cross-cultural life.” —Washington Post
“East Side Sushi rolling out a delightful performance.” —The Seattle Times
“East Side Sushi pushes gender barriers in a cross-ethnic culinary setting” —The Seattle Globalist