Filmmaker Mark Villaluz has a deep connection to his latest short film, a personal project dedicated to the memory of his aunt Lourdes, lovingly known as Ninang Odette, and to all who have been affected by cancer. Reflecting on the profound impact she had on his life during a dark time in 2015, Villaluz shares that their bond helped him overcome some of his most difficult days. “We took care of each other,” he says, recalling her unwavering support, kindness, and resilience as they navigated challenging times together.

Villaluz’s film is more than a tribute; it’s a testament to the strength and love shared between two people who leaned on each other in times of need. Lourdes passed away from cancer, a battle that was marked by both courage and grace. Villaluz remembers his last visit to see her three years ago, knowing it would likely be the final time they could be together. After spending a month in the hospital, she succumbed to the disease, passing away peacefully shortly after her release.

The film begins with a powerful opening scene. A man lies in bed, struggling to sleep while Beck’s rendition of “Can’t Help Falling in Love” plays—a song that was particularly significant for Lourdes and her husband, as it was their wedding song. The music, a nostalgic link to Lourdes’s love story, sets a poignant and heartfelt tone, immersing the audience in memories and emotions. This choice encapsulates the warmth of Lourdes’s legacy while setting the stage for a story rooted in love, loss, and resilience.

Photo Courtesy: Mark Villaluz

Jay Anthony Joins the Cast and Connects with the Story

Actor Jay Anthony was chosen to bring this touching story to life. Known for his powerful performances and deep empathy on screen, Anthony was immediately drawn to the role and its connection to universal themes of grief and remembrance. “I was happy to be cast for this role,” he reflects. “We all have experienced loss, and I connected to the script right away.” Anthony’s ability to convey both vulnerability and strength makes him an ideal fit for the role, as he brings Villaluz’s memories of his aunt into sharp, poignant focus.

Jay Anthony’s Journey in the Arts

With a multifaceted background in acting, spoken word, and live performance, Jay Anthony has crafted a career centered on authenticity and expression. A Los Angeles-based actor and performer, Anthony has been involved in a variety of notable projects that showcase his adaptability and charisma across multiple mediums.

One of Anthony’s recent career highlights was being featured at Nappywood LA’s 10th Anniversary Celebration at the Ontario Convention Center on September 10, 2023. This celebration provided a platform for African American culture, highlighting Anthony’s versatility as he navigated the event with passion and respect for the community he represented. Soon after, he appeared on the CBS game show Let’s Make a Deal, hosted by Wayne Brady, on October 17, 2023, which allowed him to showcase his quick wit and engaging personality to a national audience.

Anthony’s stage experience continues to expand, with his upcoming role in Going Back to Get My Wounded Self, a play by Angel Lee, scheduled to open in Bakersfield, California, in January 2024. This stage role promises to highlight Anthony’s range as a dramatic actor, allowing him to delve into complex themes and characters.

Photo Courtesy: Mark Villaluz

A Broadening Portfolio in Film and Commercial Work

In addition to his work in theater, Anthony recently starred in a commercial for Bose USA, a prominent campaign filmed in Los Angeles in February 2024. This role allowed him to reach a broader audience while bringing his energy to a brand known for its innovation and quality. It’s another example of Anthony’s ability to transition seamlessly between the worlds of film, theater, and commercial work, proving his adaptability as a performer.

Moderating and Hosting: Making an Impact Beyond Acting

Anthony’s role in the entertainment industry extends beyond acting. As a moderator and host, he has used his influence to contribute to important industry conversations, including his participation as a moderator for the 3rd Annual Outside of Hollywood Entertainment Forum held in Bakersfield in April 2024. At the event, he shared insights on the business of entertainment, highlighting the diverse paths available to aspiring creatives. His experience as a host also shines through in his recent red carpet appearance for a magic show kickoff in Las Vegas, where he connected with attendees and brought a touch of charisma to the event.

Expanding into Music and International Projects

Anthony’s versatility is further showcased in his recent work in the music and television industries. This past May, he was featured in a music video for Brazilian musician and Republic Universal recording artist Any Gabrielly, where he had the opportunity to collaborate on a visually compelling project that combined his talents with the vibrancy of international music. Additionally, he appeared in a Korean television drama, The Best Mistake, a teen series with a massive following in Asia, where he took on a background role for the show’s fourth season, filmed in Los Angeles in August 2024. These experiences highlight his willingness to embrace diverse roles and cultural influences, making him a standout figure in today’s entertainment landscape.

A Deeply Personal Project with Universal Appeal

Through Villaluz’s short film, Jay Anthony gets the chance to bring his own life experiences into a project that speaks to the universal themes of love, memory, and loss. For both Villaluz and Anthony, the film is a collaboration built on a shared understanding of the importance of family and the impact of significant relationships. Villaluz’s personal story, brought to life by Anthony’s heartfelt performance, offers audiences a space to reflect on their own experiences with love and loss.

The film’s dedication to Lourdes, and to all those fighting or who have fought cancer, adds a level of poignancy that makes it especially meaningful. This project captures both the pain of loss and the beauty of memories, promising a deeply emotional experience for viewers who have faced similar journeys. Through this film, Villaluz and Anthony create a tribute that resonates beyond the screen, reminding audiences of the strength found in family bonds and the healing power of remembrance.

Published by: Nelly Chavez