University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa alumna Keʻalohi Lee Lucero is returning to the islands to showcase her latest feature film, Paper Bag Plan. As the executive producer, she helped bring to life the heartfelt story of a father with terminal illness teaching his disabled son to bag groceries in preparation for a life of independence.
The critically acclaimed film has earned 12 awards so far, including Best Premiere at the Heartland International Film Festival. It stars Police Academy’s Lance Kinsey as Oscar, along with the up-and-coming Cole Massie as Oscar’s son Billy—both of whom were recognized for their roles.
“What makes Paper Bag Plan unique is that it redefines the superhero story—sometimes heroes don’t lift cars, they lift their children.” said Lucero. “I want this film to stick with people. I want people to contact their family members—their mother, their father, or their child, and just reach out to them.”
Consolidated Theatres Ward will be showing the film September 18–25, with the possibility of future shows based on reception. Lucero will be hosting a Q&A on September 19 and 20 after the 7 p.m. showings.
An industry veteran
Lucero is no stranger to Hollywood, working for years as a live studio director, producer and editor. Some of her most notable contributions have been to series such as Baywatch and America’s Got Talent.
However, she got her foot in the door as an intern for the Hawaiʻi Public Television station where she soon made her way to being their youngest live director.
“I fell in love with all of it,” said Lucero. “I spent every waking moment in that studio.”
This hands-on experience complemented her studies at UH Mānoa, where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communication. Lucero was also fascinated with the business side of the industry—which her UH classes helped her to understand—as well as production.
“Collaborating creatively with like-minded people in my classes was really helpful,” said Lucero. “I wouldn’t be where I am today had I not gone to UH.”
Passion project
While Lucero is still behind-the-scenes on larger scale productions, she has personally helmed feature films such as Paper Bag Plan, which she produced with her husband Anthony, the project’s director.
“We wanted to be unique and tell an original story, not just follow another manufactured formula,” said Lucero.
Unlike many box office productions that focus on drawing crowds in with big names, Paper Bag Plan takes a small idea and turns it into an epic story, while highlighting people with disabilities.
To learn more about the film, visit Blue Sun Pictures.
—By Josslyn Rose
