SONIA
THE SHORT FILM
A young boxer has her world turned on its head when her mother, an ex-boxing champion, takes her own life.
What is “SONIA” ?
This Short Film is just the beginning for Sonia.
A small snapshot, bearing the bare roots of Sonia’s story. Who is one of two main protagonists of our upcoming feature film, THE OPPONENT.
In this the short, we meet SONIA RAMIREZ hours after learning that her mother, ROSA RAMIREZ (an Ex-Featherweight WBC Champion) has suffered life-changing injuries following a car “accident”.
Raw, haunting, and defiant, SONIA looks to capture the essence of this character and her horrifying new reality.
THE CAST
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A 25-year-old Venezuelan Boxer fighting to keep her mother (an ex-champion) alive.
Maria Karolina is SONIA
LeadA true talent, Maria Karolina is a force of nature. Able to bring such truth and raw authenticity to her roles, committing her every being to capturing the essence of a character. Having been featured in a slew of high-budget films already, Maria’s reputation and resume are rapidly growing. Trained in Muay Thai herself, with a life not unfamiliar with Sonia’s struggles, this role and film were made for Maria to bring to life.
SONIA
SONIA
Michelle Batista is ROSA “Reign” Ramirez
Supporting
Another award-winning talent, Michelle has landed roles on countless short films, feature films and television shows.
The light of the room, Michelle’s boundless and instant charisma, made her an obvious choice for Sonia’s Mother, as we needed someone who could charm us in a second.
That is who Michelle is.
Frances Lozada is CAMILA
Supporting
A tenured talent, Frances has been around the block. Starring and featured in a plethora of feature films, shows, and shorts during that time.
With Camila, we needed someone who could stand toe to toe with Maria. Someone who you could absolutely buy as a genuine fighter and hard ass.
The role of the hard-boiled coach is one not often seen played by a woman, so we took as long as we possibly could to find someone who could nail it. Frances, IS that someone.
Guest Featuring ERIC KELLY
Day Player
A former four-time national boxing champion, U.S. Olympian, and celebrity trainer. After hearing our film’s scope and vision, Eric joined on with spirit, understanding how he could help create something special.
OUR TEAM
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An African American and Puerto Rican filmmaker from the South Bronx - Jay has produced, written and directed nearly 20 films, winning 3 awards in his early career. With true all or nothing dedication to everything he creates, his greatest strength is the passion he holds for not just his films, but for all who join him along the way.
Writer / Director
Jay Bailey
Paula de la Fuente
Paula de la Fuente is a Spanish writer, actress, and director based in New York. She graduated in Film, TV and Media from the Charles the III University and went on to train at the New York Film Academy, combining a solid academic background with hands-on experience on film, television, and short-film sets. Apart from directing her own projects she has also been a 1st AD in other independent short films like the Spanish slasher Kill or Be Killed.
1st Assistant Director
Matthew Canada
Matthew is an award winning NY based Cinematographer whose work frankly speaks for itself. Essentially self-taught, Matthew started out shooting music videos that led to commercials and eventually narrative projects. Recent projects include the feature film "Acolyte" with its world wide premiere at Dances With Films LA, and the show "Before They Kill Again" on HBO Max.
Director of Photography
Cameron Lockwood Austin
“Ever since I was a kid, I always knew I wanted to be involved in film, ever since I saw the movie Transformers (2007). All the explosions and giant robots stole my 6-year-old heart. I didn’t fully know what I wanted to do in film until 9th grade of high school, when I realized I wanted to become a writer/director. I have been in the filmmaking industry in NYC for the past 4 years, and it has been the best 4 years of my life.” - Cameron Lockwood Austin
Key Grip
Kevin Conover
Gaffer
Kevin Conover is a Gaffer from the suburbs of New Jersey, where no one ever goes into the creative fields. However, he decided to risk it all at Ithaca College’s film school, where he spent 4 years practicing his trade before jumping headfirst into full-time freelancing in Brooklyn.
Valentina Rodriguez
A former architect, Valentina is well traveled in the art department world having worked as an Art Assistant, Set Dresser and Production Designer for a wide range of productions from features to short films. Her experience, creativity and dedication to her craft is something to behold.
Production Designer
Pallak Malhotra
Pallak is a highly trained HMU & FX artist, classicaly trained at the Make-Up Designory (MUD), and thoroughly experienced having worked on a vast number of films, music videos and other projects in her career. We dub her... THE MASTER OF GORE.
Hair & Make-Up / SFX Designer
Nami Nazar
An Iranian composer and instrumentalist based in New York, he won the NY Theater Festival’s Best Music Score in 2025 for the play SPEAK, SAHARA, SPEAK. He is currently studying violin at the college division of the Juilliard School as a student in Naoko Tanaka's studio. He has had the privilege of composing for and conducting the Pars Symphony Orchestra in Iran and has participated in conducting masterclasses with distinguished conductors such as Shahrdad Rohani (Former Tehran Symphony Orchestra director).
Composer
Derek Terceros
1st Assistant Camera
A talented DP, Camera Operator, and AC, Derek is a true expert when it comes to cameras. Highly experienced and trained, he’s worked on a multitude of shorts, music videos, commercials, and features.
Eric Valencia
Eric Anthony Valencia is a New York City-based filmmaker with over 5 years of experience in narrative, commercial, product, and corporate content. Currently pursuing his B.S. in Media Studies & Film Production, he blends strong visual storytelling with a bold, cinematic style. Whether collaborating with local businesses or leading independent productions, Eric approaches each project with a world-building eye and a character-driven mindset. His mission is to translate the real world into cinematic stories that not only captivate audiences—but drive impact, emotion, and connection.
2nd Assistant Camera
Mathew Gomes
Mathew Gomes is a NYC-based Bengali American who has a passion for gaffing, writing, directing, and editing. He is currently pursuing a BFA in film at Pratt Institute. Through his films, he aims to tell thoughtful stories that connect with others as well as spotlight Bengali culture.
Key PA
