THE OPPONENT

THE SHORT FILM

A young boxer is forced to confront the true opponent behind her fists,

the legacy of her once-fearless mother, now silent and broken.

What is THE OPPONENT?

This Short Film is just the beginning for THE OPPONENT.

A small snapshot, bearing the bare roots of Sonia’s story, along with the tone we look to continue in a FEATURE FILM.

Beyond the Short Film: SONIA RAMIREZ, a less-than-stellar boxer to say the least, is forced into the darkest depths of the underground fight scene to pay for her mother’s care. An ex-Golden Gloves Bantamweight Champion, ROSA “Reign” RAMIREZ.

Raw, haunting, and defiant, The Opponent is a story about the punches we take for those we can’t let go, and the definition of true strength.

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

A 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.

Lead

THE OPPONENT

Michelle Batista is ROSA “Reign” Ramirez

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.

Supporting

Frances Lozada is CAMILA

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.

Supporting

Guest Featuring ERIC KELLY

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.

Day Player

OUR TEAM

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Jay Bailey

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

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 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

Matthew Canada

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 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. He has worked on everything, from multimillion-dollar sci-fi features to low-budget horror films, and now has brought all he has learned to Jay Bailey’s newest project, The Opponent.

Gaffer

Kevin Conover

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

1st Assistant Camera

Derek Terceros

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