The Paper Bag Plan with Director/Writer/Producer Anthony Lucero
There’s a moment in caregiving that almost nobody says out loud, yet so many families recognize instantly. That’s where my conversation with filmmaker Anthony Lucero begins and where his movie The Paper Bag Plan goes with honesty, tenderness, and a steady respect for dignity. If you’re caring for aging parents, supporting a loved one with a disability, or quietly wondering what the future holds for your family, this story will feel painfully familiar in the best way.
Anthony shares how the film is inspired by his mother, who cared for his brother with severe physical and cognitive disabilities, and by the loss of his sister, who left behind a daughter with Angelman syndrome. We talk about the emotional weight caregivers carry, the family dynamics that form around long-term care, and the question that keeps people up at night: who takes the next shift when the primary caregiver is gone? Along the way, we dig into purpose and identity, including why work and independence matter so much for people with disabilities.
We also pull back the curtain on independent filmmaking. Anthony explains what a microbudget indie film (under $300,000) really requires, how he navigated casting, why he insisted on authentic disability casting, and how his wife stepped in to help finance and edit the project during the pandemic. You’ll also hear where to rent The Paper Bag Plan, why reviews and word of mouth matter, and a reminder to stay through the credits. If this conversation hits home, subscribe, share it with someone you love, and leave a review so more caregivers can find it.
Watch the trailer here
Get in touch with Anthony here
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