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"Tenacious Jaci"

A father, played by Jaime A. Zelaya pays tribute to his tenacious daughter, Jaci. Jaci, played by Leah J. Zelaya only wants to help her family succeed. Mockumentary/Short Film/Comedy 2021-
* Leah J. Zelaya, actor (Jaci) & Costume Coordinator has a rare form of neuromuscular disease. Jaime A. Zelaya , actor (father) & Editor has a rare form of neuromuscular disease.

  • Bevsi J. Zelaya
    Director
  • Bevsi J. Zelaya
    Writer
  • Bevsi J. Zelaya
    Producer
  • Leah J. Zelaya
    Key Cast
    "Jaci"
    "Marry Me"
  • Jaime A. Zelaya
    Key Cast
    "Albert"
  • Bevsi J. Zelaya
    Key Cast
    "Victoria"
  • Josiah J. Zelaya
    Key Cast
    "Cole"
  • Nehemiah J. Zelaya
    Key Cast
    "Jerry"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    5 minutes 52 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    March 21, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    250 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Iphone XRS
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Bevsi J. Zelaya

Bevsi J. Zelaya is native New Yorker from Brooklyn. She is an ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Since 2015, she has visited our nation's capital Washington, DC, to advocate and represent New York State families with neuromuscular disease. She has requested support with NYS senators and congress representatives regarding the following house bills: accessible air travel, newborn screening, healthcare reform, the orphan drug act of 1983, and medical surprise billing.
She enjoys writing short stories and appreciates classic films.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

I wanted to make "Tenacious Jaci" a short film that everyone can watch and be able to laugh. Laughter has always been a great medicine for me!
In 2007, I gave birth to my middle child, Leah who was born with a rare neurological disease. Throughout her life I have personally experienced discrimination towards Leah. This has propelled me to encourage Leah to show the world that there is no limitation to her abilities. The sole purpose of this short film was to capture that people with disabilities can possess strong passionate talents and aptitudes that can galvanize change. Actress, Leah J. Zelaya (Jaci), exhibits the aforementioned qualities.