LEGACY

LEGACY is an action-drama short film about a father who must choose between his pride as a fighter and his responsibility to his family as he struggles to leave his legacy behind.

Tony Laras an MMA fighter, is training for his next match. He's a great fighter but he’s past his prime. He also has a daughter and wife he cares for deeply.
As he trains, his opponent's manager confronts him, giving him a proposition to throw the fight for $40,000.
Tony refuses and goes home, then talks with his wife, Bria Laras, about the situation. She believes he should prioritize the family, then Tony goes to his Coach for consolation, and he says the same thing.
Tony then goes into the fight unsure, but frustrated. Tony and his opponent Damian Hart, have a heated battle. When Tony is on the brink of winning, he thinks of his family, and allows himself to be subdued. In hindsight he made the right decision, or did he?

  • Jason Onzimba Lillard
    Director
  • Jason Onzimba Lillard
    Writer
  • Manas Sinha
    Producer
  • Daniel Rodriguez Saza
    Key Cast
    "Tony Laras"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, Action
  • Runtime:
    11 minutes 38 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 26, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    4,500 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English, Spanish
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Savannah College of Art & Design
Director Biography - Jason Onzimba Lillard

My name is Jason Lillard. I am a Senior Film & TV at SCAD. My hometown is Smyrna, GA. I'm a 21 year old Writer/Director and I have experience as a DP and Gaffer. My thesis film, LEGACY, was my directorial debut and I plan on directing in the film industry for feature length films as well as other forms of content.

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Director Statement

For as long as I can remember I wanted to be a professional soccer player. I wanted to play for Barcelona FC and the Gabonese national team, where my mother is from. I was able to express myself without judgement, and understand myself through Soccer unlike anything else expect for Film.

Inside the mind of every athlete there is a timer ticking away, because we all know we can't do it forever. And there comes a time, in every athlete's career, where they have to prioritize between leaving a legacy behind or finding another pathway to give meaning to their life. The main character in LEGACY, Tony Laras, is a devoted MMA fighter that faces a similar situation. His opponent’s team confronts him about his next fight and tries to bribe him with $40,000 for him to throw the fight. Tony has a lot of pride as a fighter, but he is past his prime. He also has a responsibility to his wife and son who could use this money since his job doesn’t pay much, and they are lower middle class.

LEGACY tackles the inner conflict Tony goes through as a prideful fighter and loving father/husband. This conflict brings up relevant issues that come from the inner struggles’ men have with their masculinity. Such as being too soft or being too much of a tough guy. Just like Tony, other men must gauge these options and create a balance that works for them as well as others.