Director, writer, producer, and actor Tony Mucci makes his directorial debut with Money Talks, from a script he co-wrote with David Mazouz, who also appears in the film as an actor and producer. He graduated from Stanford and worked in development for Disney. Mucci has directed music videos for artists such as Justin Bieber, Juice WRLD, and Drake. He has also worked at Activision on Call of Duty: Modern Warfare in the visual effects and motion capture department. Out of over 13,000 submissions, Money Talks was selected to compete at the 2025 Oscar-qualifying Tribeca Film Festival, premiering June 14th at Village East by Angelika.
Synopsis: On the day of Reagan’s inauguration, a $100 bill travels through the underbelly of 1981 New York City.
The emerging writer and director from New York City applies his knowledge of history and the streets of his hometown to the crime drama script. He has previously directed several music videos in the hip-hop genre. All this lends authenticity to the stories of each character’s survival and what it took to get by. This story takes place during the time that Ronald Regan was sworn into office for his term. There is a clever use of a scene featuring a storefront with television sets and people passing by, with Reagan speaking. There was crime and danger; thus, the script reflects the reality of what people experienced at that time.
There are varied characters who have access to the hefty bill, starting with a woman who hires a taxi to go home. Driven by a loudmouth Italian immigrant taxicab driver (George De Noto), she is left on the side of the street when her money flies out the window, setting the journey of the money in motion. Franklin (David Mazouz) is a toy shop clerk who is no doubt one person not to trust with the cash register. His time is spent getting high, and it catches up to him. Among one of the most engaging scenes and stories is that of Cleopatra (Zolee Griggs). She’s a dancer who uses her skills to earn a regular income. Her story is one of reality, where she faces unwanted offers and rises above the challenges with compassion when she passes by a homeless veteran.
The stellar ensemble cast includes David Mazouz (Fox’s Gotham), Zolee Griggs (Wu-Tang: An American Saga), Ethan Cutkosky (Shameless), Fredro Starr D.C. (The Wire), Francesca Scorsese (We Are Who We Are), Bo Dietl (Goodfellas), George Denoto (The Last Airbender), Golden Landis Von Jones (rapper/singer 24kGoldn), Swoosh God (Rapper), Sean Pertwee (Gotham), Tyler Senerchia AKA “Hook” (professional wrestler), Natalie Shinnick (The Brutalist), Claudia Robinson (Severance), Alexander Khait (Sneaky Pete) and Jaxon Cain (Broadway).
Mucci is a filmmaker who knows how to craft a great film. I do not doubt the future stories he tells will be those that people will be able to identify with in real life, and not just fluff. This 33-minute film left me wanting to see more.
Source: Tribeca Film Festival, Infinity Studios