Tony Mucci’s MONEY TALK$ is nothing short of a masterpiece in short filmmaking — a bold, pulsating narrative set against the backdrop of 1981 New York City, the most violent year in the city’s history. In just a short runtime, the film delivers a sprawling, interconnected story centered around a single $100 bill as it travels from hand to hand, revealing the desperation, survival, and complicity of a city in crisis. This is storytelling with teeth — sharp, evocative, and relentless.
What elevates MONEY TALK$ from compelling to exceptional is the creative ambition and sheer execution behind the scenes. Mucci, in his directorial debut, showcases not only a strong command of visual storytelling but also a deep understanding of how to build tension, character, and atmosphere within limited minutes. The film is both gritty and lyrical, cinematic and intimate — a rare balance that few short films achieve.
The ensemble cast is a who’s who of emerging and established talent — from David Mazouz, Zolee Griggs, and Ethan Cutkosky to Francesca Scorsese and Sean Pertwee. Each performance, however brief, lands with impact. Particularly notable is how the actors never overshadow the narrative; instead, they serve the momentum of the bill’s journey, giving the film an almost voyeuristic sense of realism.
Beyond the cast, the powerhouse production team deserves immense credit. Mucci not only directed but wrote, produced, and acted in the film — a rare feat, and one pulled off with clarity and confidence. Co-writer and producer David Mazouz brings both creative and intellectual weight to the project, blending his industry experience with a fresh storytelling voice.
The film’s producers — Scott Aharoni and Bryan Schmier — bring festival-season firepower and polish to the project. Aharoni’s track record speaks for itself, with credits spanning Sundance, SXSW, and now Cannes, while Schmier’s commercial and music video experience ensures MONEY TALK$ pulses with cultural relevance and kinetic energy. Together, they form a dream team that delivers big-screen impact in a short film format.
It’s no surprise this film was selected for the OSCAR-qualifying 2025 Tribeca Film Festival, nor is it hard to imagine it being a contender for the Oscars next. MONEY TALK$ isn’t just a film — it’s a snapshot of a society’s fractures, told with style, urgency, and a rare kind of cinematic courage.
5/5
Sally Murphy for We Love Short Movies
