Thursday, October 1, 2026
Valley Stream resident Valentina Janek recently participated in a special screening of the independent feature film “Max,” held on Oct. 23 at the New York Long Island Film Festival in Lindenhurst.
Janek, who lives at The Meadows senior community, plays Graziella, a widowed mother caring for her adult son Max, who has special needs. The film explores the bond between mother and son and highlights the challenges of caregiving, emphasizing love, resilience and family support.
“It is very meaningful for me as I developed this image of Graziella, based on my life of nurturing and love because of my deceased mom, Antonete Tassone,” Janek said.
The film was written and directed by Angelo Amato, a former West Hempstead resident. Production took 17 days and was filmed in Janek’s Valley Stream home, which allowed for an intimate and authentic portrayal of the story. The layout of the house accommodated key scenes and contributed to the overall realism of the setting.
“I would say is it was the most the most amazing thing was me walking in and the layout of it; I don’t want to say it’s exactly what I saw when I wrote it, but it was just so perfect for what we wanted to do,” Amato said.
Janek’s involvement in “Max” built on her extensive experience in the arts and community. She hosts the Long Island Breakfast Club Show, volunteers with Ferretti Films and the NYLIFF and has authored two books focused on personal growth, friendship and life transitions. Her participation in the film drew on personal connections to family and Italian-American culture, allowing her to explore both performance and storytelling in a meaningful way.
“Max” received nominations for Best Drama, Best Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actress for Janek, while Amato took home the award for Best Actor. The honors were presented at a brunch held last Sunday. While the film received recognition in these categories, its message and impact remain the primary focus for the filmmakers. Amato hopes that the film will reach wider audiences, including families, organizations and individuals affected by special needs, and that it will continue to inspire and foster understanding.
“At this point in my life, it’s not about fame, it’s not even about money,” Amato said. “This is something I found myself feeling, that this is something I’ve always wanted to do.”
Amato, who has been involved in filmmaking and acting since his youth, developed “Max” over several years while balancing a full-time teaching career. The story reflects his long-standing interest in meaningful and inspirational films and addresses issues related to caregiving and support for individuals with special needs.
The screening and awards brunch illustrate the growing presence of independent filmmaking on Long Island and the contributions of residents to the arts. As “Max” continues to reach new audiences, both Janek and Amato aim to expand its impact through additional screenings and community engagement, demonstrating the potential for locally produced films to resonate widely while celebrating the stories and talents rooted in neighborhoods like Valley Stream.
There will be a screening of “Max” on Nov. 8 at 2 p.m. St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church in Douglaston. Seats can be reserved by calling 646-515-2744.
The film is available on YouTube by searching “Max,” an Angelo Amato film or at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_U4BMkZizSQ .
