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By supporting projects by, for, and about women, we are fostering a more inclusive and representative creative landscape. A special congratulations to this year’s recipients, including Kersti Bryan from the Bronx, whose film Stalled in Eight Etudes showcases the importance of justice and perception in our communities. These projects are helping to shape the future of the arts and contribute to the cultural vibrancy of our city,” said Majority Leader Amanda Farías.

Her latest short film, Stalled in Eight Etudes, is currently making its way through the festival circuit, earning Jury Awards for Best Dramatic Short and Best Live Action. With a career that spans multiple disciplines, Kersti Bryan continues to leave her mark on stage and screen.

There was never a question about pursuing an artistic career because from a very young age I considered myself a ccreative person. My parents were avid theater goers and took me and my two sisters from the time we could sit still in the audience – which for me was 4 yrs old. My dad was a jazz musician and my mom was a museum curator for the public schools, so we were exposed to music and art daily.

Today's guest is Austin Smagalski, writer/director of To Die Alone, a psychological thriller set in the woods.

As far back as I can remember, I’ve wanted to make movies. As a kid I told my anyone who would listen that I was going to be a filmmaker someday and would daydream elaborate trailers for the films I wanted to make (several including Godzilla). As the years went on, people started taking me more seriously. When my final film project in high school couldn’t be screened because of an export error, I rented out the local theater for a morning and showed my film. It was a small thing, but life-changing. Years later, I would premiere my first feature Donovan Reid at SF Indiefest and a second feature, TO DIE ALONE, that would go on to win awards including several for “Best Feature.” But really, it all goes back to that daydreaming kid.

Austin Smagalski, the visionary behind “To Die Alone,” shares his creative journey in an exclusive interview. From the tranquil landscapes of Sonoma County to the bustling streets of San Francisco, Smagalski’s Northern California roots infuse his storytelling with a unique perspective. Transitioning seamlessly from TV editing to independent filmmaking, he navigates themes of trauma and isolation with a keen eye for authenticity. Embracing collaboration and community, Smagalski aims to spark empathy and understanding through his work, envisioning a legacy that inspires audiences to embrace their internal conflicts and foster a more compassionate society.

The Jewish Film Institute is pleased to present Bourn Kind as our online short for the month of March 2024.

Writer-producer duo Jules Bruff and Alethea Root have set a partnership with Guerrilla Rep Media for sales of their award-winning feature film “Good Side of Bad.”

This indie gem shows us that wiser words were never spoken. The wilderness is a harsh place, and even with the best of help, sometimes things can quickly go awry. Dangerous bodies of water, scarce supplies, and faulty navigation all serve to up the ante in terms of anxiety in this taut thriller. Smagalski keeps viewers on their toes until the unexpected conclusion.

Asa part of our series called “ 5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Became A Filmmaker”, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Connie Jo Sechrist.

Writer-director Austin Smagalski is having a busy start to his year. He’s hard at work preparing for a big double premiere of his new independent motion picture “To Die Alone.” After a pair of screenings on Feb. 10 at the San Francisco Independent Film Festival, the film screens again the next day at the Spokane Film Festival in Washington.

A new film that shows how a family handles the diagnosis of schizophrenia in their youngest sibling is coming to the Albuquerque Film & Music Experience festival, which begins Sept. 27.

KUNM sat down with director Alethea Root-Dufraine and actor and co-producer Jules Bruff, who began by discussing their adaptation of the novel The Good Side of Bad by Beverly Olevin.

The Lunar Codex uses digital and analog technology to preserve art, books, music, and more, enclosed in time capsules and launched to the Moon. It is a message-in-a-bottle to the future. Feature and short films include the Emmy® award-winning film Real Artists.

Film School Radio - The Good Side of Bad

Paltrocast - New Film "Good Side Of Bad" & More