Sasha Timan is a fearless storyteller whose work bridges documentary realism with emotional, character-driven narratives. A former TV journalist in Moscow and Washington, DC, Sasha now creates intimate films rooted in human rights, immigration, motherhood, and survival. Based in Los Angeles and holding an MFA from UCLA, her latest short Timelessness follows a Russian pianist seeking asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border. Her award-winning film Holy Water, about an elderly woman trapped in a televangelist’s scheme, earned Best Student Film at LA Indies Film Fest.Darya Ekamasova is a Russian award-winning actress whose performances have been featured at Cannes, Venice, and Berlinale. Known for her nuanced and powerful portrayals, she starred in The Americans and most recently played a striking role as a ruthless oligarch mother in the Oscar-winning Anora.Marc Thureau-Dangin is a UCLA Film & TV alum and seasoned 1st Assistant Director. With experience across French television and international productions, he’s worked on projects filmed in prestigious locations like the Élysée Palace and continues developing his voice as a director and producer.Hosted by BraveMaker founder Tony Gapastione, this LIVE episode recaps the most powerful moments from BraveMaker Film Fest 2025, and dives into Sasha’s creative journey, process, and passion for telling stories that matter.Watch the weekly LIVE stream on BraveMaker YouTube.Follow BraveMaker on social media:InstagramTikTok#BraveMaker #BraveMakerPodcast #BraveMakerFilmFest #WomenInFilm #IndieFilm #BraveStories
300th LIVE with Tony Gapastione and Priscilla Lam AND special guests from the BraveMaker Film Fest.July 10th, 2025 at the Bravemaker HQ in Redwood City, California with: Hilliard GuessSaeed CrumplerDave ThiesShoshannah Stern Zach Gottsagen Kathryn Smith-McGlynnNiema JordanNaee AndersonLeah Knauer Ken WhittinghamPriscilla LamWatch the weekly LIVE stream on BraveMaker YouTube.Follow BraveMaker on social media:InstagramTikTok
Join hosts Tony Gapastione and Belgica Rodriguez for a special conversation with selected creators whose bold stories will be featured in our upcoming festival.🎬 Behind-the-scenes moments🎤 Filmmaking insights💥 Creative inspirationWatch the weekly LIVE stream on BraveMaker YouTube.Follow BraveMaker on social media:InstagramTikTok#BraveMakerPodcast #BraveMakerFilmFest2025 #BraveStories #IndependentFilm
Watch the weekly LIVE stream on BraveMaker YouTube.Follow BraveMaker on social media:InstagramTikTok
Nijla Mu’min is a powerful creative voice shaped by poetry, music, fiction, and dance. Born and raised in the East Bay Area, she weaves deeply personal and socially resonant narratives that spotlight the intersections of identity, justice, and belonging.Her debut feature Jinn — a coming-of-age story about faith, freedom, and first love — premiered at SXSW, where it earned her the Special Jury Award for Screenwriting, and went on to be named a New York Times Critics Pick. Since then, Nijla has made her mark directing episodes of Queen Sugar, Insecure, Swagger, Blindspotting, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, All Rise, and more.She is a Sundance Institute alum, a recipient of the MPAC Media Award for Courage and Conscience, and a ReFrame Rise fellow. She’s currently developing her second feature, Mosswood Park, which was awarded the SFFILM Rainin Grant. Her academic background includes a dual MFA in Film Directing and Creative Writing from CalArts and a BA from UC Berkeley, where she studied under the legendary poet June Jordan.Nijla’s work is bold, intimate, and evocative — and this conversation will dive into how she tells stories that stay with you long after the credits roll.Watch the weekly LIVE stream on BraveMaker YouTube.Follow BraveMaker on social media:InstagramTikTok#BraveMaker #BraveMakerPodcast #WomenInFilm #Filmmakers #IndieFilm
Writers — ever feel like breaking into the industry is a mystery no one’s willing to explain? Joey Tuccio has been changing that for nearly a decade.Starting his career at Bold Films (Drive, Nightcrawler, Whiplash) and reading for companies repped by Hugh Jackman and George Clooney, Joey saw just how tough it is for writers to get real access and actionable feedback. So he co-founded Roadmap Writers, now one of the leading platforms connecting writers to execs and reps across the industry.Since 2016, Roadmap Writers has helped 440+ writers sign with reps and launch careers at Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, Lionsgate, and more. Joey also mentors for Cinestory and The Writers Lab, and somehow still finds time to rescue animals.Whether you’re new to screenwriting or ready to take the leap toward staffing and selling your script — this is your moment.Watch the weekly LIVE stream on BraveMaker YouTube.Follow BraveMaker on social media:InstagramTikTok#BraveMaker #BraveMakerPodcast #JoeyTuccio #RoadmapWriters #Screenwriting #Writers #BreakInHollywood #FilmIndustry #TVWriters
Writers, directors, and creatives — want to turn your vision into bold, unforgettable stories? Don’t miss this live conversation with Kim “Kimmie P” Callaway, an award-winning writer-director whose work blends humor, heart, and social impact.For over a decade, Kim has written and directed original web series, sketches, music videos, and commercials for major networks and brands including Amazon, Verizon, Ring, AOL, and HuffPost Comedy. Her commercial directing has earned her 4 Telly Awards.She’s the founder of Pillowfight!! Productions, a boutique company focused on visually striking, socially conscious comedy. Her latest short film, Mildred 4 a Million — starring the legendary Marla Gibbs — is currently on the festival circuit, winning Best Comedy Short at Worldfest Houston and screening at Raindance, Dances with Films, BraveMaker, and the SAG-AFTRA Showcase.Originally from Houston with deep creative roots in New Orleans, Kim brings sharp wit and soulful storytelling to every project — along with a background in theater, TV production, and a little Texas Hold’Em.Watch the weekly LIVE stream on BraveMaker YouTube.Follow BraveMaker on social media:InstagramTikTok#BraveMaker #BraveMakerPodcast #KimCallaway #KimmieP #WriteDirectFilm #WomenInFilm #IndieFilm #FilmFest #BraveMakerFilmFest #AmazonStudios
Actors and creative entrepreneurs — want to build a sustainable career on your own terms? Don’t miss this.Join us for a deep-dive convo with Tristina Lee Bryant, a Los Angeles-based actor and brand strategist whose work spans studio films, network TV, and viral indie hits.You’ve seen her in Unstoppable (Amazon Prime), Rap Sh!t (HBO Max), Burning Little Lies (Lifetime), and the viral short Default Mode — which racked up over 22K organic YouTube views.But off-camera, Tristina is a powerhouse brand builder, combining storytelling and strategy to help creatives grow. From directing UGC to leading branded campaigns, she works where art meets entrepreneurship — documenting her journey and teaching others how to navigate the evolving industry with confidence and clarity.If you’re ready to act with intention and build your brand with purpose, this one’s for you.Watch the weekly LIVE stream on BraveMaker YouTube.Follow BraveMaker on social media:InstagramTikTok#BraveMaker #BraveMakerPodcast #ActingCareer #CreativeEntrepreneur #PersonalBranding #IndieFilm #ActorLife #TristinaLeeBryant #BuildYourBrand
From raising funds to facing rejection, from burnout to breakthroughs — this convo doesn’t hold back. If you’re dreaming of making your feature, don’t miss this raw, honest look at what it REALLY takes.Watch the weekly LIVE stream on BraveMaker YouTube.Follow BraveMaker on social media:InstagramTikTok#BraveMaker #BraveMakerPodcast #Filmmaking #FilmProducer #FeatureFilm
We’re going deep into the real, raw truth of screenwriting with Hilliard Guess — writer, producer, podcaster, and director. From breaking into the industry to surviving the writer’s room, Hilliard is here to spill it all.With credits on Deadly Class (SYFY), the award-winning digital series TICKER, Amazon’s CROSS: AFTER HOURS, and the upcoming coming-of-age film MERMAID!, Hilliard knows what it really takes to make it in Hollywood.He’s also the longtime host of Screenwriters’ Rant Room, a WGA advocate, and a voice for underrepresented writers across genres. Expect real talk, wild stories, and serious insight.Watch the weekly LIVE stream on BraveMaker YouTube.Follow BraveMaker on social media:InstagramTikTok#BraveMaker #BraveMakerPodcast #Screenwriting #TV #BlackWriters #Live
BraveMaker Podcast with special guest Kathryn Smith-McGlynn!Kathryn Smith-McGlynn is an award-winning actor, writer, director, and producer whose powerhouse performances span theatre, film, and television. She’s graced the stage in acclaimed productions like HENRY V (The Old Globe), FAIRVIEW and SWEAT (Capital Stage), and DISGRACED (San Jose Stage), and shined onscreen in The Surrogate, Mazerunner: The Scorch Trials, The Best Man, and series like Better Call Saul, Grey’s Anatomy, and The Cleaning Lady.She’s also the force behind The Green Room podcast, a platform amplifying Black artists, and the writer/director of COME AWAY WITH ME, a play for youth about Harriet Tubman’s legacy.Join us for a powerful conversation on the intersections of art, activism, and representation.Watch the weekly LIVE stream on BraveMaker YouTube.Follow BraveMaker on social media:InstagramTikTok#BraveMaker #BraveMakerPodcast #LIVEstream #KathrynSmithMcGlynn #Actor #Director #Producer #TheGreenRoomPodcast #WomenInTheatre #IndependentFilm #BlackArtistsVoices
Watch the weekly LIVE stream on BraveMaker YouTube.Follow BraveMaker on social media:InstagramTikTok
🎙️BraveMaker Podcast -- Casting & Character with special guest Jane Flowers!Jane is a casting director based in Los Angeles who began her career as an actor, earning her MFA from UCLA before transitioning to casting in 2011. She’s been on a mission ever since: helping actors book roles and shine on screen.Her recent credits include Way of the Warrior Kid (Apple), Die Hart Seasons 2 & 3 (Roku), DreamQuil, Big Mike’s Cabin, and Cursed Friends (Comedy Central). She also cast Calamity Jane for the Warner Bros series REFRAMED: NEXT GEN NARRATIVES, now streaming on HBO MAX.In 2024, she was nominated for two Artios Awards for her work on Daisy Jones & The Six and Die Hart Season 2. Jane’s favorite part of the job? Creating a safe, collaborative space for actors to explore and discover.🎥 Join us for a conversation about casting, collaboration, and building creative careers in Hollywood. Don’t miss it!Watch the weekly LIVE stream on BraveMaker YouTube.Follow BraveMaker on social media:InstagramTikTok#BraveMaker #BraveMakerPodcast #CastingDirector #JaneFlowersCasting #DaisyJones #DieHart #HBOmax
BraveMaker Podcast -- Micro-Budget Filmmaking with special guest Noam Kroll!Noam Kroll is a Los Angeles-based narrative filmmaker and creative entrepreneur best known for his incredibly DIY approach to the craft. His micro-budget features Shadows on the Road, Psychosynthesis, and Disappearing Boy have earned acclaim at international festivals, and he’s not stopping there.As the founder of Creative Rebellion, Noam has led projects for major brands like Google, NBC/Universal, and Warner Bros Technology. He also educates and inspires fellow filmmakers through his blog, podcast Show, Don’t Tell, and newsletter Micro-Budget Weekly.Currently in post-production on his fourth feature Teacher’s Pet, Noam joins us to talk all things micro-budget filmmaking: building a career on your terms, staying scrappy, and turning constraints into creative power.Watch the weekly LIVE stream on BraveMaker YouTube.Follow BraveMaker on social media:InstagramTikTok#BraveMaker #BraveMakerPodcast #LIVEstream #NoamKroll #MicroBudgetFilmmaking #IndieFilm #CreativeRebellion #ShowDontTell #IndependentFilm #DIYFilmmaking #FilmmakingTips #BraveStories
BraveMaker Podcast -- How To Direct Female-Centric Feature Films with special guest Traci Hays.Traci Hays is best known for bringing female-centric stories to the forefront, and her fourth feature, ON THE RUN, is no exception—landing on Tubi’s Most Liked List as her third installment for FOX. Her international dark comedy MY BLOODY GALENTINE is also streaming on Tubi, and her psychological thriller BLOOD, SWEAT, AND CHEER, starring Tammin Sursok (Pretty Little Liars), was named one of Tubi’s Top 10 Originals by Vulture and Screen Rant.Before stepping behind the camera, Traci built a decade-long career in production design on features like A Little White Lie (starring Michael Shannon and Kate Hudson) and Amazon's Emmy-nominated DARK/WEB. As a director, her award-winning short FREDERICK won 20 awards after premiering at Dances With Films, while 40ISH gained recognition at Cannes’ Short Film Corner.Don’t miss this conversation about storytelling, women in film, and navigating the evolving entertainment industry.Watch the weekly LIVE stream on BraveMaker YouTube.Follow BraveMaker on social media:InstagramTikTok#BraveMaker #BraveMakerPodcast #LIVEstream #WomenInFilm #IndependentFilm #TraciHays #FemaleFilmmaker #TubiOriginals #FilmmakingJourney
🎬Join Tony Gapastione for a conversation with filmmaker Peter Curtis Pardini!Based in Austin, TX, Peter has made several documentaries about the legendary rock band Chicago, including Now More Than Ever: The History of Chicago, released by CNN Films in 2017. His passion for documentary storytelling has fueled his journey into narrative filmmaking, where he explores human idiosyncrasies and irony.His latest film, Man Goes on Rant, will be released on April 8th on VOD, Blu-ray/DVD, and TVOD—don’t miss the chance to hear about his creative process, filmmaking journey, and what’s next!Watch the weekly LIVE stream on BraveMaker YouTube.Follow BraveMaker on social media:InstagramTikTok#BraveMaker #BraveMakerPodcast #LIVEstream #Filmmaking #Documentary #IndependentFilm
Join our engaging BraveMaker Podcast conversation -- Making Short Films: VIRGIN and STEADY.Welcome our guests:Ramone Menon, a filmmaker from Bangalore, India, currently based in Los Angeles, California. Ramone has crafted a niche in genre cinema, particularly horror intertwined with social commentary. His film "Virgin" adds to his portfolio of thought-provoking films that challenge traditional narratives. His works have been showcased at major film festivals worldwide, including the Oscar-qualifying HollyShorts Film Festival and others such as LA Shorts and Brooklyn Horror.Joey Rogoff, Founder and Executive Producer at JoRo Productions. Starting with a strong foundation in social media content that captivated millions, Joey has pivoted to producing narrative films that aim to leave a mark on its viewers. His inaugural narrative project, 'Guardian Angel,' set the stage for his production house and was followed by the critically acknowledged 'Steady.'Brian Yuran, Partner at JoRo Productions and a recognized writer-director. Brian has a history of creating films that resonate deeply with audiences. An alumnus of the prestigious Newhouse School at Syracuse University, he has consistently brought to life stories that explore the human condition through unique lenses. His latest project, 'Steady,' featuring Tate Donovan, explores the redemptive power of new relationships formed under unusual circumstances.In-Depth Look at the Films:VIRGIN directed by Ramone Menon, brings a daring reimagining of the nativity story set against a backdrop of horror. The film, which premiered at FilmQuest, delves into the psychological and supernatural elements that might have surrounded the historical event, using a blend of Aramaic dialogue to enhance authenticity.STEADY, co-directed by Brian Yuran and Joey Rogoff, portrays the life of Cody, a teen struggling with personal demons, who finds guidance and friendship in Kasey, a former boxer facing his own battles with Parkinson’s disease. This film not only navigates the challenges they face but also highlights their journey towards mutual healing and empowerment.Watch the weekly LIVE stream on BraveMaker YouTube.Follow BraveMaker on social media:InstagramTikTokFacebook#BraveMaker #BraveMakerPodcast #PatrickCaligiuri #TVProduction #BehindTheScenes #ContentCreator #Filmmaking
Join our conversation with Patrick Caligiuri, an award-winning producer, writer, and content creator behind some of TV’s most thrilling reality shows, including The Amazing Race, Big Brother, Naked & Afraid, and American Idol!Most recently, Patrick served as Co-Executive Producer for Fight to Survive (Roku) and The Quest (Disney+). With over 20 years in the industry, he’s mastered the art of authentic storytelling and creative innovation in unscripted television.Beyond television, Patrick shares behind-the-scenes insights as “Producer Patrick” on social media, offering a peek into the evolving world of unscripted content.Watch the weekly LIVE stream on BraveMaker YouTube.Follow BraveMaker on social media:InstagramTikTokFacebook#BraveMaker #BraveMakerPodcast #PatrickCaligiuri #TVProduction #BehindTheScenes #ContentCreator #Filmmaking
🎬 Join us for an inspiring conversation with filmmaker and producer Ramfis Myrthil!Ramfis is a powerhouse in independent film, dedicated to championing stories by BIPOC, women, and LGBTQ+ creators. His journey started with a short film premiering at Cannes, leading to award-winning features like Cicada (2021) and the Tribeca hit Bad Like Brooklyn Dance Hall (2023), produced alongside Shaggy.His most recent short film, RICKY (2022), premiered at Sundance and is now in development as a feature. As an advisor for Sundance Film Institute’s Collab program, an adjunct professor, and a mentor for rising filmmakers, Ramfis is passionate about educating and uplifting the next generation of storytellers. His newest venture, Ramfis Productions, is dedicated to empowering Caribbean filmmakers and underrepresented voices worldwide.🎥 Whether you're a filmmaker, film lover, or just curious about breaking into the industry, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss!Watch the weekly LIVE stream on BraveMaker YouTube.Follow BraveMaker on social media:InstagramTikTokFacebook#BraveMaker #BraveMakerPodcast #LIVEstream #Filmmaking #IndependentFilm #DiversityInFilm #Sundance
Join Tony Gapastione and Priscilla Lam conversation.They share insights, behind-the-scenes moments, and how this trip impacted the BraveMaker team.Don’t miss this post-Sundance breakdown!#BraveMaker #PodcastLive #Sundance2025 #FilmFestival