Paul Sapiano is the director and co-writer of Driving While Black. Driving While Black (2015) is an American Black comedy film directed by Paul Sapiano and co-written with and starring Dominique Purdy. The story is inspired by real-life experiences of racial profiling experienced by Black drivers in Los Angeles, blending social commentary with humor.

Directed and written by Paul Sapiano, The Boys & Girls Guide to Getting Down is a cult comedy that blends sharp social observation with absurd humor to explore dating, nightlife, and modern etiquette in Los Angeles. The film stars Dominique Purdy, who also collaborated with Sapiano on Driving While Black, bringing a charismatic and grounded presence to the story’s satirical look at modern relationships and social codes… (read more….)

Stellina Stampouli is a Greece-born, Austin-based photographer known for her dark, emotional, and intimate film photography. Her work explores feminine sensuality through light and shadow, creating richly atmospheric imagery. She has been featured in Vogue Italia and British Vogue and held her first solo exhibition, Lux In Tenebris, in 2018. (read more….)

Nina Kazé is an Iranian-American multidisciplinary artist based in Los Angeles whose work spans film, acting, and music. Her short films are intimate and contemplative, focused on interior life, emotional liminality, and the subtle moments that shape human connection. She is particularly drawn to short-form storytelling as a site for experimentation and poetic expression.

Shot on Super 8mm, Bonnie Jun, Director of Photography, brings a visually rich, atmospheric look that heightens the film’s emotional and dreamlike tone. (read more….)

Dax Norman is an animator and digital artist working across 2D and 3D animation, animated GIFs, video games, and live VJ performance. He has produced thousands of hand-drawn animations and feature-length works, with projects shown at the Guggenheim and commissioned by MTV, Adult Swim, and Pepsi (along with work tied to the NFL) that aired on TV throughout that NFL season. His fast, surreal style blends fine art, technology, and real-time visual performance. (read more….)

Paul Lewis is a figurative sculptor whose work explores the fragile, resilient core of the human experience. Raised in Edmond, Oklahoma, he studied at the University of Oklahoma with the intention of pursuing a career in medicine, but his path took a sharp turn toward creative expression, first through entrepreneurship and global travel, then, unexpectedly, through sculpture.

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Welcome our Event host and comedian Jennie Mintz

Jennie Mintz is an LA native who got her BA in Theater at UW-Madison. After graduating, she moved back to LA, where she attended Groundlings, which gave her the tools to create her own web series, MAKING IT. Jennie starred in, wrote, and directed the series. She went on to act in, write, direct, and edit a music video titled NASTY WOMEN. Both can be found on YouTube. 

Jennie is currently in development with her feature comedy, BORN TO PIN, which was inspired by her upbringing in LA and time in Wisconsin. The project is in the middle of casting and will shoot in Canada 2026. Jennie has co-written another feature about a classic American conspiracy theory that has captivated the public for generations. Stay tuned for that one as well!

Jennie began her stand up comedy career in April 2025 and has quickly risen in the scene. She's performed at The Comedy Store, The Hollywood Improv, The Pasadena Ice House, and Gotham Comedy Club, among other clubs in LA and New York. Jennie's thoughts on stand up: "It feels like I've solved the Rubik's Cube of my life. Nothing has ever felt more right." You can follow her on Instagram @jenniemintz to stay up to date on her shows! 

SMOKING HAND

Smoking Hand is an Austin-based band crafting a sound rooted in rock, blues, and modern indie grit. Known for their atmospheric tone and emotionally charged performances, they create music that feels both intimate and explosive.

NORMAN BA$E

Norman BA$E is an Austin-area hip-hop artist and creative known for his distinctive MC style and smooth yet bouncy delivery, blending introspective lyrics with street-rooted energy. He’s built his presence through local shows, collaborations, and independent releases, working to refine his craft while pushing his sound forward. His work includes mixtapes and tracks available online, and he’s active in the Texas music scene both performing and connecting with other artists.