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.

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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 Lam
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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 inspiration

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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