Chris & Dana are award winning independent filmmakers and creative partners. At the core of their filmmaking practice is a Cinema in Thought perspective—an artistic and philosophical approach that uses narrative cinema as a catalyst for reflection, empathy, and social change. Dana and Chris create films not only to entertain, but to provoke the audience into questioning their assumptions, moral responsibilities, and relationship to one another—especially to the older adults and those overlooked in our communities. Each of their works is shaped by the belief that cinema is uniquely positioned to illuminate overlooked truths and to ignite public dialogue around systemic issues that remain largely invisible in mainstream storytelling. Their commitment to portraying underrepresented stories, particularly around ageism, elder neglect, and intergenerational empathy, is key to their approach in independent cinema. Works include: "In the Orchard" (2018), Jury Award Winner for Best Feature Film at the 2018 Sonoma International FF, Winner, Best Feature Film at the 2019 Culver City FF, Winner, Best Feature Film, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Actress at the 2019 Beaufort Int FF. It has been cited by veterans as one of the most accurate depictions of the real PTSD experience. "Magan's Fare" (2025), **Winner, Best Live Action Short at the OSCAR QUALIFYING 2025 St Louis International FF, Winner, Programmer's Choice Award for Best Short Film at the 2026 Cleveland International FF, and Best Live Action Short nominee at the 2025 Raindance FF. FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION • BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM, 2027 "Involuntary" (2023), starring Jack McGee, with Official Selections at the 2023 Justice FF and the 2024 Cleveland International FF. Involuntary is actively screened alongside various discussion panels around the United States, where lawmakers and experts working in the field of elder abuse discuss how better to treat the vulnerable elders in our communities. "Turning Blue" (2021), starring Kathleen Chalfant. Recently Ms. Chalfant was the 2025 WINNER for Best Actress for her performance in the film, “Familiar Touch” by the National Society of Film Critics. Turning Blue premiered at the 2021 Cleveland International FF, and during its festival run went on to win multiple awards, including Best Writer of a Drama at the 2023 NYWIFT Awards. Dana is a proud Film Fatales and NY Women in Film & Television member. In 2023, Dana was awarded an Ohio Arts Council Individual Excellence Award. She was one of six media artists in the state of Ohio to win this prestigious award. Turning Blue has screened alongside “Death Cafes”, in-person or online gatherings where people, often strangers, meet to discuss death and dying over tea, coffee, and cake.