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 the feature film, "In the Orchard" (2018), which won the Jury Award for Best Feature Film at the 2018 Sonoma International FF, "Magan's Fare" (2025), starring Barkhad Abdi, winner of Best Live Action Short at the Oscar Qualifying 2025 St Louis International FF, and Best Live Action Short nominee at the 2025 Raindance FF. Also, "Involuntary" (2023), starring Jack McGee, with Official Selections at the 2023 Justice FF and the 2024 Cleveland International FF, and "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.