Two MPI Original short films, Grind and Pocket Change, have been selected for the 2026 Blackbird Film Festival in Manlius, New York.

Written, directed, and produced by MPI filmmaker Mark Apicella, Grind follows John, a young sneaker designer in East Los Angeles, who finally lands the chance to showcase his work at a pop-up hosted by his idol. But just as his dream begins to materialize, his closest friend and business partner pulls him into a dangerous detour by promising John’s design to a local gang. Torn between ambition and loyalty, John must navigate betrayal, street pressures, and the pursuit of his passion before his opportunity—and his future—slip away.

Starring Freddy Rodriguez (Six Feet Under, Planet Terror, and Poseidon) and written and directed by MPI filmmakers Heston Roewe and Tanner Mobley, Pocket Change centers on a mysterious drifter and his seemingly worthless quarter—an object that may be the key to saving a group of strangers when the power goes out at a remote roadside diner.

Grind will screen at Manlius Cinema in Manlius, New York, on Friday, August 21, at 5:00 p.m. Pocket Change will screen at the same venue on Saturday, August 22, at 9:00 p.m.

Tickets are available now. Purchase tickets for Grind here and Pocket Change here.

If you’re attending the Blackbird Film Festival, we hope you’ll join us for both screenings.