The MPI Original short film Grind, written, directed, and produced by MPI filmmaker Mark Apicella, will screen tonight at 6 p.m. at “She Means Business: Stories of Impact,” an event hosted by ActLocal, Opalus, and the United Nations Association of Pasadena at LOOK Cinemas in Glendale, California. The evening will spotlight films centered on female entrepreneurship, community impact, and social good, alongside women-owned business vendors and a post-screening filmmaker Q&A.

Grind follows John, an aspiring sneaker designer in East Los Angeles, who receives the chance of a lifetime when one of his designs is selected to appear in his idol’s pop-up shop. But as the opportunity draws closer, his best friend and business partner jeopardizes everything by promising the design to a gang with plans of their own.

Following the screening, Apicella and actress Alma Martinez—who portrays John’s grandmother, whose entrepreneurial spirit inspires his ambitions—will join the discussion panel to answer audience questions and reflect on the film’s themes. Secure your tickets here.

Originally developed in the 2022 MPI Short Film Lab, Grind was acquired in 2024 for production as an MPI Original through the Production Lab. Learn more about the film at grindfilm.com.