The MPI Original short film Grind, written, directed, and produced by MPI filmmaker Mark Apicella, will screen on Saturday, October 4, at 6:00 p.m. in Los Angeles, California, as an official selection of the East Los Angeles Film Festival. Known for celebrating bold, original voices, this festival uplifts stories often underrepresented in mainstream Hollywood—particularly those exploring Latinx communities, immigrant experiences, and cross-cultural narratives. Reserve your seats here. 

The film will next screen on Friday, October 17, at 4:00 p.m. in New York City as an official selection of the Chelsea Film Festival. The prominent festival is ranked No. 6 in the USA Today list of “Top 10 Best Film Festivals in North America” and is recognized worldwide for discovering new talent and premiering bold independent films. Get your tickets here.

Grind has also been chosen as an official selection of the 2025 Newport Beach Film Festival, where it will screen on October 20 at 8:00 p.m. As one of the leading film festivals in the United States, the festival showcases the best in contemporary filmmaking from around the world, attracting industry professionals, critics, and audiences passionate about innovative storytelling. Secure your seats here.

The film follows the story of John, an aspiring sneaker designer in East Los Angeles, who lands the opportunity of a lifetime to be featured in his idol’s pop-up shop—only to have his best friend and business partner threaten to derail everything by promising John’s design to a gang with their own agenda.

The film originated in MPI’s 2022 Short Film Lab and was later acquired as an MPI Original through the Production Lab. Learn more about the film at GrindFilm.com and watch the trailer here.