The MPI Original short film Grind was nominated for six awards at the Revolution Me Film Festival in Brooklyn, New York, winning Best Short and Best Actor for Giovanni Cristoff. These wins bring the film’s total to seven awards and 12 nominations since the beginning of 2026.

Written, directed, and produced by MPI filmmaker Mark Apicella, Grind follows John, an aspiring sneaker designer in East Los Angeles who lands the opportunity of a lifetime to showcase his work at his idol’s pop-up shop. But his best friend and business partner threatens to derail his dream by promising John’s shoe design to a gang. 

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