Join us tomorrow at 7:00 p.m. in Los Angeles for the world premiere of the MPI Original short film Grind, written, directed, and produced by MPI filmmaker Mark Apicella, as an official selection of Dances With Films (DWF).

Held at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre in the heart of Hollywood, DWF is one of the industry’s most competitive and respected festivals for emerging talent. Known for its discerning programming and commitment to bold, original storytelling, it has become a powerful launchpad for filmmakers making their mark on the future of cinema.

Originally developed in the 2022 MPI Short Film Lab, Grind was acquired in 2024 for co-production as an MPI Original through the Production Lab. Principal photography wrapped in August in Los Angeles, with MPI interns gaining on-set experience as production assistants.

Get your ticket here.

Set in East LA, Grind follows John, an aspiring sneaker designer 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.

Watch the trailer below, then join us in person to experience Grind on the big screen!