Tony Gapastione is a SAG-AFTRA actor, speaker, and the founder and executive director of BraveMaker, a California-based nonprofit that uses film to educate, entertain, and create community through conversations about mental health, justice, diversity, and belonging. Since founding BraveMaker in 2018, he has built a year-round organization that produces a film festival, filmmaker grants, educational programs, networking events, the BraveMaker Academy, and the BraveMaker Podcast, all with the mission of empowering artists and fostering meaningful connection. As a writer, director, and producer, Tony creates character-driven stories about people falling apart who find hope, healing, and belonging through unexpected communities. His recent projects include 33 Days, inspired by the true story of Roger Huang's 33-day hunger strike, and NonProfiting, a heartfelt comedy-drama about rebuilding a life through community. Tony is driven by a simple belief: stories have the power to heal, challenge injustice, build bridges across differences, and inspire people to become brave enough to tell the stories that matter. / tonygapastione Khristopher “Squint” Sandifer, our 2026 BraveMaker Culturista, is a Visual Composer, award-winning creative director, photographer, filmmaker, and storyteller whose work bridges culture, technology, and authentic human connection. He has created impactful visual narratives across sports, entertainment, and business, collaborating with some of the world’s leading brands and cultural figures. His recent accolades include a 2026 Webby Award People’s Voice Winner, a 2026 Clio Award, four Drum Awards including The Drum Awards President’s Award, and recognition as part of a New York Times bestselling project. Squint is the primary photographer for Stephen Curry’s book Shot Ready. As a director, writer, and producer, he has led documentaries, television projects, commercials, and branded content across multiple platforms. Through every project, he remains committed to creating work that connects, inspires, and leaves a lasting impact. / iamsquint Dana Harris-Bridson, our first ever Brave Journalist Honoree, is Senior Vice President and Editor-in-Chief of IndieWire, where she oversees editorial strategy across film, television, and culture and helps guide the publication through a period of rapid industry change. A longtime advocate for independent filmmakers and creative risk-takers, she has played a key role in evolving IndieWire into a forward-looking platform centered on analysis, point of view, and the future of the business. She launched IndieWire’s Future of Filmmaking initiative, a cross-platform series of editorial, events, and conversations examining how filmmakers build sustainable careers amid shifting economics, new technologies, and changing audience habits. She also writes and curates In Development, IndieWire’s newsletter focused on emerging models, new voices, and the realities shaping today’s filmmakers. / danalharris Phillip Andre Botello, our 2026 Luminary Actor Honoree, is an award-winning actor known for his memorable performances in The Art of Self-Defense opposite Jesse Eisenberg, as well as Sunset on the River Styx and Pledge. Most recently, he completed filming the upcoming Netflix feature One Attempt Remaining alongside John Cena and a new feature from A24, while also appearing in Season 2 of The Rehearsal with Nathan Fielder. A graduate of the prestigious Juilliard School, Phillip has earned multiple Best Actor awards for his performances in Twenty Nine, Free Pass, and You Still See Dead People. Recognized for his authenticity, emotional depth, and commitment to his craft, Phillip continues to build an impressive body of work across film and television while inspiring fellow artists and audiences alike. / phillipandrebotello
