Nov 7th, Los Angeles - a group of filmmakers gathered at Emmy-winning director Michael Barnett’s creative space Superfilms! for an evening that felt more like a heart-to-heart than a formal event. Titled “Cultivating Resilience in Life and Film,” the night wasn’t about showcasing accolades or networking in the usual sense. Instead, it was a chance to talk about the tough stuff: how to keep going in a freelance, unpredictable industry and what it means to stay grounded when everything feels uncertain.

Hosted by Jon Bregel and Ien Chi from The Nourish Community, the event brought together filmmakers of all kinds—from seasoned pros to those just starting out. The panel included Jessica Sanders, an Academy Award-nominated director; Izzy Rael, a 25-year-old cinematographer and director; and Greg Karpinski, a filmmaker and breathwork instructor. Each of them shared personal stories about what resilience looks like for them. Jessica spoke about how the people she’s filmed over the years—many of whom have survived immense hardships—have influenced her perspective. “When I’m struggling,” she said, “I think about their strength, and it helps me keep going.”

Izzy brought a refreshing honesty about being at the start of her career and how self-doubt can creep in. “Resilience, for me, is allowing myself to be imperfect and still knowing I’m enough,” she shared. Having mentors who believed in her has made a huge difference, especially in moments when she felt like giving up. Mikey B, who hosted the night at his SuperFilms! studio, chimed in to echo that sentiment. He spoke candidly about imposter syndrome and the pressures of succeeding in such a demanding field. “Even after my most successful projects, I’ve still felt like I didn’t deserve it,” he admitted.

One of the most memorable parts of the evening came toward the end, when Greg led a 20-minute breathwork session. For a room full of filmmakers constantly juggling deadlines, pitches, and creative projects, the chance to just breathe was a welcome reset. “Your breath is always there,” Greg said, “even when everything else feels chaotic.”

Throughout the night, the theme of community kept coming up. Jon talked about how, for years, he felt like he had to have everything figured out on his own. But over time, he realized that resilience isn’t about toughing it out solo—it’s about having people around you who get it. “Having a support system isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity,” he said.

The conversations weren’t just about staying afloat in the industry—they touched on life as a whole. Jessica emphasized the importance of taking care of yourself, from sleep and exercise to surrounding yourself with people who genuinely lift you up. “Being an artist is a marathon, not a sprint,” she said, a sentiment that seemed to resonate with everyone in the room.

The night also tied in with a new episode of The Nourish Podcast, which explores how filmmakers can find purpose in the quieter, in-between moments when work slows down. It’s a reminder that those times aren’t wasted—they’re opportunities to reset, reflect, and reconnect with what really matters.

By the end of the evening, as people lingered to chat and share stories, it was clear that this wasn’t just another industry event. It was a reminder of why so many of us got into filmmaking in the first place: to tell stories, to connect, and to make sense of the world. Sometimes, the most important thing isn’t the work itself—it’s the people you’re working with and the community that keeps you going.

About Our Panelists and Hosts

In case you’d like to connect or learn more, here’s a quick rundown of the incredible contributors from the evening:

• Jessica Sanders: Academy Award-nominated filmmaker renowned for her powerful storytelling and focus on stories of resilience: https://www.jessicasandersfilm.com/

• Izzy Rael: A talented young director and cinematographer, sharing a refreshing perspective on navigating the early stages of a filmmaking career: https://izzyrael.com/

• Mikey B (Michael Barnett): Emmy-winning filmmaker whose honesty and insights remind us of the value of embracing imperfection: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bm30SnPgADI/?hl=en

• Greg Karpinski: Filmmaker and certified breathwork instructor who helps creatives find balance through mindful practices: https://www.instagram.com/greg.karpinski/?hl=en

• Ien Chi: Award-winning filmmaker and community builder committed to fostering connection and creativity among filmmakers: https://www.ienchi.com/

• Jon Bregel: Filmmaker, coach for filmmakers, and founder of The Nourish Community: https://jonathanbregel.com/coaching