Amplifying Voices.
Telling Stories.
Building Legacy.
Building a community through the art of film
Film has always been more than entertainment — at its best, it is a mirror, a room, and a conversation all at once. When we say we are building community through the art of short film, we mean it in both directions: bringing filmmakers together and bringing audiences to them. We are creating space where emerging voices are not just tolerated but centered. Where the filmmaker who finally finished their first short walks into a room full of people who actually care. Where the conversation that happens after the credits roll matters just as much as the film itself. Short film is our vehicle. Community is our destination.
Our Story
Manifest Network didn't start with a budget, a venue, or a business plan. It started with a conversation — four creatives in the DMV who kept coming back to the same question: why isn't there more space for short films and the people who make them?
We are filmmakers, storytellers, designers, and marketers who have spent years working on sets, building brands, and creating content in a city full of talent that doesn't always get its moment. We saw emerging voices with real skill and real stories struggling to find platforms that took them seriously. We decided to build one.
Manifest Network is that platform. A DC-based film collective dedicated to celebrating independent short film and the people behind it. We believe short film is one of the most honest art forms there is — no filler, no padding, just story. And we believe the filmmakers who make them deserve more than a YouTube upload and a prayer.
Our first step is the Manifest Network Short Film Showcase — an intimate, curated evening of screenings, Q&A, and community in the DMV. It's the proof of concept. The stake in the ground. The first of many.
But beyond the showcase, Manifest Network exists to build something that lasts. A community where filmmakers can connect, collaborate, and grow. A stage that keeps getting bigger. A collective that lives up to its name.
We are just getting started.
Our Team
Justin Thaxton
Justin T. is the visual mind of Manifest Network. A filmmaker and designer with deep roots in production and storytelling, he shapes every element of how the collective presents itself to the world — from the brand identity to the digital experience. When you see Manifest Network, you're seeing his eye.
Co-Founder
Ashli Evertte
Ashli is how Manifest Network shows up in the world. A filmmaker, content creator, and community connector, she builds the audience, drives the conversation, and makes sure the right people know we exist. Her passion for film — and for people — is what turns a showcase into a movement.
Co-Founder
Co-FounderJustin Lee
Justin is the architect behind Manifest Network. A filmmaker, entrepreneur, and community builder, he drives the vision, strategy, and partnerships that keep the collective moving. His background spans independent film, brand development, and accessible technology — all in service of one mission: amplifying voices that deserve to be heard.
Co-FounderNigel Gabbidon
Known professionally as Mr. Ritemind, Nigel is the curatorial force behind Manifest Network's programming. A filmmaker and creative executive with years of production experience across narrative, commercial, and branded content, he brings the standard that determines which stories make it to our stage — and how they're told when they get there.
Upcoming Experiences
An intimate evening of short film screenings, filmmaker Q&A, and community in the DMV. Hosted by Manifest Network, our inaugural showcase brings together emerging independent filmmakers and film lovers for a night of stories, connection, and celebration.
Date: October 2026 — exact date and venue to be announced.
Doors open at 5:00 PM. Screening begins at 6:00 PM.
Ticket price: $25 per attendee.
This ticket grants general admission to the showcase, including all film screenings, Q&A sessions, and the networking reception. Seating is limited — secure your spot early.