it's all love.

 

BIPOC originators.
voices for the voiceless.
runway to the unseen.

 

ALL. DREAMS. REAL.

 

SEE US

HEAR US

The PLD Podcast

Join writer-directors Patrick Michael and Tyler Smith as they shed light on the adventures of launching a black-owned production company. In conversation with other BIPOC creators they explore the trials & triumphs of independent filmmaking, the process of bringing movies to life, and the eternal quest to dream out loud.

MEET US

Patrick Michael

…is an award-winning screenwriter and director based in Los Angeles. While studying pre-med at the University of Washington, he discovered a passion for storytelling leading him to earn an MFA from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts.

As the founder of PEACE LOVE DOPE FILMS, Patrick is dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices through bold, visually inventive narratives. Inspired by filmmakers like Charles Burnett and Lynne Ramsay, his work explores identity, memory, and transformation, crafting stories that bridge the gap between the personal and the universal.

Beyond filmmaking, Patrick mentors emerging creatives, fostering talent and championing fresh perspectives in visual craft.

Josh Akin

…is an award-winning filmmaker having recently earned his MFA in Film & TV Production at USC's School of Cinematic Arts. He is a director, writer, producer and editor known for Jurassic Punk (2021), Yo Soy Sally, La Loca (2021) and Driven (2020). Originally from rural Georgia, Joshua received a BFA in Drama from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts.

Cristian Lopez

…is a Director, Cinematographer, and Photographer from South El Monte, CA. With a background in media and cultural studies including a Master’s degree from USC, Cristian became inspired to start making films while studying Japanese film in Tokyo, Japan. By focusing on real people and their lived experiences, Cristian’s work aims to re-shape the cultural narrative by shining light on untold stories.

An Shu

…is a Director and Cinematographer, originally from Chengdu, China who holds a Master’s degree in Film & Television Production at USC.

A backpacker at an early age, her travels around Europe are where she discovered her passion for cross-cultural communication through film. After graduating from Communication University of China she worked for Phoenix TV as a journalist /writer-director for 3 years -- a valuable experience which  broadened her understanding of the world and the people living in it.

Her hobbies include piano, archery and spicy Sichuan cuisine.