HELP US HELP PATA START HIS NEW BUSINESS!

Help Us Help Pata Start His New Business (Before He Helps Us Again)

We’re doing something a little special for someone who’s spent years lifting up everyone around him. Our friend John Pata is about to launch an exciting new business venture and if you know John, you know he’ll never ask for help, even when he deserves it most. So we’re stepping in to support him the way he’s supported so many of us.

But first, a reminder of why John rules so damn hard.

If you’re reading this, chances are you know John. And if you know John, you already understand just how rare and special a human being he is.

John isn’t just a talented filmmaker and artist; he’s also one of the most selfless, generous, and relentlessly hard-working people you’ll ever meet. He’s the kind of person who shows up, goes the extra mile, and gives more than he ever takes. Whether you’ve collaborated on a project, shared a burrito at a festival, skanked in the pit together, or just crossed paths in the film community, you’ve felt the warmth of his presence and the impact of his support.

As a filmmaker, John’s work speaks for itself. He’s the mind behind Better Off Undead, Dead Weight, Pity, and most recently, Black Mold, a powerful and deeply personal, award-winning feature. His storytelling is bold, unflinchingly honest, and just damn cool.

But his generosity doesn’t stop with his own work. Over the years, John has poured his passion and talent into helping others bring their visions to life. He’s contributed to an incredible range of films made by friends and peers: The Stylist, Gags the Clown, Revealer, Frogman, Bug Bites, and so many more.

And he’s done all of this while juggling the (insane) demands of his everyday life. John has never stopped giving to his friends, his film family, and the community that means so much to him.

So now it’s our turn to give back.

This is a quiet but heartfelt call to action. A way to say thank you, not just with words, but with something a little more tangible. John is about to launch an exciting new business venture, and we want to help support him the way he’s supported all of us. Every donation makes a difference—whether it’s $5, $10, $100, or anything in between.

If John has ever inspired you, lent a hand, lifted your spirits, or stood by you when it mattered the most, now’s the time to return that kindness. With his birthday coming up on June 25th, let’s give him something truly meaningful—a surprise gesture of gratitude and support from the people whose lives he’s touched.

We love you, John.

“Smiling when your friends are watching you.”