Calexit Initiative Launches Strategic Partnership with Film Faster 48 Through Exclusive Pre-Event Gathering

The Calexit Initiative will host an exclusive two-hour pre-event gathering on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Upstairs Restaurant at The West Hollywood EDITION. This RSVP-only event precedes the Film Faster 48 "Jingle & Mingle" Holiday Mixer, representing a significant collaboration between civic advocacy and the creative community. This gathering marks the first of many Calexit experiences and activations planned for 2026, forming the beginning of a statewide cultural, political, and artistic expansion effort.

The Calexit Pre-Event will bring together supporters, filmmakers, digital creators, activists, and community leaders for a focused and informative experience. Attendees will hear directly from Calexit leadership about the movement's vision, strategy, and priorities heading into 2026, learning how storytelling and film will play a major role in amplifying the message. The two-hour program will feature a briefing with Calexit leadership highlighting the long-term goals of the movement, key issues facing Californians today, the roadmap for 2026 and beyond, how community members can get involved, and why the first Film Faster 48 competition of 2026 will focus on the Calexit theme.

This gathering sets the stage for a new chapter in the movement that intentionally merges political engagement with creative influence and narrative power. Calexit is officially launching a strategic partnership with Film Faster 48, the high-energy 48-hour filmmaking competition known for discovering new talent. In February 2026, Film Faster 48 filmmakers will be challenged to create 4–7 minute films specifically focused on the theme of secession, independence, and California's identity. These short films will premiere at the Culver Theaters during the festival's red-carpet screening weekend.

This collaboration gives filmmakers an opportunity to explore societal issues through art, while giving Calexit a cultural platform to reach audiences in powerful new ways. The December 13 pre-event serves as the official kickoff for that partnership. Immediately after the pre-event concludes at 7:00 PM, all Calexit RSVPs will transition downstairs to join the Film Faster 48 Holiday Mixer. By linking the two events, Calexit is intentionally positioning itself within the heart of Los Angeles' creative ecosystem. This integration will introduce Calexit to hundreds of filmmakers and content creators, build early excitement for the 2026 Calexit-themed Film Faster 48 competition, strengthen the movement's cultural presence, and encourage collaborations between activists and filmmakers.

Dr. Xavier Mitchell, CEO of the Calexit Initiative, stated that Calexit is more than a political effort—it is a cultural awakening. Mitchell emphasized that people feel the shift happening in California and want to be part of shaping the future, noting that partnering with Film Faster 48 gives the movement an artistic lane to express the frustrations, hopes, and dreams of Californians. Marcus Ruiz Evans, President of Calexit, added that engaging with filmmakers and storytellers allows the movement to explore the topic through culture—not just politics, describing the event as about opening doors, inviting participation, and giving people access to the deeper reasons behind the movement.

JJ Ames, Calexit Political Strategist, noted that the creative community has the power to shape narratives that influence millions, stating that by making Calexit the first theme for Film Faster 48's 2026 competition, the movement is empowering filmmakers to explore the complexities of California's identity. The December 13 gathering is only the beginning, with Calexit having a robust slate of upcoming events planned for 2026 including statewide community forums, campus tours, creative and civic collaborations, filmmaker workshops, town halls and roundtables, media activations, and strategic partnership events with Film Faster 48. More announcements will be released in early January.

As the movement grows, Calexit PAC funds will support public education campaigns, on-the-ground community events across California, media, outreach, and strategic communication, research initiatives and policy development, volunteer coordination and statewide organizing, partnerships with civic, cultural, and artistic groups, and artist and filmmaker collaborations tied to independence messaging. Supporters can help Calexit expand its 2026 efforts by contributing to the PAC at https://www.calexitpac.org. The Calexit Initiative is a statewide movement dedicated to exploring the political, economic, and cultural feasibility of California becoming an independent nation, with more information available at https://www.calexitnow.org.