Calexit Initiative Launches Cultural Strategy with Film Festival Partnership

The Calexit Initiative announced an exclusive pre-event gathering on December 13, 2025, at The West Hollywood EDITION, preceding the Film Faster 48 Holiday Mixer and launching a strategic partnership with the film competition. This collaboration represents a significant pivot for the secession movement toward cultural and artistic engagement as it prepares for a statewide expansion in 2026.

The two-hour RSVP-only event will bring together supporters, filmmakers, and community leaders to hear directly from Calexit leadership about the movement's vision and strategy. According to statements from the organization, this gathering sets the stage for a new chapter that intentionally merges political engagement with creative influence and narrative power.

Dr. Xavier Mitchell, CEO of the Calexit Initiative, emphasized the cultural dimension of the movement, stating that partnering with Film Faster 48 provides "an artistic lane to express the frustrations, hopes, and dreams of Californians." The December 13 gathering at the EDITION is described as the first major step in aligning the movement with Los Angeles' creative energy.

The strategic partnership with Film Faster 48 will culminate in February 2026 when filmmakers participating in the 48-hour competition will be challenged to create 4-7 minute films focused specifically on themes of secession, independence, and California's identity. These films will premiere at Culver Theaters during the festival's red-carpet screening weekend, giving Calexit a cultural platform to reach audiences in new ways.

Marcus Ruiz Evans, President of Calexit, explained the rationale behind engaging with filmmakers, noting that "engaging with filmmakers and storytellers allows us to explore the topic through culture — not just politics." This approach aims to address what Calexit leadership describes as years of dismissal and misunderstanding surrounding the independence conversation.

The event integration strategy is deliberate, with Calexit RSVPs transitioning directly from their pre-event to the Film Faster 48 Holiday Mixer at 7:00 PM. This positioning within Los Angeles' creative ecosystem is designed to introduce Calexit to hundreds of filmmakers and content creators while building early excitement for the 2026 competition.

JJ Ames, Calexit Political Strategist, highlighted the narrative power of the creative community, stating that "by making Calexit the first theme for Film Faster 48's 2026 competition, we're empowering filmmakers to explore the complexities of California's identity." The pre-event serves as an opportunity for participants to understand the movement's core principles before crafting their stories.

This cultural strategy is part of a broader 2026 expansion that includes statewide community forums, campus tours, filmmaker workshops, and media activations. Calexit PAC funds will support these efforts through public education campaigns, community events, and partnerships with civic, cultural, and artistic groups. Supporters can contribute to these initiatives through the organization's official website at https://www.calexitpac.org.

The movement's full 2026 calendar of events will be announced in early January, with the December 13 gathering serving as the launch point for what Calexit describes as a statewide cultural, political, and artistic expansion effort. This represents a significant evolution in how the independence movement approaches public engagement and narrative development.