After working in corporate events, a number of comedy festivals, and shows all over the PNW for nearly a decade, I was encouraged to take what I know and go out on my own. I'll be honest, I'm a little nervous but I've had so much support along the way. Everyone wants to see a more positive pivot in the industry: where performers, venues, and audiences are treated well, supported, and appreciated. I've been so lucky to have so many opportunities to learn and grow as a producer. This allowed me to think bigger and caused Start Fresh to evolve from just a comedy festival to a film-art-comedy-theater-writing-storytelling festival. I hope you help us celebrate all the creativity of Portland with Start Fresh this winter!
Ali is bringing his Under The Stars Festival to Portland! That's right, the same filmmaker who made a splash with Austin Under The Stars, Los Angeles Under The Stars, and Austin Spotlight will bring a great selection of independent films to The Mission Theater starting August 16th, 2025!