Meet Nicole Maxali
Nicole Maxali is a San Francisco-based filmmaker, writer, producer, event manager, and international motivational speaker with over twenty years of experience in the creative and entertainment realm. Her expertise spans directing short films, solo performance, new media production, film acting, screenplay writing, and stand-up comedy.
No longer waiting for permission, she started her own production company called “Kindred Kapwa” during the global pandemic. “Kapwa” in Tagalog means interconnectedness, togetherness & harmony with other people. Kindred Kapwa creates community using film, media, events and online courses.
As an emerging filmmaker, Nicole premiered her comedy pilot “Good Vibes” at the 42nd Asian American International Film Festival in New York City. During the pandemic, Nicole has produced/directed three short films, written/produced a new comedy pilot and wrote her first feature film screenplay that got to the 2nd round for the Sundance Institute’s highly coveted Feature Film Program. Her directorial debut, “Love & Corona,” has been selected for the DisOrient Asian American Film Festival of Oregon, New Filmmakers New York Film Festival, DC Asian Pacific Film Festival and San Francisco’s CAAMFest. It had its world premiere at Grauman’s Chinese Theater on Hollywood Blvd during the Dances with Films Festival.
Nicole also boasts an extensive background in events production. Her NYC-based projects include an experiential pop-up exhibit for Ariana Grande’s Sweetener Album, sponsored by Spotify, and LG’s launch of “5 Boroughs. 5 Nights. 5 Views with the LGV40 ThinQ,” culminating in a performance by French Montana and Becky G.
Before the pandemic, Nicole was traveling the world, meeting fans of her beloved comedy sitcom “Wall Street English” and teaching empowering workshops from Shanghai, China, to Paris, France. During the pandemic, she focused on writing her first book and empowering clients through her “Manifesting Magic” online workshops.
In addition to her impressive portfolio, Nicole has contributed significantly to Balay Kreative Art Studios and Kultivate Labs as a Culture Bearer and Program Director. She is the creator and host of the “Cultural Kultivators” podcast now in its second season. Nicole also developed impactful programs such as the “Unsung Heroes Youth Podcast Program” and the “Ancestor Altars” annual event, which honors our ancestors on the Day of the Dead.
But her proudest accomplishment has been the birth of her son despite a 36 day hospital stay due to severe preeclampsia.
