Austin Smagalski was raised in Sonoma County and has been passionate about filmmaking since childhood. His work often explores internal struggles, with frequent use of themes like trauma, family and isolation. While he has since made a career in TV editing, his passion is writing and directing independent films. Austin's latest feature film, To Die Alone, premiered at the San Francisco Independent Film Festival in 2024 to critical acclaim. His upcoming work includes a documentary focusing on dog rescues and a crime thriller currently in development