Provoke thought.
Thinkory is an emerging independent film development and production company, committed to human-driven narrative experiences.
From concept to release, Thinkory designs cinematic experiences that explore faith and the human condition. We develop scripts and produce narrative films that offer an unflinching look at relatable, rough-edged people struggling to follow Jesus…
at various distances.
By Five
Short Film | Drama | 4:30
Two determined women pull in opposite directions to beat an impossible deadline in this first scripted short film by writer-director Ralston Vaz.
WANDER
DIRECTOR’S CUT
Micro Short Film | Experimental | 1:12
A young man is observed through time in a fast but thrilling contemplative short from writer-director Ralston Vaz.
In development
Holding Court
Writer-Director: Ralston Vaz
Producer: Alicia Vaz
With a rare chance to get into a world-class writing conservatory, a grief-surpressed teen struggles to write a poem as his house is overrun by partygoers.
Thinkory’s latest short film project, Holding Court, examines a 17-year-old’s search for acceptance in the wake of tragedy. His own house becomes a pressure cooker, transforming the teen’s repressed emotions into accessible truths.
The film’s script, now in its fourth draft, has received praise for the ease with which readers can visualize the distinct individuals in the story, their story-driving collisions, and their resonant arcs.
Crucial funds are being raised to transition into pre-production and the securing of a location, talent, key crew, and essential equipment. Join us on the journey to produce this emotionally impactfulful experience, tracking toward a late 2026 wrap.
A journey to find purpose.
Where we began
For several years, Thinkory was a Washington, DC brand design consultancy. We stood beside ambitious founders of social enterprise startups and helped them build purposeful consumer brands that changed real lives.
What we learned
The work was meaningful and its effect, measurable. But it would always fall short of our reason for being. Needing to consider this, we stopped taking clients and entered a time of deep introspection. A period that led to a transformative revelation: Good stories, told excellently, can change anything.
Why we’re here
After a three-year hiatus, and a migration across the country, Thinkory reemerges in Los Angles with clear purpose: Make the humanity of Hope visible to the world. As designers, communicators, and storytellers, this is why we are here.
Alicia Vaz
Entrepreneur, Coach, Producer
Deeply experienced in community engagement and strategic planning, Alicia excels at aligning teams around shared goals and securing partnerships that support visionary work. Though new to film production, Alicia is an expert at protecting creative intent, maximizing (very) limited resources, and ensuring a safe, collaborative environment in which narrative vision can thrive.
Ralston Vaz
Designer, Communicator, Writer-Director
Transitioning into filmmaking from a two-decade long career as a designer, Ralston is driven by questions about Christian Hope and the craft of cinema. His work emphasizes human discovery, visual storytelling, and narratives that deepen empathy and connection between disparate groups.
Questions, thoughts, and news.
We’re always pondering something at the intersection of faith and film. Here are some recent enteries from our Journal:
WANDER wins film competition
A meaningful and experimental micro short film gets recognition in a 2025 filmmaking challenge.
The Almost Moments
Noticing narrative moments where something that’s going to inevitably happen, almost happens.
Go behind the scenes with a first-time writer-director
A first-time director’s personal journey behind-the-scenes of his first scripted short film, By Five.
