Dennis Bartok is a nonprofit executive, filmmaker, distributor, art-house exhibitor, and author. He is the Co-Founder for the film distribution company Deaf Crocodile which restores and distributes World Cinema and World Animation. For nearly thirty years he was a key executive in programming and management for the nonprofit Hollywood film organization the American Cinematheque.  He directed & wrote the Irish horror film Nails in 2017 which recently streamed on Netflix, and wrote & produced the 2008 Lionsgate horror anthology Trapped Ashes with episodes directed by Joe Dante, Ken Russell and Monte Hellman.  He also wrote the non-fiction book, A Thousand Cuts: the Bizarre Underground World of Collectors and Dealers Who Saved the Movies, hailed as one of the “Best Film Books of 2016” in the Huffington Post.  From 2022-2024 he served Executive Director for the nonprofit Philosophical Research Society in Los Feliz, which presents concerts, film screenings, art exhibits and theatre events.  He currently lives in Santa Cruz with his wife, Marja.

A multidisciplinary artist and educator, Ellen is the founder of Eldenwa Designs and brings over 20 years of experience in creative direction and design. Originally from St. Louis, she began her artistic journey at Clark Atlanta University, studying Fashion Design & Merchandising, and later expanded her practice at the Creative Circus in Atlanta, where she developed her visual storytelling skills.

Her career has included leading campaigns for global brands such as Nissan and Adidas, but her path has always remained rooted in hands-on, purpose-driven work. Whether through sustainable fashion, community workshops, or youth-centered programming, Ellen’s focus has consistently been on using creativity to inspire agency, expression, and possibility.

Now based in Santa Cruz, Ellen brings that same vision to The 418 Project. Her work will support the growth of our creative programming and deepen our connection to the community by creating opportunities for people to engage, learn, and create in ways that feel intentional and accessible.

At the heart of Ellen’s practice is a commitment to sustainability not just in materials, but in mindset. Through her work, she encourages people to repurpose, reimagine, and create with care, challenging us all to think differently about how we engage with art and the world around us.