Mike Suglio
Executive Director/Director of Programming
Mike Suglio is a Cleveland native and filmmaker himself. After graduating from Mentor High he attended Case Western Reserve University where he studied theatre, political science, and psychology as an undergrad and then continued on to receive his M.B.A.
During his time at CWRU, Mike directed a feature length documentary, The Struggle for Existence, a film that explores how the Cleveland Natural History Museum and the Creation Museum approach science. He continued on to direct several other short films, including his most recent, A Tribute to the Fallen, which was shot on location in Negros Oriental, Philippines. Mike Suglio is now in post-production on a feature documentary on Cleveland's beer brewing history.
As a filmmaker he loves sharing his films with others and is extremely happy to provide an opportunity for other filmmakers to share their films to the Cleveland community. Mike Suglio is also a professor at the School of Film & Media Arts at Cleveland State University, Cuyahoga Community College, and Case Western Reserve University. He is also on the Board of Directors of Independent Pictures.
Alicia Spurlock
Director of Operations
Alicia Spurlock is an actress, model, and musician from Cleveland, Ohio. You can find her music on any streaming platform. Her favorite color is pink. Alicia has a white cat named Lucy. She loves Dunkin’ Donuts and is an avid Barbie collector. She has won best supporting actress at the 48 Hour Film Project twice. Alicia plans to continue acting and see where life takes her.
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Megan Michalak
Selection Committee Manager
A graduate of Cleveland State University with a B.F.A. in Film and Media Arts, Megan started as an intern with the Short. Sweet. Film Fest. While she enjoys her time reviewing the submissions (Especially in the Experimental, LGBTQ+ and Comedy categories), she also enjoys working in the art departments of films. In her free time she likes to listen to music from her favorite band Lovejoy, embroider, and Cosplay from her favorite shows.
Laine Seliga
Graphic Designer
Laine is honored to have been part of Short Sweet Film Fest since the beginning. As a long-time friend, she designs the promotional art for SSFF, including shirts, pint glasses, stickers, and some social media illustrations. Rumors state that sometimes she has been spotted playing guitar for the festival’s networking parties. Her interest in design is a passionate outlet for her career as an academic and she is excited to see how her own artistic vision can grow alongside the forward-thinking creativity of the Short Sweet staff!
Tyler Hoffman
Digital Solutions Consultant
Tyler Hoffman is a Cleveland-based digital solutions consultant, who manages the Short. Sweet. Film Fest website. He holds a bachelor's degree in Medical Anthropology from Case Western Reserve University, and he is certified in process improvement, global health and change management. Tyler’s people-focused approach to technology is retained by a range of clients including the National Benevolent Association, Council for Health and Human Service Ministries, and the FLEX Program at the CWRU School of Medicine.
Cole Mihalich
Coordinator
A Cleveland native, Cole Mihalich is a NYC based filmmaker and a graduate of SCAD earning a Bachelor’s degree in Film & Television. Since 2020 he has run Blank Pictures, a film production company, supporting numerous independent projects while reaching millions of viewers across various platforms.  Most recently, he has contributed to the New York Film Festival and Bushwick Film Festival in programming and festival operations.  He is thrilled to join Short. Sweet. Film Fest. in expanding their NYC festival.