THE HEALING FUND

A fund for filmmakers in Kentucky in active production or post-production on a documentary about healing.

Media Contact - Lynsey Trager - lynsey@lemonade-pr.com

Filmmaker Evan Mascagni Launches Slaughterhouse 502, a Louisville-Based Film Production Company and $10,000 Fund for Kentucky Filmmakers

Louisville, KY — Award-winning filmmaker Evan Mascagni has returned home to Louisville and is launching his new film production company, Slaughterhouse 502.

To celebrate the launch, Mascagni is introducing The Healing Fund, a $10,000 grant to support local documentary filmmakers in Kentucky telling stories about healing. The fund honors his late uncle, Alex Thomas, and his late childhood friend, Jason Brown, both of whom passed away this year and help inspire his commitment to community and compassion.

“My Uncle Al spent his last months unhoused, yet he would still give away his final dollar to someone in need,” Mascagni said. “Jason had the same giving spirit. They both had huge hearts, and this fund is a way to carry their legacy forward.”

Slaughterhouse 502 will produce original films and branded content for local businesses and non-profit organizations. He is currently completing The Cornbread Mafia, a feature documentary about one of Kentucky’s most legendary stories produced in partnership with Unbridled Films and Merry-Kay Poe, and has three other films slated for completion in 2026.

His most recent film, Building a Bridge, premiered at the Tribeca Festival and was executive produced by Martin Scorsese. The music for the film was composed by Teddy Abrams, the Louisville Orchestra Music Director. Mascagni was named to DOC NYC’s 40 Under 40 emerging filmmakers list and recently worked with Shaquille O’Neal on a short documentary series about student entrepreneurship.

“I’m grateful to be back in my hometown, building something that can give back to this city that shaped me,” Mascagni said. “There are so many great stories and so much talent in Kentucky, and I want Slaughterhouse 502 to help amplify both.”

This is Mascagni’s second production company. He launched his first, Player Piano Productions, ten years ago in New York City, named after his favorite author Kurt Vonnegut’s first novel. His new venture, Slaughterhouse 502, continues that homage to Vonnegut, drawing inspiration from Slaughterhouse-Five, while also showcasing his return home and commitment to building a creative base in Louisville. Mascagni is currently exploring the purchase of a building that will serve as home to Slaughterhouse 502 and provide space for local filmmakers to collaborate and create.

Applications for The Healing Fund will open on November 24th and close on December 7th, with the winner announced the week of December 15th.  Potential applicants can learn more at slaughterhouse502.com and follow @Slaughterhouse502 on social media for updates.