Hello!
I could introduce myself in the traditional way… instead – given that I am “supposed to be” a writer (as I guess that as a fellow writer, you may appreciate it too!) - I will do it via a mini trilogy. Three short stories (genres, themes etc), which I’ve recently written and read out/performed (6 minutes each). They deal with the wonderful and indomitable human spirit and are now available (totally free) on my YouTube channel (where you can also find a number of short films, including the thriller, Respect 101 which has been viewed more than 170.000 times).
The stories:
1. FOREVER AND EVER - YouTube: https://youtu.be/KOu3djon3uI - A short sci-fi/mystery story: a relentless chess game between two individuals living in a world where no man can die.... NO MAN CAN DIE!
The tale in this video is a translation of one of my Italian short stories which, last year, won the first prize in a literary contest organised by the Bottega di Narrazione.
2. A THREAD OF LIGHT – YouTube: https://youtu.be/IYyzljBNq24 - A short mystery/drama story: A lifeguard, a girl in a red and black bikini, the dark abyss that stands between them and… a thread of light.
3. BLOOD FOR BLOOD – YouTube: https://youtu.be/Dkyq4BwcSCg - A short thriller – story: A victim of violence has the chance to finally close shut the dark eyes that have haunted her dreams, then… WARNING: This story contains descriptions that some readers might find distressing. For example: self-harm, sexual abuse, suicide and violence.
Nice to e-meet you! I hope that you enjoy the above stories and have a great day (and a fantastic new year too ;) )!
Cheers
Massimiliano (Max) Sappa
5 people like this
Hi, Max Sappa! Happy New Year! How are things?
3 people like this
nice to meet you Max Sappa - what are you planning to work this year? cheers
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Hi Max Sappa , this is such a writer’s introduction in the best possible way. I’m Ashley, Head of Community here at Stage 32, and it’s great to e-meet you.
The range you’re working in, sci-fi, mystery, drama, thriller, really shows your curiosity about the human spirit and the darker corners around it. Huge congratulations on FOREVER AND EVER winning first prize and on Respect 101 reaching over 170,000 views. That kind of audience connection doesn’t happen by accident.
I think you’d feel right at home in the Screenwriting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting) and the Filmmaking Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/directing), especially given your mix of written work and short films. Those spaces are great for sharing process, talking craft, and meeting collaborators who appreciate bold narrative choices. If you’re interested in deeper feedback, industry access, and open writing opportunities, the Writer’s Room can also be a strong resource, and there’s a free month available if you’d like to explore it: https://www.stage32.com/writers-room/plans-vip.
I’d also love to invite you to our FREE January Community Open House, where I walk through how to navigate Stage 32 strategically, build meaningful global connections, and make the most of the platform:
https://www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32s-january-2026-commun...
Thanks for sharing your work so generously and for bringing such a creative energy into the community.
3 people like this
Hi Max Sappa Love the "mini trilogy" idea. Congrats on the success of Respect 101 and the award for Forever and Ever, that's awesome! I'm really intrigued by the undying chess match concept. ere's a neat article on how someone used Stage 32 to make their short film, since you're just getting started here: How Stage 32 Was an Essential Tool for Making My Short Film: https://www.stage32.com/blog/how-stage-32-was-an-essential-tool-for-maki...