Acting · b. 1980 · Cleveland, Ohio, USA
Dale Thomas Cizmadia is an award-winning film writer and director based in Phoenix, Arizona, whose work blends grounded genre storytelling with character-driven narratives.
Before transitioning to directing, Dale worked as a professional actor in New York and Los Angeles, with a background in theater and screen performance that continues to inform his approach behind the camera.
Since launching Film Loft Productions in 2023, Dale has directed six short films—each of which has won awards, placed in competitions, or been officially selected at festivals. His work has earned recognition at over 20 festivals including SCREAMFEST NOLA, Houston Horror Film Festival, Chicago Horror Film Fest, and the Jakob Owens Horror Short Film Contest.
His latest film Tomorrow Undead won Best Film at five festivals and is currently on its festival run. Previous films include Lights (2 festival wins), Rusalka (Top 15 Jakob Owens), City of Stars (2nd Place A3F Challenge), and Help Us (Top 25 Jakob Owens 2025).
Dale specializes in horror, thriller, and magical realism, with an emphasis on stories that explore systems, sacrifice, and the cost of survival.
