Xaque Gruber - Director / Writer, Sallywood - Rewriting the Script on Age and Art

Xaque Gruber ( https://www.xaquegruber.com/ ) is an award-winning filmmaker, writer and artist.

Xaque is the writer and director of the hit independent film Sallywood ( https://sallywoodmovie.com/ ) — a touching, funny and deeply insightful look at the career of actress Sally Kirkland ( https://www.sallykirkland.com/ ), as well as current trials and tribulations navigating life and identity in the film industry.

The limited theatrical release for Sallywood debuted on November 8, 2024 and Buffalo 8 will release the film on digital platforms on November 14, 2025.

Through Sallywood, Xaque explores themes of ageism, resilience, and the quiet struggles faced by Hollywood’s “working class” — the actors, crew members, and creatives who live just outside the spotlight but keep the dream machine running.

Xaque’s first TV writing credit came with reuniting the cast of his favorite 80s soap “Dynasty” for the 2006 CBS special “Dynasty Reunion: Catfights & Caviar.” Since then, he’s written “The Scream Awards (Spike),” “The World Music Awards (ABC),” “The Producer’s Guild of America Awards,” and many others.

Xaque has written for feature length films including "M.I.A." and "Broken Roads" and for the short films "The Pistol", "THE" and "Laurel Casey: The Hurting Truth".

Before his filmmaking career, Xaque wrote for outlets including The Huffington Post, The Hollywood Reporter, and The Miami Herald, and worked in television, visual art, and education. His storytelling — across every medium — is known for its empathy, wit, and sharp social observation.

Xaque is also the author/illustrator of the book "A Big Adventure In The Smallest State: A History of Rhode Island For All Ages" ( https://www.amazon.com/Big-Adventure-Smallest-State/dp/1403333262 ).

Xaque has an MA in Education from Tufts University and an MS in Television Production & Writing from Boston University.

Important Episode Link - Support Sally Kirkland's Urgent Medical Care -

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-sally-kirklands-urgent-medical-care

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