Fox Maxy (Payómkawichum and Iipay Kumeyaay from the Mesa Grande Band of Mission Indians) is an artist and filmmaker whose work spans magical realism, horror, and mystery. Maxy uses cinema as a lens to illuminate both intimate and collective experiences of contemporary life. Her work explores themes of kinship, emotional well-being, nightlife, and environmental advocacy. Maxy’s style of storytelling blends grit and glam. She began her film career through independent and resourceful filmmaking. Maxy’s short film, Maat, received the Ammodo Tiger Short Award at IFFR 2021. Her debut feature, Gush, premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. In 2024, Maxy was awarded the Chanel Next Prize. In 2025, she conceptualized and led her "Mental Wellness Film Workshop" at The Vera List Center for Art and Politics at The New School. Her work has screened internationally at museums and festivals including MoMA, TIFF, and LACMA. Maxy possesses a multidisciplinary background in visual storytelling. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in graphic design with a minor in art history from Pratt Institute.