Biography

A former producer turned film executive, Mark Mathias Sayre is the Founder and CEO of The Forge, a North American film distributor and international sales company dedicated to prestige independent cinema. With nearly two decades of experience spanning production, acquisitions, and distribution, Sayre founded The Forge to build a filmmaker-first model grounded in transparency, collaboration, and strategic release planning. Under his leadership, The Forge has released and represented films premiering at major international festivals including Cannes, Sundance, and SXSW, with titles going on to receive meaningful awards recognition. Sayre is also the founder of the Vashon Film Institute, a nonprofit organization supporting independent filmmakers in the Pacific Northwest through development labs, screenings, community programs, and the Vashon Island Film Festival.

Sayre grew up on Vashon Island, WA, and received his bachelor's degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA.
- IMDb mini biography by: Mark Mathias Sayre