Ryan Dacko, a visionary independent filmmaker, hailing from Syracuse, New York, was born in 1978. Prior to pursuing his passion for cinema, Dacko served his country with distinction in the United States Coast Guard. During his tour of duty at Antarctica, he utilized his downtime to craft the screenplay for his debut feature film, "And I Lived", a poignant melodrama that explores the tumultuous world of high school relationships, where peer pressure and class warfare threaten to tear apart the lives of star-crossed lovers.
Fast-forward to 2007, Dacko premiered "Plan 9 from Syracuse", a thought-provoking documentary that chronicles his bold and unorthodox attempt to gain the attention of a prominent film producer. Undeterred by conventional methods, Dacko embarked on a grueling cross-country run from Syracuse to Hollywood, his determination and creativity serving as a testament to his unwavering dedication to his craft.