Judging: “Best Micro Short” & “Best Drama”

Baz Black is a Multi-Award Winning Actor, Writer & Director from Ireland. In addition to appearing in numerous Short Films and TV Shows, with his production company 'Sure Look Productions' he’s written & directed the multi-award-winning Short Films 'Reflection’ and ’Merrow’. He is now in pre-production on his debut feature film called 'Dublin Crust’.

Baz is an advocate for mental health and body positivity and has appeared on numerous TV talk shows, Radio and Podcasts to speak on this topic. A short film he wrote and directed called 'Office Workers Shocking Transformation' went viral with over 100 million views. In addition to acting and filmmaking Baz is an accomplished drummer and plays in three bands, wrote the best selling book 'Ink Princess' (which is soon to be made into a movie), is a professional Body Piercer and has toured doing stand up comedy.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Production Company Website | IMDb | LinkTree

Judging: “Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy” & “Best Documentary”

Claire Bueno is the producer of the critically acclaimed feature documentary CLEANIN’ UP THE TOWN: Remembering Ghostbusters and the upcoming TOO HOT TO HANDLE: Remembering Ghostbusters II.

Claire is also a film journalist, presenter and interviewer, having moderated BAFTA and Apple Store Q&As and hosted Comic Con panel talks. She has interviewed high calibre artistes such as Tom Cruise, George Clooney, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Sigourney Weaver, Nicole Kidman, Emily Blunt, Samuel L Jackson, James Cameron and Andy Serkis.

Having studied with the London School of Journalism, she received a diploma with distinction in Freelance and Feature Writing and has written for 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die and Curzon Magazine. She is the founder and Editor-In-Chief of on-line movie magazine Premiere Scene.

Twitter | Instagram | Website | IMDb | Premiere Scene

Judging: “Best One Minute Film”, “Best Comedy” & “Best Actor”

Ryan Wichert is a British / German stage and screen actor and voice over who trained at the Drama Centre London. He's known for the Netflix series The Queen's Gambit (2020), dir. by Scott Frank, the feature film Spencer (2021) with Kristen Stewart, the Netflix series How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast) (2019). 

Ryan's career started off typically British: with a cup of tea in a rehearsal room, working on a Shakespeare production: playing The Fool in 'King Lear'. Between Shakespeare, Ibsen, Brecht, and Chekhov, he has also worked on modern political dramas and satires, appearing at the award-winning Arcola Theatre London. After moving to Berlin in 2018 he joined the comedy ensemble of Berlin’s popular theatre sitcom “Gutes Wedding, Schlechtes Wedding” and in 2021 he was asked to become resident director of the theatre.

Ryan also writes and produces his own work such as the award-winning comedy THE WATER SOMMELIER 

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website | IMDb

Judging: “Best Short Film”, “Best Student Film” & “Best Documentary”

AR Ugas is an emerging filmmaker from Birmingham. He was part of the BFI and BBC Academy supported Backin Film Program in 2020.

In addition to creating several short films he has also recently placed in the top 20% of the Launchpad competition which is one of the biggest screenwriting contests in the world, vouched for by industry legends such as Ridley Scott.

AR Ugas also managed to sign an option deal for one of his screenplays which was read by Keanu Reeves and other Hollywood talent.

Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | IMDb

Judging: “Best Mobile Film”

Susy is passionate about spreading the message of the mobile smartphone film community worldwide. She launched the International Mobile Film Festival in San Diego for movies shot with mobile phones in 2009 through her company, S. Botello Productions™ (2006). Currently in its 11th annual edition, filmmakers come from all over the world to San Diego to celebrate smartphone filmmaking.

Susy hosts the SBP Podcast Mobile Filmmaking. The podcast is The Voice Of Mobile Film™ for everyone who ever wanted to or is curious about making movies and videos using smartphones.

Susan’s professional experience includes Director of Photography, Productions Supervisor, Script Supervisor, Editor, Writer, Videographer, Media Manager, Communications Coordinator, Public Speaker, Graphics Designer, School Instructor, and more.

“At the center of everything we experience is a story. Stories are always evolving. The only beginning and end to a story is the one that is told or the one we perceive.” Susy Botello

Twitter | Instagram | International Mobile Film Festival | Podcast | IMDb | Medium

Judging: “Best Drama”, “Best Student Film” & “Best Editing”

Cameron Moon is an award-winning Director, Producer, Writer & Actor based in Birmingham. He makes short films via his production company ‘Hazel Tree Pictures’.

Much of his own work is in the medium of silent films or films without dialogue. He has a love of European & International cinema which comes across in his work.

He has been active in the Independent Film Industry for about ten years beginning as an extra then moving on to lead roles and working behind the camera.

When he’s not filming he’s reading or watching (mainly) old movies for both pleasure and research.

Twitter | Instgram | IMDb

Judging: All Categories

Kimberly Prats is a writer and lifelong film lover with a background in improvisational theater, puppetry, music, and dance.

As a trained psychotherapist and dance therapist, she has a particular interest in character development and the emotional landscape of a film.

She loves all genres and their differing yet unifying ability to speak to the human condition. She is delighted and honored to be a judge for the festival.

Twitter | Instagram

Judging: “Best Micro Short”, “Best Drama” & “Best Director”

In the last decade, Brendan Prost has been quietly emerging as one of the most prolific young filmmakers in Canada, with an impassioned and eclectic body of work that includes four features and a dozen shorts.

His work has screened at major international and Oscar-qualifying film festivals like the Edinburgh International Film Festival, Nashville Film Festival, Rhode Island International Film Festival, Vancouver International Film Festival, Ashland Independent Film Festival, Indie Memphis, Inside Out - Toronto LGBT Film Festival, and Telefilm Canada’s Not Short on Talent Program at Cannes.

Brendan graduated with distinction from Simon Fraser University’s School for the Contemporary Arts, is an alumni of the Directors’ Lab at the Canadian Film Centre, and is about to complete his Master of Fine Arts in Film and Creative Writing at the University of British Columbia.

Brendan’s character-driven work is characterized by powerful performances, a uniquely earnest spirit, and a thematic interest in alienation and longing.

When not creating his own work, Brendan teaches and mentors young directors at several film schools and colleges.

Instagram | Facebook | Website | IMDb | YouTube | Vimeo

Judging: “Best Short Film”, ” Best Director” & “Best Cinematography”

Since founding Quandary Productions in 2009, Michael has directed eight feature films, won two Royal Television Society Awards, worked on several short films, produced web series, viral adverts, and worked in various crew roles (sound, cinematographer, editor, and more).

Along with travelling around the world, working tirelessly on every feature film each year, Michael also works with a non-profit organisation teaching film to under 25s who are at risk of social exclusion, unable to access opportunities elsewhere, and are not in education, training or employment.

Working in all areas of production, Michael's key focus is to make Quandary Productions a base which supports other artists from around the world, all year round, whilst amassing an acting troupe and creating his own independent feature films as often as possible. Michael currently resides in Cardiff, Wales.

Watch: “Anhedonia” Trailer 


Watch: “Mother Sky” Teaser


Website | Twitter | IMDb | YouTube

Judging: “Best Actor”, Best Actress” & “Best Young Performer”

Mathew has been acting professionally since 1998, on TV, Film and the stage including London’s West End.

He is best known for portraying Bronson in the international award winning children’s television show “Round The Twist” and also portraying Young Peter Allen in the world premiere of The Boy from Oz, based upon the life of Oscar winning Singer/songwriter Peter Allen.

In 2011, Mathew started his career in casting, freelancing for London’s top casting directors before securing a contract with BBC DRAMA.

He moved back to Sydney in 2017 and by 2019 had created Mathew Waters Casting PTY LTD which has become one of Sydney’s go to casting agencies.

Acting Website | Casting Director Website | Twitter | Instagram | IMDb

Judging: “Best Drama”, “Best Writer” & “ Best Cinematography”

Caroline Spence is a film producer and prolific screenwriter, working on a slate of original movies with Raya Films.

Caroline's screenplays have received high praise from established companies in London and Hollywood. She has also been commissioned to write screenplays for clients from all over the world, including Louisiana, Texas, Hong Kong, Canada and Australia.

Caroline's award-winning début feature, DO SOMETHING, JAKE was released in 2018 and is now on general release. Other projects include CYBERLANTE, a cybercrime thriller shot entirely on a Smartphone, experimental Spanish-set thriller AGENT KELLY in which she plays the lead, and SURVEILLED, an innovative 'Whodunit' with a horror element and international cast.

Agent Kelly and Surveilled are set for release in the first half of 2022, and the smart horror film, CASTING KILL, is now in post production and also set for release in 2022.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | IMDb

Judging: “Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy” & “Best Student Film”

Bryson Sams is a 21 year old filmmaker from Franklin, Tennessee. Having already accumulated a vast body of short film and video work, in 2020 he created and released the viral hit short film “Projection” - a film he discussed in depth on the IndieFilmopolis podcast.

He is the Co-Owner of TapeSlate Productions, a Creative Collaborative, who are getting ready to release their upcoming mini-series “Nightmares and Lullabies”, a 5-part Psychological Adventure-Drama.

Watch: “Projection”

Website | Twitter | Instagram | IMDb

Judging: “Best Short Film” & “Best Young Actor/Actress”

Adam is an actor and independent filmmaker based in London. He is a graduate of the BFI Film Academy and a member of the NYT.

As an actor Adam has had a varied acting career appearing in several feature films and TV Dramas as well as doing Presenting and Radio work. He has also appeared in the theatre production of Lord of the Flies in London's Regent Park Open Air Theatre.

He won Best Newcomer Award at The Monaco International Film Festival in 2014 for his role in the film Lady Luck.

Adam loves indie cinema and low-budget, rough-around-the-edges filmmaking. His first short film ‘The Drive’ starring Todd Carty screened globally at numerous film festivals.

His latest short film, "The End of a British Summer", comes out this year.

Watch: “The Drive”

Website | Twitter | Instagram | IMDb

Judging: “Best Comedy”, “Best Student Film” & “Best Micro Short”

Aniez is an actor, voice actor, director, artist and entertainer. He has worked in various film projects (that include both short films and independent features ranging from various genres such as comedy and drama), TV series and web-series in Spain, England, The Netherlands, Italy and Poland.

He has played a variety of roles and has won several awards for his performances in the films 'PandI' and '...And He Found Me'.

Apart from acting and cinema, his passion includes painting, photography, travel, languages, culture, art, literature, animals and nature.

He has lived in several countries throughout Europe, Asia and Africa and is fluent in various languages.

He is currently directing the feature film 'Velvet Calling'.

Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

Judging: “Best Actor”, “Best Actress” & “ Best Young Actor/Actress”

Matthew and Christian are actors with credits across stage, screen and voiceover as well as being the founders of InTheRoom, a platform and podcast for industry creatives.

Sharing discussions with top casting directors, agents, actors and more, including daily tips and motivation posted on social media. Their goal is to help every creative raise their game and get InTheRoom.

Series 2 of their podcast is releasing soon.

InTheRoom: Podcast | Twitter | Instagram

Christian Lee Smith: Twitter

Matthew Philip Harris: Twitter

Judging: “Best One Minute”, “Best Comedy” & “Best Director”

Bernadette Flynn has a BA Hons in English Literature from University of Oxford and worked in publishing and education for many years before becoming ensnared in Indie Film.

Recent collaborations with Tedium Entertainment Films include BFI funded shorts 'Jim', now in post production, and 'Catch a Butcher', which recently premiered at the 2021 Cambridge Film Festival.

Currently supporting a number of short film projects in production with a range of creatives as a contributing, associate or executive producer.

Twitter | Instagram | IMDb

Judging: “Best Horror” & “Best Music Video”

Andrew Rutter is a Writer/Director who grew up in the Black Country, roaming car boot sales searching for forgotten video nasties and staying up late to absorb cinema’s weirdest offerings.


Since then he’s gone on to create bold visuals for music videos and short films, earning himself a coveted UKMVA nomination and countless awards for his short form work.

His acclaimed short film PETER THE PENGUIN screened as part of the 2021 SLAMDANCE FILM FESTIVAL. Before that it won Best Short Film at the 2020 edition of GRIMMFEST, premiered at the 2020 FANTASIA FILM FESTIVAL, and has screened at the majority of the biggest genre film festivals in the UK and beyond.



In 2020 alone, Andrew has screened in four BAFTA Qualifying Film Festivals along with earning himself a place on the BFI NETWORK x BAFTA CREW. He’s currently finishing up on a collection of dark comedy & horror short films that have been touring the festival circuit, one of which, THE FRONT DOOR also premiered at FRIGHTFEST. 

Watch the award winning comedy/horror: PETER THE PENGUIN


Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | IMDb 

Judging: “Best Actor”, “Best Actress” & “ Best Young Actor/Actress”

Lisa Southam, otherwise known as The Drama Coach, has been teaching drama for 20 years, working in both private and state schools and covering all age groups from nursery to over 18s.

Lisa firmly believes that drama education should enable everyone to understand and appreciate the place that theatre, film and television has in our lives.

She provides courses and present programmes that cover all aspects of drama and theatre, and showcase the fantastic opportunities within this diverse and wonderful industry.

Twitter | Instagram | TikTok | Website | YouTube

Judging: “Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy” , “Best Animation”, “Best Student Animation”, “Best Score” & “Best Writer”

Paul Berrow is a writer, podcaster, content creator, and film lover from the UK. He is currently in pre-production of a podcast/radio drama based upon the pulp sci-fi of the 1930’s.

He has 3 feature films in development with multi award-winning filmmaker and IndieFilmopolis founder Philip Pugh. His debut novel “Symphony of Death” and a collection of short stories “Time and Tide” are due for release next year.

Aside from writing he’s also guested on the IndieFilmopolis podcast on numerous occasions and is an avid board-gamer, and aids in Board Game Design and Testing for Dranda Games.

Twitter | IMDb

Judging: “Best Cinematography”, “Best Music Video” & “Best One Minute Film”

Paul Craythorne is a prolific editor and producer, having worked on hundreds of short films, music video and commercials over the last 15 years.

He’s been an integral part of the team making “Own Worst Enemy” directed by Philip Pugh and also works at a university in a technical capacity serving the TV, Film & Media department.

Judging: “Best Comedy”

Based in Los Angeles, Jeremy Foley and Sara O’Reilly are a husband-and-wife filmmaking team whose credits include their award-winning short films The Faceless Man and FATED.

Their feature screenplays have placed in contests including the Screencraft Fellowship, Austin Film Festival, Final Draft, WeScreenplay, Scriptapalooza, and Stage32.

Jeremy began his career in the entertainment industry as a young actor and now works as a producer in marketing and behind-the-scenes content.

Sara is a documentary writer and story producer with projects for Apple TV+ and HULU.

Jeremy and Sara are also board members and frequent judges for the Sherman Oaks Film Festival.

Watch: “The Faceless Man”

Watch: “Film Courage Interview”


Website

Jeremy: Twitter | IMDb 

Sara: Twitter | IMDb

Judging: “Best Score” & “Best Sound”

Peter Lewington is a Composer, Orchestrator and Multi-Instrumentalist. He has spent most of his life involved in music. Through writing and performing in rock bands, self-releasing electronic projects before finally finding his musical home in composition for screen.

He has scored award-winning short films and worked in the score department on features and series for Netflix, Apple TV and Arté France.

With a distinctive melodic touch and a belief in the ability of music to tell a story, Peter is a composer who brings something new to every project.

Twitter | Instagram | Website | IMDb

Judging: “Best Actress”

Bhavnisha is an actress and voice over artist best known for her work in the latest seasons of Doctor Who playing the fun and witty Sonya Khan.

As well as the award winning web series Brothers With No Game, Darren Has a Breakdown and film drama Aami and Frank playing opposite Ricci Harnett. Other screen credits include the BBC, Sony, Samsung and War Child.

Behind the mic, she has worked with companies globally and locally such as Apple, Twitter, Expedia, Panasonic, Braun, the BBC, Audible India, Goldman Sachs, Royal Mail and HSBC. These include Commercials, Animations, Films, Audiobooks, VR Technologies and Documentaries.

Bhavnisha is currently playing the mum in the Amazon Prime animation; Uma and Devan, and is both the voice of Apple India and a new VR Learning system coming released next year.

She is also set to present her own radio show on the BBC Asian Network in 2022!

Website | Twitter | Instagram | IMDb

Judging: “Best Micro Short”, “Best Music Video” & “Best Editing”

Brandon Agan is a Production Designer and Producer/Editor who’s been working in the industry for the last 18 years.

He’s produced commercial content, award winning short films, and music videos for brands such as Nicki Minaj, TOMS Shoes, and Wolfgang Puck.

As a Production Designer he’s worked on multiple feature films, music videos and television content including Kevin Smith’s latest horror film “Killroy Was Here” and Missy Elliot’s music video “Throw It Back”


In addition to working as a freelancer, Brandon has taught multiple workshops on the ins and outs of independent filmmaking and how to be a successful freelancer for local high schools as well as guest teaching Production Design and set etiquette at Ringling College of Art and Design. 

As someone who has been involved with filmmaking both behind and in front of the camera most of my life, movies and the art of filmmaking hold a special place in my heart as a chance for people to tell unique and new stories. Seeing what each filmmaker brings to their individual vision through set design, music choice, color palette, and cinematography is what makes these stories so special. 


Website | Instagram | IMDb 

Judging: “Best Short Film” & “Best Horror Film”

Calvin Vanderbeek, an ardent supporter of independent film, has been a Producer and Executive Producer on over 40 indie films.

His most recent short film, the award winning and critically acclaimed suspense thriller 'Who Wants Dessert?' is currently touring the festival circuit.

Twitter | Instagram | IMDb

Judging: “Best Writer” & “ Best Young Actor/Actress”

Anna Oliver is a keen writer who is relatively new to screenwriting and loves telling tales of drama with a dash of fun thrown in to really bring the characters to life. 

As a Mum of two boys who have fallen into acting, many an evening has been spent helping them learn lines for productions or auditions and throughout this process has fallen in love with the written screenplay.

For her day job, Anna runs activity classes for pre-school children and has written a series of books exclusively for these classes. Working with children, who's imaginations are endless is a constant source of inspiration!

In 2020, Anna created and wrote the web series Containment. Her first short film, The Last Goodbye, is now in post-production and is currently in talks with producers & looking to start filming her first feature film later this year.

Twitter

Judging: “Best One Minute Film”, “Best Animation”, “Best Student Animation” & “Best Editing”

Spencer Morin is a filmmaker and animator living in Brooklyn, NY.

After working on sets for film and television between NY and Miami, he dabbled in stop motion animation and motion graphics while running the Miami World Cinema Center's animation department.

Since then Spencer has been editing short form content for multiple networks including MTV, Nickelodeon, FXX, Lifetime, TLC, music videos for established and up and coming artists, and multiple award-winning short films.

He currently edits full-time for Nickelodeon and moonlights as a vinyl DJ when he can.

Judging: “Best Writer”, “Best Score” & “Best Sound”

Judging: “Best Horror Film”, “ Best Score” & “Best Sound”

Judging: “Best Actress” & “Best Director”