Alexandra Porshneva holds a Master of Arts degree and graduated from the Kazakh National University of Arts in Astana, where she studied under Professor Bauyrzhan Nogerbek. She is an accomplished author of scientific and critical articles on cinema, with her work featured in various publications. Alexandra is also the creator of the website www.vosmerka.kz. Since 2017, she has been a member of the Association of Film Critics of Kazakhstan. Her expertise has led her to serve as a jury member at numerous international and Central Asian film festivals, competitions, and awards. Since 2022, Alexandra has been the moderator and author of the discussion platform “We Discuss” and the speaker of the podcast of the same name.
Axel Timo Purr is the editor of artechock (https://artechock.de) and publisher of Literature Review (https://literatur.review). With a background in German literature, social psychology, linguistics, and African studies, he has conducted field research in Africa. Since 1999, he has coordinated an international translation network and contributed to various publications. He has served on numerous juries, including
FIPRESCI and the NRW Scholarship for Children’s and Youth Documentaries.
Meghachandra Kongbam is a film critic, academician, and activist based in Imphal and Delhi. He won the Golden Lotus Award for Best Film Critic at the 63rd National Film Awards in 2015. With a PG degree in Journalism from Banaras Hindu University and a film appreciation course from FTII Pune, he has written on cinema for four decades. President of the Film Society of Manipur, he has served on juries at numerous international film festivals. He authored the book “Manipuri Cinema” in 2021.
Adele Seelmann is an acclaimed director known for her innovative storytelling and compelling visuals. With a robust portfolio spanning various genres, she has earned recognition for her unique cinematic style and ability to elicit powerful performances from her actors. Adele’s work has garnered numerous awards and has been featured in prestigious film festivals worldwide. Her dedication to her craft and visionary approach continue to make her a standout figure in the film industry.
Anna Henckel-Donnersmarck curates Berlinale Shorts, but her passion for moving images goes beyond. A programmer, juror, and artist, she champions short films while creating video installations and teaching film theory. With a global upbringing and artistic background, she brings a unique perspective to the world of cinema.
Apoorva is an award-winning producer known for hit shows like DELHI CRIME and WOMB. She co-founded Golden Karavan and Awedacious Originals, producing ambitious South Asian and global films. Her upcoming slate includes DELHI CRIME Season 3 and THE GLASSWORKER animation feature. Apoorva is a fierce supporter of independent voices and has distributed over 50 films.
Munjal Shroff is a creator, producer, and director with 27 years of experience in live-action, animation, gaming, and VFX. He co-founded Graphiti in 1995, establishing it as a powerhouse in kids’ entertainment. Munjal has partnered with Netflix, Disney, Cartoon Network, and Nickelodeon, and developed India’s first kids’ live-action TV show with 3D animation, “J Bole Toh Jadoo.” He created the hit children’s series “Krish, Trish, and Baltiboy” and “YOM ” for Disney Channel, both available on Netflix. His latest creation, the Netflix Original “Deepa and Anoop,” won four Kidscreen 2023 Awards. Munjal also created “Yoga with Modi ” featuring a 3D avatar of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Honoured as the Toon Titan of Asia, he is Co-Chairman of the FICCI AVGC Forum and an Advisory Board member of the Media and Entertainment Skill Council.
Dr Bobby Sarma Baruah is a National (Rajat Kamal ) and International award-winning Indian Filmmaker. She did her Master of Arts in Assamese Literature, B.Ed. and Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Gauhati University. She completed her PhD from the Department of Communication and Journalism, at Gauhati University. She is awarded the Senior Fellowship from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in 2014. Her Filmography includes feature films- “Adomya” (Indomitable) (2014), “Sonar Baran Pakhi “(The Golden Wing) (2016), “Mishing” (The Apparition) (2018), “Sikaisal “If Only Trees
Could Talk” (2022). Her upcoming feature film “Rador Pakhi” (Morning Sunshine) is in post production now. She won her National Award (Rajat Kamal) for the film “Mishing” (The Apparition) in the year 2018.Currently she is a Member of the Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema (NETPAC).
Manas Choudhury, a graduate of FTII with a specialisation in Sound Recording, is an acclaimed sound designer in the Hindi film industry. With 30 years of experience, he has worked on over 70 feature films, including “Pathaan” (2023), “Chak De! India” (2007), and “Dhamaka” (2021). His portfolio also includes “Mujib – The Making Of A Nation,” “Teen Deewarein,” “Firaaq,” “Tere Bin Laden,” “Luck By Chance,” “Dum Maaro Dum,” “Jamtara,” “Saina,” “Rashmi Rocket,” “Shamshera,” and “Dhak Dhak.”
Bharat Bala is an award-winning Indian filmmaker known for his evocative advertising campaigns and documentaries. He showcases untold stories from across India, employing innovative techniques to captivate global audiences. His work includes the “Incredible India” campaign and the music video for India’s national anthem. He has also directed feature films and large-scale events like the Commonwealth Games ceremonies.
Lithuanian filmmaker Audrius Stonys is a documentary powerhouse. He’s directed 20 acclaimed documentaries and a staggering 400 TV documentaries. Stonys’ work has garnered international recognition, including the European Film Academy Award for Best Documentary for “Earth of the Blind.” Beyond filmmaking, he shares his expertise through lectures worldwide.
Barthélémy Fougea is a force in documentary filmmaking. He founded Winds Films, producing over 30 acclaimed films, focusing on the International stories that explore discovery, adventure, and nature. Fougea “On the Way to School” won the César Award, France’s top documentary honour. He’s also involved with Sunny Side of the Doc, a key marketplace for factual content.
Keiko Bang is a powerhouse in Asian media. For over 30 years, she’s produced award-winning documentaries and co-productions, fostering collaboration across 25+ countries. A visionary, she championed a “Single Asian content market” and brought the Korean Wave to India. Now, she is turning her focus to developing exciting content from her father’s homeland, Japan.