festival jury team
Award-Winning Writer
Daniel Elkayam
Daniele Elkayam is an award-winning screenwriter and graduate of New York University Tisch School of the Arts, where he earned a B.F.A. in Film Production. His work across feature films and short films has received recognition at several international festivals and screenplay competitions.
His feature screenplay Echo won Best Sci-Fi Screenplay at the Cambridge Script Festival and was also a finalist at the Berlin Script Festival and Cannes Script Festival. His short films have screened at festivals including the Slamdance Film Festival, Evora International Film Festival, and the New York First Run Festival, while also earning awards through the 48 Hour Film Project.
International Storyteller
Barry Lewis
Barry Lewis is a UK-based award-winning screenwriter working across television, film, and stage productions. His short film work has received recognition at several screenplay competitions and international festivals, including awards at the Kent Film Festival and BBC Scotland’s 60 Second Drama Competition.
His writing explores a range of genres and themes, from drama and comedy to historical storytelling. Currently focused on developing television and feature film projects, Barry draws inspiration from both his passion for historical drama and the international experiences gained throughout his global travels.
Poetic Screenwriter Voice
Kris Bart
Kris Bart is a distinctive contemporary screenwriter known for emotionally resonant, visually evocative storytelling that blends narrative precision with poetic subtlety. His work explores themes of memory, war, faith, trauma, and queer identity with exceptional sensitivity and depth.
With a cinematic and deeply human approach, Bart crafts intimate yet expansive narratives driven by powerful imagery, emotional authenticity, and the unspoken tensions between characters. His writing is noted for its compassion, ethical clarity, and uniquely immersive voice.
USC Award Winner
Timothy Lott
Timothy Lott is a Los Angeles–based screenwriter, filmmaker, and multidisciplinary creative with a background spanning film production, physical performance, and real estate development. His career includes 15 years working in film and television as a camera assistant in collaboration with industry figures such as Chuck Lorre and James Burrows.
His diverse experience across movement disciplines, education, and production informs his storytelling, which often focuses on characters overcoming obstacles in pursuit of a sustainable life. He has also been recognized for his work in real estate development, receiving first place at the USC Marshall School of Business/Ross Program for Real Estate Development.
NEA Grant Recipient
Elizabeth Indianos
Elizabeth Indianos is an American multidisciplinary artist, playwright, and screenwriter whose award-winning work spans theatre, film, visual art, and public art projects. Her storytelling often explores artists, creativity, and historical narratives through bold, character-driven perspectives.
Her screenplay and stage work LIBERTAIRE reimagines the untold story behind the creation of the Statue of Liberty, while other acclaimed works include Waiting for Guacamole and NO KNOW NOTHING. Elizabeth’s artistic career has also been recognized through numerous grants, award nominations, and national arts initiatives.
Afro-Caribbean Storyteller
Peter L. Pinnock
Peter L. Pinnock is an award-winning Afro-Caribbean British screenwriter, actor, director, and producer whose work spans drama, comedy, and science fiction. He has acting credits across major UK broadcasters and streaming platforms, alongside an active career in independent filmmaking.
A Spotlight-registered performer and creative, Pinnock is also an activist advocating for human and animal rights, with over a decade of commitment to Ital Rastafari veganism, which informs his broader artistic and personal philosophy.
FILM & THEATRE DIRECTOR
Elizabeth V. Newman
Elizabeth V. Newman is an award-winning film and theatre director whose work has been presented in New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, and Austin. A graduate of Yale University and Boston University’s MFA Film Production program, she is the Producing Artistic Director of the acclaimed Austin-based Filigree Theatre and founder of EVN Productions.
Her film and screenplay work has received recognition from festivals and competitions including the Austin Film Festival, LA Femme Film Festival, Atlanta Film Festival, and IFP Independent Film Week.
Award-Winning Screenwriter
Kátia Kieling
Kátia Kieling is a Brazilian-American screenwriter, actress, and voice artist based in Los Angeles. Originally from Brazil, she moved to the United States to pursue acting before expanding into screenwriting, drawing from her strong theatre background and extensive improvisation experience.
Her work explores complex human relationships, emotions, and sexuality through character-driven storytelling.
