A day before the exciting line-up for the 2019 Femme Filmmakers Festival (it’s quite the list I can tell you), we can now reveal the Jury Members for this year’s Official Selection of short films. And in the end, after a ton of interest, and plenty of get-to-know-you chit-chat, it came down to looks. I’m joking of course.
The eleven jury members were chosen for their passion for film, with emphasis on short films and female filmmakers, as well as an enthusiasm for the Femme Filmmakers Festival. Some I know, some I’m meeting for the first time. They will all unite to honor the best of the 20 short films in competition – which will be revealed tomorrow.
Here are the eleven disciples:
Jasmine May – holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Film, and is a screenwriter who enjoys analyzing works. She is also a strong proponent of growing diverse representation in the global cinema industry.
Niccolò Montanari – has built experience in fashion film, worked with film directors, production companies to support distribution of video content across online media and international film festivals.
Niall Browne – Irish born, owner of Movies In Focus, and scriptwriter. Has written extensively on film over the last decade – Rotten Tomato approved critic – and conducted interviews in the industry.
Lala Aliyeva-Klychkova – a woman writer and director from Baku, Azerbaijan. She has an experience of being an honourable judge at Crown Wood International Film Festival and AI Film Fest.
Sonia Sobrino and Miriam Sobrino – or the Also Sisters. Both active filmmakers, cinematographers with several short films in the festival circuit. They have served as festival jurors, teach film and media arts at the University of Utah, also served as directors of the Study abroad Program for their University in Sicily.
Maria Giménez Cavallo – a Spanish-Italian-American who has been living in Paris since graduating from Columbia University in 2014. She has since been working as an assistant director, casting director, and editor for Abdellatif Kechiche, and is now in production of her first film as a director.
Catherine Gonzales – based in Austin, Texas, Editor-in-chief of Shuffle Online. Covering entertainment and lifestyle news, film reviews, concert recaps, exclusive interviews with filmmakers, artists and musicians.
Aurora Fearnley – a first class NFS graduate writer / director, started her production company Little Northern Light. Her short films have had international festival success and awards. Latest is sci-fi short, Pulsar.
Caitlin Higgins – became interested in short films whilst working with submissions at the Edinburgh International Film Festival. Invested in festivals who have a commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.
Billie Melissa – owner and founder of Cinematic Faves, and writer for Filmotomy. She studied at one of London’s top film schools, now doing her bit for female film critics, and also works in the film industry.
