ANDY CLINE is an accomplished documentary filmmaker and an emeritus professor of media and journalism at Missouri State University. He co-founded Carbon Trace Productions, a non-profit documentary studio focused on producing socially impactful films. His work often explores humanitarian themes and urban issues, with notable documentaries including A Vietnam Peace Story and Downtown: A New American Dream, the latter of which won an award at the New Urbanism Film Festival. Cline’s work aims to educate and inspire, particularly through his dual mission of documentary filmmaking and teaching. He has been instrumental in mentoring students in documentary production, encouraging them to engage with complex social issues. His documentaries have been shown in various film festivals and received accolades for their deep storytelling and social relevance.

BECKY SHEPHERD is a filmmaker based in Hawaii, known for her contributions to the Hawaiian film scene. She has worked in various capacities within the film industry, including costume design on notable productions like Da Vinci's Demons and Molly Moon and the Incredible Book of Hypnotism. Shepherd has also been involved in documenting important community stories, such as the resilience of Maui residents in the aftermath of the 2023 Lahaina wildfires. Her work emphasizes community strength, and her films have been featured in prominent festivals like the Hawai'i International Film Festival (HIFF).

CHRIS LOUZADER is an active and esteemed member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), through which she plays a pivotal role in voting for the prestigious Critics Choice Awards. Her involvement with the BFCA has taken her to numerous red carpet events, where she has interacted with industry icons and captured cherished moments with stars like Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock. Her passion for cinema is evident not only in these high-profile engagements but also in her lasting contributions to Springfield’s media community, where she consistently champions the art of film.  In addition to her work as a film critic, Louzader co-hosts The Kevin & Chris Show on 98.7 The Dove, and regularly shares her movie insights on KOLR-TV and KOZL. She has built a career around offering thoughtful and engaging commentary on films across various media platforms. A strong advocate for local filmmaking, Louzader often highlights independent and lesser-known productions, reflecting her deep appreciation for grassroots cinema and her dedication to supporting emerging filmmakers.

CONNIE PACHL is a celebrated singer and songwriter, best known for her standout performance in Broadway - Our Way!, which earned her the prestigious Back Stage Bistro Award for Best Performance in a Revue in 2006. With a career that spans across musical theater and cabaret, Connie has captivated audiences with her versatility and talent. She has been a key figure in numerous successful revues, including notable collaborations with Bill Daugherty, such as When the Lights Go On Again, a 1940s-themed musical that enjoyed a popular run at the Triad Theatre. Her artistry continues to leave a lasting impact on the musical theater scene.

COURT PASSENT is an experienced media executive who has held significant roles at CBS News, including serving as Executive Director of Interactive. He is also known for his work as the former Executive Producer of CBS News on Logo, a pioneering program on MTV's 24-hour digital cable network focused on the LGBTQ+ community. In these roles, Passent has been at the forefront of digital and interactive news production, helping to shape content that caters to diverse audiences.

DANA JACKSON is an experienced agent and producer, currently heading R.E.D. Entertainment, a management and production company. She previously held the role of Director of Development at Castle Rock Entertainment, where she worked closely with writers, directors, and producers on numerous major feature film releases. Additionally, she has worked at the William Morris Agency and Hunt/Tavel Productions, establishing projects with major studios like Disney, Fox, Paramount, and Warner Bros.

DANA POWELL is an American actress and comedian known for her standout roles in television and film, including her memorable performance as Cam's sister, Pameron "Pam" Tucker, on the hit TV show Modern Family, and her work in popular shows like Veep and The Office, where her sharp comedic timing has earned her wide recognition.

DAN GOUGLASS, known by the name Fishlegs, is a Philadelphia-based graphic artist and designer. He has a background in Illustration and Communication Arts, having studied at the Hugo Design Institute. After starting his career at the ad agency Showcase, Dan transitioned into freelance work, where his projects have included designs for a variety of brands and publications. His work is known for being provocative and conceptually engaging, and he has worked with clients like XFINITY, USBank, and Lincoln Financial Group. Douglass's approach focuses on creating memorable images by exploring points of tension and controversy—not to instigate, but to captivate his audience.

DANNY WOODALL is an actor who began his career in New York City before transitioning to the Kansas City arts scene. He is now actively involved in Kansas City Actors Theatre (KCAT), where he has been part of numerous productions. Woodall has contributed to a vibrant local theater community, which is known for employing talented local actors and offering thought-provoking plays that celebrate the human experience. His work spans a variety of roles in KCAT's productions, reflecting the growth and renaissance of the Kansas City theater scene.

DEVIN ASSUCAO is known for his work as a filmmaker, with credits on projects like Portraits (2009) and Timing (2009).

FERRAN NAVARRO-BELTRAN is a Barcelona-based filmmaker and graphic designer best known for his work on The Silent Generation, a documentary that pays tribute to Barcelona’s LGBTQ+ elders. His films, including the short films The Orchid and Forget-Me-Not, have been featured in over 160 international film festivals, including notable LGBTQ+ festivals worldwide. Navarro-Beltrán also works as a graphic designer for major streaming platforms like HBO Max, Netflix, and Prime Video.

FABRICE AGENDRE is a prominent figure in the French television documentary world, recognized for his contributions to compelling historical and social-themed programming. Notable works include "C'est un complot!" (2019) and "Laissez-vous guider" (2018), where he played a key role in producing and directing. His documentaries are known for their insightful exploration of complex topics, making significant contributions to the landscape of French documentary television.

GUI ASHCAR is a Brazilian filmmaker who began his career with a background in advertising and film direction. He gained recognition with his 2009 short film "Professor Godoy", which won multiple awards and was featured in over 40 film festivals worldwide. Ashcar has directed various projects for major clients such as Netflix, TV Globo, Ford, and Pantene, and he specializes in creating content featuring celebrities and influencers. He also works as a screenwriter and continues to collaborate with production companies on both advertising and film projects

JACK LAMPERT is a senior producer at BBC News, where he plays a crucial role in producing major news bulletins, including the BBC News at One, Six, and Ten. His journalism focuses on crafting compelling news stories and overseeing live broadcasts. Based in London, Lampert contributes significantly to the BBC’s news programming, ensuring the timely delivery of national and international news.

JACK LAUFER is an accomplished actor and director with over 45 years of experience, having performed in New York and Los Angeles. Known for his roles in films like The Day After Tomorrow and Star Trek Into Darkness, Laufer has also directed numerous stage productions, including Fiddler on the Roof at Springfield Little Theatre. His extensive theater career includes directing acclaimed plays such as Driving Miss Daisy and Souvenir, showcasing his versatility in both acting and directing.

JAKE HORVITZ is a Talent Manager at Roar, an entertainment management and production company based in Los Angeles, California. He is involved in managing talent across the entertainment industry and works with a team of professionals at Roar to help develop careers in film, television, and other media. His role includes overseeing the careers of actors, producers, and creatives, contributing to the industry's vibrant talent ecosystem. Horvitz is well-established in the entertainment provider sector.

JAMES HERTLING is a senior editor at Bloomberg, where he has played a key role in overseeing editorial content related to global financial markets, economics, and business analysis. He has a longstanding career in journalism, contributing to Bloomberg's in-depth reporting and live event moderation, which combines insights from Bloomberg Intelligence and Global Data. Hertling has extensive experience in managing and curating discussions that shape important conversations in the financial world.

JEREMY DOBRISH is a seasoned director and playwright, particularly known for his work Off-Broadway. He founded the adobe theatre company, where he served as Artistic Director for 13 years, producing over 20 productions. His directing career spans both New York and regional theaters, including notable productions like The Joys of Sex and Election Day. He has received praise for his dynamic and innovative direction, with his work frequently described as clever and fast-paced. Dobrish is also a published playwright and has directed at major festivals like NYMF and SPF, where his productions have earned multiple awards.

JOE BESSETTE is an actor based in New York City, actively involved in the film and theater scene. He has worked on various independent projects and is connected with platforms like Stage 32, where he collaborates with industry professionals from different fields including directing, screenwriting, and production. Bessette has built a diverse network of collaborators and continues to expand his work in acting, with a focus on both live performances and film work.

JOHN GOODWIN is a highly accomplished Emmy Award-winning makeup artist with an impressive career spanning decades in film and television. Known for his work on iconic productions such as Men in Black, John Carpenter’s The Thing, Tremors, and Critters, Goodwin has left a significant mark on both the sci-fi and horror genres. He has also contributed to hit TV shows, including CSI and CSI: NY, where his special effects makeup played a crucial role in creating the shows' gripping visuals. In addition to his Emmy win, Goodwin was honored with a Rondo Award in 2023 for his contributions to special effects makeup, further cementing his reputation as a leader in the field. He also regularly shares his expertise through workshops and collaborations at events like WonderFest, continuing to inspire a new generation of makeup artists.

KIRK GEIGER is an American actor, born on March 24, 1969, in Rochester, New York. He is best known for his roles in Sordid Lives (2000) and its sequel A Very Sordid Wedding (2017), as well as Karate Kill (2016). Throughout his career, Geiger has worked as an actor, stunt performer, and cinematographer. He gained early recognition for his work in television, including roles on shows like One Life to Live, and has continued to build his profile in independent films.

KRISTEN LAZARIAN is a Los Angeles-based playwright, screenwriter, and director known for her work in theater and film. She wrote the play Push, which was adapted into the 2021 film Trust, starring Victoria Justice and Matthew Daddario. Lazarian's work often explores complex relationships and emotional depth, and her plays have been produced widely in Los Angeles and New York. She is also a screenwriter for films such as My Penguin Friend, which adds to her diverse creative portfolio.

MAKALINA ABALOS is a talent manager whose clients have been featured in major productions such as Lights Out, Treme, Letters from Iwo Jima, Law & Order, and White Collar. Known for her expertise in nurturing talent and helping artists succeed in both film and television, Maka has built a reputation for guiding her clients to standout roles in both industries.

MARC SEDAKA is a director, screenwriter, and author who has written for major studios such as Disney, New Line, Fox, Paramount, and Warner Bros., with credits including Overnight Delivery starring Reese Witherspoon and Paul Rudd. He is also the co-author of What He Can Expect When She’s Not Expecting, a humorous guide for men dealing with infertility.

MARTIN GOELLER is a German American filmmaker, director, and cinematographer, known for his impactful storytelling in feature films and documentaries. He has also worked as an editor and cinematographer on popular TV shows like ABC’s Wife Swap, Animal Planet’s Underdog to Wonderdog, and various projects on TrueTV and MTV.

MICHEAL MANCINI is a New York-based musician, pianist, and multi-keyboard player, renowned for his versatility in the music industry. He has performed with iconic artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, Stevie Wonder, BB King, and Jon Bon Jovi. In addition to performing, Mancini is also an accomplished arranger, composer, and musical director, having conducted shows like the Lucille Lortel Awards and musical productions like The Twelve at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. His experience extends into the commercial realm, where he has worked with major companies like T-Mobile and Harley Davidson on various projects. In addition to his professional work, Mancini is passionate about education and has been a music instructor at the Hackley School in Tarrytown, New York, since 2014, teaching subjects such as jazz piano and music production.

OLIVER JEAN GHEKIERE is a freelance creative known for his collaborations with fashion photographers in France. As a freelancer, he works across various projects in the fashion industry, assisting in the development of visually striking campaigns and editorial shoots. His expertise lies in working behind the scenes with renowned photographers, contributing to the unique aesthetics of high-end fashion photography.

OLLIVIA de la VALLIERE  is an American Canadian attorney and professor currently teaching at Paris Dauphine University. She specializes in negotiation and litigation, drawing on her education from prestigious institutions including Harvard University, Queen’s University, and Osgoode Hall Law School. Ollivia has taught in Paris since 2010 and is also involved in mediation and international affairs. In addition to her academic career, she is an author, known for her book "Becoming Madame", inspired by her life journey.

RICHARD HORITIZ is a renowned American actor and voice actor, best known for his distinctive voice work in iconic animated series and video games, including Invader Zim, The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy, and Psychonauts. His energetic performances have earned him a dedicated fan following and critical acclaim. Additionally, Richard has performed around the world with the Fred Willard Players.

RICK KINSEL is the president of the Vilcek Foundation, where he has been instrumental since its founding in 2000, promoting the contributions of immigrants to the arts and sciences. Prior to this, he worked at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and has been deeply involved with various cultural initiatives, including his role as a juror for the Hawai'i International Film Festival. Kinsel's leadership has earned him numerous accolades, including the MAD Visionaries Award, and he continues to influence the art and film communities through his curatorial and philanthropic efforts.

SARAH TOWLE is an award-winning author, educator, and human rights defender known for her work that combines storytelling with activism, particularly focusing on the U.S. immigration system. Her debut book, "Crossing the Line: Finding America in the Borderlands," has earned widespread praise for its insightful exploration of immigration policies and the human stories behind them. Towle has taught writing, conflict resolution, and cross-cultural communication for over three decades and has earned accolades for her innovative approach to educational tourism through interactive narratives.

SHELLY GIBSON is an actress known for her work in both film and television, with a career spanning from 1982 to 2020. She appeared in notable productions like "St. Elsewhere" (1982–1988), "All My Children" (1970), and more recently in "Echo Boomers" (2020). Her career includes a mix of drama, crime, and mystery roles across both movies and TV shows.

SRIDHAR RANGAYAN is an internationally acclaimed Indian filmmaker, LGBTQ+ activist, and director known for his award-winning films like Gulabi Aaina and Evening Shadows. He has juried at prestigious festivals such as the Berlinale for the Teddy Awards and the Movies That Matter Festival. Rangayan is also a key advocate for queer representation through the Kashish Mumbai International Queer Film Festival.

STEPHEN O'CONNOR  was a dedicated jazz musician whose career left a significant mark on the jazz scene in California. Known for his warm and authentic performances, O'Connor's contributions to jazz were highly appreciated by audiences and fellow musicians alike. His music was characterized by a deep connection with his listeners, creating a memorable experience at every venue where he performed. Throughout his life, O'Connor continued to inspire others with his dedication to the craft and his passion for the unique qualities of jazz music.

STEVEN SPRUNG is an acclaimed filmmaker and Emmy-nominated editor, known for his work on TV shows like Arrested Development and Community, where his sharp editing and directorial contributions helped shape their unique narrative styles and comedic pacing. He was also nominated for a 2010 A.C.E. Eddie Award for his work on Entourage.

STEVEN THARP is a distinguished American tenor and voice professor, recognized for his versatility in both operatic and concert performances. Born in Missouri, Tharp has performed with some of the world's leading opera companies, including the Metropolitan Opera, New York City Opera, and Netherlands Opera. His repertoire spans more than 60 operatic roles, with a particular focus on works by Handel and Mozart, as well as lesser-known 18th- and 19th-century operas. In concert, Tharp has collaborated with prestigious orchestras such as the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, and Philadelphia Orchestra, under renowned conductors like Sir Georg Solti and Daniel Barenboim. He has also appeared as a recitalist at significant venues, including New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art and Carnegie Hall. In addition to his performance career, Tharp is an educator, serving as Associate Professor of Voice at the University of Missouri, where he also coordinates the voice area.

TED SWINDLEY is the playwright behind the beloved off-Broadway musical "Always...Patsy Cline", which chronicles the life and career of country music star Patsy Cline. The play focuses on her unique friendship with a fan, Louise Seger, and features some of Cline’s most famous songs, including "Walkin' After Midnight," "I Fall to Pieces," and "Crazy." Swindley’s work has been praised for its warm portrayal of this relationship and its successful blend of music and storytelling, making it a favorite in theaters across the United States, UK, and Australia.

TESS HARPER is an American actress best known for her Academy Award-nominated role as Rosa Lee in "Tender Mercies" (1983) and for her performances in films like "Crimes of the Heart" (1986) and "No Country for Old Men" (2007).

VINCENT PIERI is a French author and literature professor, recognized for his impactful storytelling that often touches on themes of homelessness, inner voices, and humanitarian efforts. His debut novel, "Station Rome" (2013), garnered critical acclaim and won prestigious awards like the Prix Edmée-de-La-Rochefoucauld and the Prix de la Ville de Rambouillet. The novel tells the compelling story of a homeless former musician living in the Paris metro, blending a poignant narrative with lyrical prose. Pieri's second novel, "La voix intérieure" (2016), further establishes his literary voice. He is also known for his humanitarian work in Southeast Asia, which inspired his earlier publication, "Enfants du Mékong" (2008). Pieri currently resides in Brittany, where he and his wife have created a school for the arts, Theleme.

WALLY CHUNG is a New York-based animator and filmmaker, originally from the Midwest. He is known for his distinctive style of animation, often blending dark themes with whimsical, unconventional narratives. His films, such as "In the Mountains" and "Think Ink", have been showcased at numerous film festivals, including the Tallgrass Film Festival and the Oxford Film Festival, earning him a reputation for creating short films that linger with audiences long after viewing. He is currently working on his first animated feature while continuing to lend his voice and creative talents to various projects.

WAYNE BARKER is a Tony-nominated composer and musician, best known for his work on "Peter and the Starcatcher", which earned him a Tony nomination for Best Original Score alongside playwright Rick Elice.