Spotlights of 2024

Lilan Yang is an artist and experimental filmmaker from Chongqing, China. Her practice explores the myth of cities and landscapes, ways of seeing and unseeing, and sentiments of remembering and forgetting, through lens-based analog media such as 16mm filmmaking and 35mm photography, as well as digital technologies such as machine learning and data visualization. She received a BS in Computer Engineering from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and an MFA in Digital + Media from Rhode Island School of Design. She now resides in New York and teaches at Parsons School of Design at the New School.

As a cinephile and an avid traveler, I see the surrounding world through places and the lens of cinema, trying to understand things elsewhere and out of reach. My artistic research has always been about places, the myth of cities and landscapes, and how moving images and artificial intelligence might change people’s perceptions of places. I question how we perceive the world through analog optical apparatuses and how memories are multidimensional yet fragile. Our recollections of people and places can be distorted, unrecognizable, and fictitious. These memories would eventually diminish with the passing of time.

My work is trying to preserve human memories captured by cameras and engrave these recollections on celluloids, and investigating how information is lost in attempts to remember. I reconstruct urban and rural landscapes based on collective memories with generative adversarial networks. I also use analog experimental filmmaking to navigate through time and space, scrutinize my personal memories of growing up, piece together an internal landscape of my own path moving from one place to another as I am the path I have walked on, and ultimately seek for home within the broader context of Asian diaspora and queer identity.

Janna is a documentary filmmaker in New York originally from Finland. In her films, she examines stories at the intersections of art, science, myth and memory, imbuing her experimental works with a distinct sensitivity for the abstract and metaphysical. Her works have screened at film festivals around the world, and published on platforms such as The Criterion Collection and The New York Times, among others.

Maya Theresia is a writer, director, and producer, who challenges convention. Born to Indo-Guyanese, African-American, German parents, and raised between the U.S. and Australia, Maya brings a fresh voice and a unique vision to her work. As a neuroscience researcher and artist, Maya explores the intersection of science and belief, of story and culture, and of experiment and cinema in her filmmaking. She made her directorial debut with Noumenon in 2024.

Noumenon is an experimental short film reflecting on the relation between reality and perception from a neuroscience perspective, and its parallels with the Hindu concept of maya, or cosmic illusion. Neuroscientist Anil K. Seth narrates his concept of controlled hallucination – how all perceptions are active constructions, brain-based best guesses at the nature of a world that is forever obscured behind a sensory veil. Through story and classical South Indian temple dance, Bharatanatyam, the film weaves in the Hindu philosophy of ‘maya’ – the powerful force sustaining the cosmic illusion of the phenomenal world as real.

In 2024, Janna and Maya’s film NOUMENON won the Symbiosis Award at Science New Wave Film Festival.

MICHAEL PODGORAC also known as MIKAL MALDOROR

Born in 1980, Michael Podgorac studied Social and Economic Sciences as well as Theater, Film, and Media Studies in Belgrade and Vienna. He is an activist in the arts, (sub)culture, and DIY underground scenes, supporting projects and events that address various social and (inter)cultural issues. His book “AUZINE” (2021) reflects his commitment and highlights many multi- and subcultural facets of the Vienna music scene. He co-founded the art association “LINE IN” and the experimental art gallery “AU”. Currently, he is the artistic director, along with Anne Wiederhold, at the initiative “Bunker 16 – Erinnern in Zukunft” and a project coordinator at Brunnenpassage. From 2019 to 2023, he was a curator and production manager at WIENWOCHE, a festival of art and activism. Additionally, Michael is a director of avant-garde films and music videos, a graphic designer, and a drummer. His focus areas include migration, transmigration, and a pluralistic culture of remembrance. He lives and works in Vienna.

“Having anxiety and depression is like being scared and tired at the same time. It’s the fear of failure, but no urge to be productive. It’s wanting friends, but hating socializing. It’s wanting to be alone, but not wanting to be lonely. It’s feeling everything at once, but feeling paralyzingly numb.”

— Posted anonymously in Sanvello’s Anxiety community

“Permanently Temporary” is more than a film about migration; it’s a profound exploration of the complexities of identity and belonging in a world rife with prejudice. Drawing inspiration from my own experiences and my dissertation work in Vienna, this film delves into the mental, emotional, and psychological states of a Southeast European migrant in Austria. It examines how war, loss, and systemic societal issues shape and reshape the human spirit.

Miška, the protagonist, embodies the struggle of many migrants. The film’s first part exposes the visible traumas of war—loss of life, destroyed homes, and persistent battles against bureaucracy and discrimination. This portrayal is not just a depiction of the past but a reflection of ongoing internal wars that many face.

In Vienna, Miška encounters another form of conflict, an invisible yet equally harrowing one. Bureaucracy, xenophobia, and precarious living conditions reveal the harsh reality of migrant life, starkly contrasting with the city’s reputation for social housing. This duality highlights the often-overlooked struggles migrants endure while seeking acceptance and stability.

The film’s interdisciplinary approach, weaving political theory, cultural studies, sociology, and visual culture, offers a comprehensive look at the migrant experience. It addresses themes of inequality, social discrimination, and the quest for a sense of belonging. Through Miška’s journey, we explore how identity evolves amidst cultural and societal pressures, leading to a deeper understanding of human resilience.

“Permanently Temporary” pays homage to those who leave their homes in search of a better life. It emphasizes the significance of inner identity and the sense of belonging while showcasing the strength and resilience migrants embody. This film is a testament to the power of love and the human spirit to overcome challenges, fostering a deeper appreciation for the diversity and shared experiences that unite us all.

In creating this film, I aimed to blend socio-psychological, biographical, and fictional elements to craft a narrative that resonates on multiple levels. It is an anti-war statement that underscores the need for empathy, understanding, and peace in an increasingly divided world. By exploring the “permanently temporary” state of migrants, the film seeks to illuminate the profound impact of migration on individual identities and collective consciousness.

Kendrick has been a creative since 17 years of age. He’s been writing skits and short films since he was 15 years old. He began creating short films back in 2019. He’s created 5 total short films. Bad Day: Good Man Gone Bad, is the 1st project He’s entered into the Film Festivals. As a martial artist of over 2 decades, Kendrick loves to create films and stories that involve martial arts action. Kendrick is also very comedic and jovial in his personality, because of that, he enjoys injecting subtle humor into his productions.

Dr. Malka Shabtay is an applied anthropologist, working over 40 years with the Ethiopian Jewish Community in Israel. She taught at the Ruppin academic center, the institute for immigration and social integration and various other academic institutes.. She combines research, consultancy and training for various organizations who are interested in applying cultural and cross cultural perspectives in their work. She has published 15 books and many articles.

Until five years ago she was working at the ministry of education, at the department for children and youth at risk. She is responsible for projects and implementation of policy with Israeli Arabs, Orthodox Jews, and new and old Immigrants. In the last ten years she is involved with diverse Jewish communities, especially the Lemba of Zimbavewe, the Abayudayaha in Uganda, the Hidden Jews of Ethiopia, and the Bnei Annussinm in Brazil.

Her fields of interest and actions are: Israeli society, cultural competence for professionals, diverse Jewish communities, Judaism in Africa and Brazil, visual anthropology, and engaged ethnographic filmmaking.

She is also practicing coaching with culturally diverse clients.

So far she completed four ethnographic films: Cameroon my petite ville (2021), Nafkot (Yearning 2022), Muito Amor – Jews and Judaism in Amazonia (2023). Sarika (2024).

Malka is a mother to Tevel, 21 years old, who had traveled with her and volunteered in the communities she is involved with.

Email: Nafkot2021@gmail.com

This film (Nafkot – Yearning) is the result of my five years involvement and mission as an applied anthropologist with this special hidden Jewish community. The long process of research, filming and editing has been made in full collaboration with community leaders and the three main film heroes. The film is aimed to support our struggles in Israel and Ethiopia for recognition of this community as a true Jewish community, and for them to receive their religious and human rights in Ethiopia.

Tom is a former reporter for the Anchorage Daily News and the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram. He lives in Yarmouth, Maine and works as a photographer and documentary filmmaker. His company is wickedcreativefilmcompany.com

“An Extraordinary Place” focuses on one quirky radio station in Maine, but its themes are universal. Radio is an obsolete technology that should no longer exist. Consumers today can access 100 million songs on their cell phones with online platforms like Spotify. But the digital world has left many people feeling isolated and lonely. Community radio stations like WMPG are beloved because they are powered by humans rather than algorithms. Audiences worldwide are responding to the film because they yearn for community and a human connection to music.

Nathan is a first-time filmmaker from regional Australia who views cinema as the ultimate form of self-expression. Growing up, movies were a source of escapism, but his perspective shifted at 16 when he watched Lars von Trier’s The Idiots and realized film could be art. Influenced by auteurs like Tarkovsky, Bergman, and modern filmmakers such as Darren Aronofsky, he crafts stories rooted in deeply personal themes. His debut film, exploring repression and loss in a small-town setting, has already earned recognition at festivals despite the challenges of limited resources and reworking the soundtrack. With several shorts and feature-length projects in development, he is dedicated to creating meaningful, independent cinema.

Ethan Irwin, who lives in the state of Utah, got his start in the craft very early on, making films when he was still in school and has fallen in love with the craft ever since. Fast forward to now, Ethan Irwin has been creating and sharing magic through the videos that he creates. Watching Irwin’s short films like The Puppeteer, Reminisce, Willy’s Home, and many more will get any audience excited.

A world you created through your story from the world at large is filmmakers secret ability.

I was born in 1977 to a Guatemalan immigrant mother and a blue-collar Texan father who were both divorced and met at a singles party in Twin Peaks, San Francisco. I grew up in the rural hills near Napa, California, leaving at the age of 18 to earn a bachelor’s degree from Claremont McKenna College, and then a law degree from Harvard and a master’s degree in real estate from NYU. After taking the typical route of joining big law for a decade, I hung up my shingle and worked out of my own ship for another 12 years.
I was quite secure that would be the end of this bio until one very late night philosophical debate, some heavy IOS Notes scribbling and an introduction to Final Draft later, GOOD was born, and my 22-year legal career came to an abrupt and unexpected end.
I could not be happier.*
*We would also like to tell you that Monte’s family produces delicious olive oil, he is a husband and father of two beautiful boys and summers in the Hamptons.

Mecca is the second installment in a three-story series called The Parables. To learn more about the anthology, please visit theparables.net

Ed Porter is a dynamic figure whose diverse talents extend beyond the kitchen into film and storytelling. Known for his appearances on Guy’s Grocery Games and Netflix’s Pressure Cooker, Porter has established himself as a chef, musician, and media personality. His creative endeavors stem from a unique blend of culinary excellence and expressive storytelling, honed by international experiences and a rich cultural background in music and food.
In his short film “The Food That Fuels”, Porter showcases his love and appreciation for The San Joaquin Valley as well as his passion for sustainability and farm-to-table practices. The film captures his exploration of local farming and agricultural innovation, with segments filmed during his visit to UC Merced and nearby farms. The project emphasizes the power of community and sustainable food systems, aligning with Porter’s belief that sharing food enriches both body and spirit.

The Food That Fuels reflects my commitment to spotlighting a region that supplies an incredible portion of the food enjoyed by millions each day, while also emphasizing the essential connections between local farming, sustainability, and shared meals. This film was inspired by my experience visiting UC Merced and nearby farms, where I observed the dedication and ingenuity of chefs, farmers, and ultimately educators. Through this film, I seek to illuminate the importance of this region and how the ingredients we often overlook are cultivated with meticulous care and passion, enhancing not only our diets but our sense of community. It is a tribute to those who pour heart and skill into every planting and harvest. My hope is that viewers come away motivated to value and support local food systems, understanding that what nourishes our bodies also strengthens our bonds with each other.

Linder had a vision in 2014 to create a unique media brand that focused on cultural programming. OMG strives to empower communities through its OMGisms, social constructs rooted in the Arts that nurture and improve the health and wellness of youth and families. OMG Companies’ work is centered around building cultural sustainability in which music and art is essential to human survival and development. Linder holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology and a Masters, Business Administration from the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management.

OMG Studios’ mission of Reckoning with Truth is meant to engage communities in confronting our nation’s history of slavery and lynching so that we can move forward in mutual respect of our likes and differences. Discussions about where we go from here are healthy and can lead to discovering ways to live together in peace and harmony. Our mission continues with our 5th film, Juneteenth Reckoning with Slavery: MN African American History, where we invite communities around the world to screen the film and engage in post screening conversations about “WHERE TO GO FROM HERE” to make communities healthy, safe and prosperous for all.

The child of a former monk and school teacher, Annamaria was encouraged to learn about the world around her and to question her assumptions. She believes there is divinity in creativity. Annamaria has a neurological condition called synesthesia, where she attaches color and shapes to sound. Creating worlds in the backyard, playing music, and dancing in the living room for hours were mainstay childhood activities for her.

Her journey to filmmaking was a bit circuitous, and evolved out of necessity. The child of practical parents, she entered law school, where she excelled and landed a job at a prestigious law firm. Practicing corporate law left her feeling unsatisfied, and after a big look in the mirror, she decided to abandon that path, jetting off to India in what she terms her self-imposed exile. There, she explored. She acted in a couple of Bollywood films (‘The End of the Line,’ and ‘Shagird’), taught Bollywood dance, modeled and wrote the demo for what became her first album, ‘Pleroma.’

Returning to the U.S., Annamaria assembled musician friends Blake Fleming (ex-Mars Volta) on drums, Doug Wright (ex-Dolly Parton) on bass, Will Dahl (ex-Harley’s War) on guitar to flesh out her newly formed band Vajra. She met guitarist Dave Sussman, formerly of the band Bile, a couple years later in a basement bar in New York City. The two bonded after long discussions of their experiences of summers in Upstate New York. The colors of the leaves and of the sunset at dusk in August, the smell of freshly cut grass, and days lying on the dirt and staring up at the sky watching cloud formations. Dave quickly joined the band and they toured with their bandmates in Vajra, across the U.S. several times, Canada and Europe.

The need to release music with videos, coupled with the lack of budget, propelled Annamaria and Dave to start creating music videos for the band. Annamaria leaned on her vivid imagination and detail-oriented writing skills to craft the storylines and shot lists while directing and starring in the music videos. Dave had experience with video and photo editing after having worked for Major League Baseball, and he created some of the music videos for his former band. The duo began creating with an iPhone, and during the pandemic, they bit the bullet and bought a “real” camera. Dave learned a new video editing ecosystem while creating the music video for their song “Maya.”

The pair create with nearly a zero budget, with a skeleton crew, and do mostly everything themselves. Dave’s jarring macabre and frenetic music video imagery coupled with Annamaria’s contemplative, narrative and cinematic style started gaining momentum with the release of the band’s music video for their song “Maya,” which won Best Music Video at the Cannes International Cinema Festival and was accepted into seven film festivals.

We are new to film and video making, and are basically teaching ourselves with each new video we create. It’s a combination of intuition and learning on the fly but we love the exploration. Without a budget, we have to work with what we have. As anyone knows, it’s a lot of planning, work, intuition, with some arguments and frustrations but this is our current path. What lies ahead is unknown, but we welcome the challenge.

A self-taught filmmaker whose first documentary captures the haunting transformation of Guanica, Puerto Rico, from a vibrant town to a ghost town. Drawing on her deep personal connection to the area, she crafted a moving and nostalgic film that has resonated strongly with audiences, especially former residents.

Inspired by directors like Steven Spielberg and Michael Bay, Maribel believes in blending originality with familiar cinematic elements. With plans to expand into fiction and collaborate with production companies, she remains dedicated to sharing compelling stories that reflect her passion and creativity.

I directed and filmed the video for ‘Guitars Kill Cowell’ by The Now UK which was released on Serling Records/Rough Trade in 2007. I also co-wrote the song ‘How Could I Love You More?’ with Nina Miranda for Arkestra One’s debut album, Skydiving, which was licensed to the BBC for various documentaries.
Continuing to dabble in experimental film and music, I was asked to score the Kolton Lee short film ‘Blood’ starring Michael Smiley and Jason Steed, which was bought by (and screened on) MTV North America for a series on black British films.
I began writing for various genre-specific film magazines, books and websites . I also write published horror fiction, one of which ‘Daniel’ (published in the Fifth BHF Book of Horror Stories) became my second short film-Daniel Came Home.
Janet Devis was the first short film that I wrote and directed, Daniel Came Home the second and an upcoming film, entitled Witch, is my first full-length horror feature film. I’m the co-founder of Gregory Films (with sister Jeanette).

I shot this film, Daniel Came Home, (adapted from my own short story) in my rented flat over three weekends. I was keen to work with David Keyes, as I had admired him in many shorts, on TV and even in Hollywood movies, knew that he lived near Brighton and could see that he’d be perfect to play Jack. I had heard that he liked my previous short-Janet Devis-so I plucked up the courage to send him the script.
The film was mainly inspired by Bob Clark’s Dead of Night, Alan Clarke’s 80’s films, various 60’s experimental films; a particularly unpleasant father of a friend of mine; and my own father’s army experiences, along with their lasting effect on both myself and my family. It’s quite a personal film and there is definitely some of myself is in the character of Daniel.
With little financial resources, I placed an emphasis on atmosphere and short bursts of dialogue, feeling that the story would work best in stark black and white, with a lot of time spent on sound FX and music choices.
“Decently shot and edited, a fine atmosphere is conjured with minimal resources and the backstory of the protagonists is done very well, with just the right amount of suggestion, allowing the viewer to fill in the blanks. Good stuff!”- John Llewellyn Probert, British Fantasy Award winner and author of The Nine Deaths of Mr Valentine, plus numerous novellas.

Passionate Writer with a dream to produce my own short film and TV Series. In my work, I choose to portray real characters with flaws shaped by psychology, which the audience can connect with.

I am Ben, a 33-year-old man whose childhood was far from the carefree and protected time that every child deserves. In an environment characterized by violence and lacking a reliable caregiver, I had to learn early on to take responsibility – not only for myself, but also for the circumstances that surrounded me. These early years taught me to be strong, but they also showed me the shadows of the world that many prefer to overlook.
Left to my own devices, I found solace in creativity. It became my window to another world, a way out that allowed me not only to survive, but to live. With each step into adulthood, I discovered more about myself and what it means to not give up on your dreams, even when the world seems to be falling apart around you.
I didn’t let my past define me. Instead, I used it as a foundation for my future. My experiences, as painful as they were, shaped my view of the world and how I tell my stories. Filmmaking became my language, a way to express my thoughts and feelings, to share my stories with the world. Every film I create is a piece of my soul, a window into the world as I see it, shaped by the shadows of my past and the light of my hope.

Enjoy the moment!
Hey, I’m Ben. A young dude trying to discover and understand the world in his own way. What I have learned so far through my travels?: That I don’t understand anything 😉 And exactly THAT is the magic of all the madness here. With my little videos I want to take you with me and inspire you to take the world as it is and enjoy it. I realise that I can best develop creatively and physically in nature. In spite of humans, this planet still offers a lot of beautiful places that need to be enjoyed respectfully. This also showed me the right way to deal with myself and helped me to find myself.

I’m a new director/writer who has entered the scene to change horror. Keep it fresh and new ideas.

Making fresh new films!

Laura Muñoz Liaño is a versatile filmmaker born in Sevilla in 1976. She is a screenwriter, consultant, script analyst, director, and producer at Producciones 24Violets. As a screenwriter, she co-wrote the TV movie “Violetas” and its series adaptation, receiving awards for her work. Laura has also directed and written several short films, including “Ciudadanos de ninguna parte” and “Enjauladas.”

In 2023, she directed and wrote the documentary “JESUCRISTO FLAMENCO WORKSHOP,” exploring the creative process of a flamenco opera for cinema. The documentary featured renowned stars such as Arcángel and Carmen Linares and premiered at the Seville Film Festival.

Currently, Laura is working on various projects, including the documentary “INDESTRUCTIBLES” about Berlanga and the horror-fantasy feature film “KOKORO,” which she co-directs and co-produces with Almudena Verdés. She is also involved in the production of the thriller “LOS DÉBILES” and the project “MANITAS DE PLATA” in collaboration with French producers.

In addition to her filmmaking career, Laura runs Consultoría 24Violets, providing comprehensive script services for film and TV. She has also served as a jury member for film festivals and awards, demonstrating her commitment to the industry.

Every musical work begins around a table where the creative team discusses the approach to the script, choreography style, lighting and stage design, and musical arrangements. This documentary captures the creative process preceding the musical film ‘Jesucristo flamenco.’

Producer Antonio Pérez, musical director Alfonso Casado, composer Pepe Begines, and myself delve into this journey of creation.

This documentary, a pioneering endeavor of its kind, draws inspiration from films like Louis Malle’s ‘Vanya on 42nd Street,’ which explores Chekhov’s work scripted by Mamet. It promises to engage not only musical enthusiasts but also those intrigued by the artistic complexities of production.

The film on which this documentary is based follows the Spanish cinematic tradition of portraying flamenco through the ages.

Just as Edgar Neville’s ‘Duende y misterio del flamenco’ in the 1950s and Carlos Saura’s productions in later decades captured the essence of flamenco, our workshop serves as a platform to assess these incredible flamenco artists’ interpretive skills.

To modernize the visual aesthetics, mirrors are utilized to reflect a reality where creative possibilities multiply, inspired by Agnes Varda’s techniques in films like ‘Cleo from 5 to 7’ and ‘The Beaches of Agnes.’

Emanuel Loarca is an actor, writer, director and producer. His artistic debut was with The Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre’s The Beautiful Soul of Don Damian Directed by Miriam Colon, back in 1998. Since then, he has performed in over ninety plays for the Latino and American Theatre. In New York City he earned an HOLA Award, An ALUNY award, Four ACE Award Nominations and received an acknowledgment by the FBI-Hispanic Heritage Celebration for his exceptional service in the public interest. In 2005 Mr. Loarca moved to Los Angeles and Founded Teatro Akabal Theatre to create original works that advocate for social justice through the arts and provide a home for Central American artist and stories. Writer and director of “Sitting on a Fallen Tree” a play based on the testimony of Jesus Tecu Osorio (A survivor of the Rio Negro’s massacre) and written press, won the best new play contest at the CCEG in 2009 and has been performed In Guatemala and Los Angeles in several venues and universities for the last 13 years. Last toured with his autobiographical one man show LA FAMILIA DE EMANUEL a comedy about domestic violence with performances in Mexico, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, NY, NJ, CT, RI and LA where he was awarded Best Actor and Best Play by the audience at Los Angeles international Theater Festival. His new play “The Queer Thing” is set for a workshop production this spring. Film Credits: El Placer de dar Placer, War Within the Cartel, Snuff Dogs, The Return of Lencho, The Two Man, Delusions of Grandeur, Four Good Days, Matador, Above the Desert with no Name, Reward if Found, Alma, Los Aliens, Fullmoon, Collect Call, Calaveras, El sobre, Cine de Lux, Earthlings,Better Half among others. TV Credits: Young Sheldon, The Rookie, Hacks, Barry, Goliath, The L Word Generation Q, Tales of Titans, Criminal Minds, Castle, Jane the Virgin, The Bridge, Los Consejos de la Abuela, Susaneland, See Dan Run, Family Tools, Hard hats, Sex and the city, The Sopranos, Law & Order CI, Guiding light and American Cartel. Emanuel trained at The Raul Julia Training Unit: Three Years Graduate. Alba Oms’ Master Class. Luis dorrego, Tom Nelis, Luis Jimenes, Michael Becket, Oleg Kheyfels, Rasa Alan Kaslas, Miller Lide and Kimberly Jentzen. He is currently directing Alegria’s Poetry Jam set to open this fall.

The director Emanuel Loarca is a queer Latin filmmaker, who believes in the healing power and responsibility of his work. Not only for the viewers but also in a deep personal level for the creators as well. As a new film director Emanuel hopes to bring his vast experience and magic he nurtured in theater in the last 25 years to/and through the screen. His purpose is to connect with the viewers in a human and emotional level as they embark in this journey of transformation together.