JUDGES

Valeria Avina
Judge

Actor, Playwright, Producer and Voice Coach based in NYC, born and raised in Durango, Mexico. MFA from The University of Iowa, and a BA from Graceland University. She is a Certified Assistant teacher of Fitzmaurice Voicework. Currently she teaches vocal technique at Fordham University. Proud member of the Saudade Theatre Company,Intar UNIT52, BBR Productions, The Dramatist Guild, NALIP and El Colectivo LGBTTTIQ from Durango,Mx.

Michelle Filippi
Judge

Born in Caracas, Venezuela. From a diplomatic family. She graduated high school at Cliffside Park New Jersey  and College for Tourism in Margarita Island, Venezuela. Michelle started as a volunteer for FLIFF 2008 and 11 years later she was promoted from Special Operations Coordinator, to Hospitality Director then to Operations Director. Since 2017, Michelle is FLIFF's Executive Director for the year round art-houses Savor Cinema, Cinema Paradiso Hollywood & the FLIFF Drive-In Cinema.

Jill Melody
Judge

Jill Melody is an accomplished film professional whose unique approach in the entertainment arena includes an international focus. Her acting & directing have not only won awards but have garnered global appeal. Jill is also a screenplay writer who recently completed the feature film screenplay entitled "Going Down". "Going Down" is a psychological spy thriller which takes place in the U.S. & Israel. A native Floridian, Jill founded & is The Executive Director of both "The Miami Beach Film Festival" & "The Florida Comedy Film Festival".

Sara Rogers
Judge

Ms. Rogers has worked in and around the South Florida Film & Stage industry for more than 30 years in numerous capacities including; teaching, coaching, casting, writing, stage management and as talent. She created stage and camera programs for new and seasoned actors including “Step One Workshop” – (a program for beginning actors to learn how to approach the industry from a business prospective).

Vladimir Lescouflair
Judge

Vladimir Lescouflair is a Filmmaker, Writer, TV/Video Producer and Editor. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications from Florida International University’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication. He has numerous credits in film and television, he worked as lead editor at NBC TV, as writer, producer, director of his own independent film Disturbed. Vladimir is an Adjunct Professor at Barry University where he teaches Advanced Video Editing and Television Production.