Anne Kellogg

Anne Kellogg is a Las Vegas-native who has spent a lifetime celebrating all things Nevada. Her passion for arts patronage started for her as a child and has grown into a life-long pursuit. She helped create First Friday Las Vegas, served as the marketing director for the Las Vegas Art Museum under Libby Lumpkin and founded Las Vegas Paper Doll Public Relations. Anne spent the first part of her career as a journalist with stints at the Las Vegas Weekly, Nevada Magazine and the Daily Sparks Tribune among other. Her work has been published in Sunset Magazine, TimeOut Las Vegas guides and Best Places Las Vegas. For the past 18 years, she has served on the board of Nevada Women’s Philanthropy, a pooled-fund large gift making organization. She and her husband, Matthew Disher split their time between her beloved Las Vegas and eastern Nevada’s mystic high desert.

Esther Gabriel

Esther Gabriel is a filmmaker and intimacy coordinator with over 18 years of experience in directing, producing, and visual storytelling.

She specializes in authentic, emotionally resonant scenes—especially those involving intimacy.

An alum of UNLV Film, Esther’s roots in the Nevada creative community run deep.
She’s proud to return to the Nevada Women’s Film Festival as a juror after years of supporting its mission.

Ina Sotirova

Ina Sotirova is an award-winning Jamgarian (Jamaican-Bulgarian) filmmaker and TEDx speaker with 15+ years of media experience, specialising in uplifting and inspiring stories, rich in cultural flavour and diversity, and sprinkled with a flair for the spiritual nature of our world. She launched her storytelling career as a photographer and journalist, featured in Digital Photo Pro Magazine, Reuters, BBC, and more, and later specialised in documentary filmmaking at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism in NYC, where her documentary debut, freedom2dance, won the 2012 Du-Pont / Judy F. Crichton Award for Visual Storytelling. It premiered at the Lincoln Center’s 2012 Dance on Camera Film Festival with a Jury Award Nomination. Her 2018 fiction debut, the animated short, Agwe, was a winner of JAFTA Propella (Jamaica’s short film script-to-screen program) and took second place for Best Caribbean Short at the 2019 KingstOOn Animation Festival. A writer, director, producer, editor and sometimes cinematographer, Ina is also behind other short and experimental films, feature documentaries, music videos and video art. She is now releasing her debut live-action short, Stinky Mango – a metaphor for what happens when we don’t face difficult emotions and instead, let them rot inside. The film serves as the prequel to Mango Magic, her feature film and transmedia IP, currently in development. Alumna of Film Lab Jamaica, Jihlava Academy Creative Lab and Columbia University, winner of the Films That Move Award for Innovative Storytelling, Kingston Creative Pitch Forward Competition, Catapult Arts Grant, and more, Ina lives in Kingston, where she also teaches at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts and sits on the Board of Women in Film & Television Jamaica (WIFT-JA).

Kissy Dugan

Kissy Dugan is an American/Irish writer/producer based in Rome, Italy.  She has a full slate of projects in various stages of development and pre-production. Recent writing credits include:  Twisted (animated feature currently in production with Mediawan France) and the Italian black comedy I Cassamortari (Amazon Studios Italy). Producing credits include the UK/ Italian feature The Habit of Beauty (Rome Film Festival) and doc features Botero (Palm Springs International Film Festival, Barcelona Doc Fest) and I Want My MTV for A&E Network. Kissy worked as both a classically trained actor and stand-up comic across the US (Caroline’s on Broadway, Gotham, Stand Up NY, The Improv, The Laugh Factory and the Comedy Store) and Europe. She has worked in casting (20th Century Fix, Columbia Pictures) and has produced both short films, live stage shows, industrial films and commercials. Kissy also provides concierge production services for foreign productions in Italy. She is a founding member of Women in Film, TV and Media Italia and a current board member of Women in Film International.

Lisa Tomlinson

Lisa Tomlinson is a Senior Lecturer and Head of the Department of Literatures in English at The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, where she teaches courses in Film and Literature. In addition to her academic work, she serves as the Deputy Festival Director and Chief Judge for the GATFFEST Film Festival. She is also the Chief Adjudicator for the FiWI Culture Short Film Competition and the Creative Writing Competition hosted by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC). Lisa also designs and facilitates Film and Creative Writing workshops for the JCDC.

Mara Luka

Mara Luka is an actress, moderator, and producer based in Berlin. She is fluent in Spanish, English, and German, and is particularly committed to increasing the visibility and advancement of women in the film industry. As a producer, she develops and supports films featuring complex and compelling female characters. She has also worked with INTO THE WILD, a mentoring program that supports FLINTA* individuals in entering the film industry. Mara Luka serves on the board of WIFT Germany (Women in Film and Television Germany) and the international board of WIFT International.

Rouzie Hassanova

Rouzie is an award-winning writer and director whose unique Pomak (Bulgarian-Muslim) identity brings a fresh vision to her work. She is known for her commitment to authenticity and collaboration, crafting powerful themes and true-to-life performances.

Her debut film, RADIOGRAM, won three awards, including the Audience Award at the Sofia International Film Festival and the Best Debut Award at the Golden Rose Film Festival. It then travelled to 13 other festivals and found a home on Amazon Prime in the US and UK. Most recently, Rouzie co-directed the documentary web series AHI WĀNANGA with the director & producer Jessica Sanderson (Ngāti Kahungunu, Te Ātiawa, Pākehā) for TVNZ. The series celebrates Aotearoa’s young Muslim and Māori communities by bringing them together for a wānanga (discussion) to allow for healing and unity.

Rouzie’s industry career began at Prime Focus’s post-production house in London. Subsequently, she was a Sales Manager for HanWay Films and Vice President, International Licensing and Distribution for Mister Smith Entertainment. Since moving to New Zealand, Rouzie has worked as a Drama Development Producer for Great Southern TV, a Development Executive at the NZFC, and Head of Development and Production at Libertine Pictures. Currently at Sweetshop Entertainment, Rouzie played an integral part in financing the Māori gothic revenge thriller Mārama by Taratoa Stappard. 

Keva McGee

A Chicago native, Keva A. McGee is a proud graduate of Rust College, where she earned a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Mass Communications.   Post Rust College, she continued her formal education at Columbia College Chicago, where she earned a second Bachelor’s Degree in Post Production Editing. Mrs. McGee retired from Chicago Public Schools in 2020 and is currently a  Multi-media Communications Magnet Program/CTE Video ProductionTeacher at Canyon Springs High School Leadership & Law Preparatory Academy in Clark County School District.

Throughout her 25 year teaching career, Keva has exposed her students to industry standards offering in collaboration with Columbia College, John Mossman/SOUTHSIDE FILMMAKING YOUTH INITIATIVE MENTORSHIP PROGRAM (SouthSide FYI ) Summer mentorship program. Garnering numerous awards and most importantly, new skills, confidence, and dreams of the future for the participants in the program.

Additionally, Keva is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. A 2009 Exemplary Teacher of the Year recipient from the Chicago Public Schools Department of College and Career Preparation/ Career and Technical Education. Passionate about the lives of her students and the welfare of her school, Keva’s motto is true to who she is: “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!”

Patricia Charlton

Patricia “Patty” Charlton is a distinguished leader with over 28 years of experience in Nevada’s higher education landscape. Her story is intricately woven with the fabric of Nevada’s System of Higher Education (NSHE).

Charlton is herself a product of the NSHE, having earned undergraduate degrees from the College of Southern Nevada (CSN) and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). She earned her Master of Public Administration Degree from UNLV and is currently pursuing a doctorate degree in public policy. Thanks to her many years working in Nevada’s higher education leadership and her time as a student within the system, she deeply understands the value of the system. She has seen the power of the system and its eight institutions to change individual lives while simultaneously acting as a driving force for Nevada’s economy and society by addressing workforce needs and fostering innovation.

Charlton’s professional career began at CSN in 1995. It spanned over two decades, showcasing her versatility in various key positions including senior vice president of finance & administration/chief of staff, senior vice president, strategic initiatives & administration, and vice president/provost Henderson Campus/chief facilities officer. Charlton’s impact extended across departments, including finance, facilities, and human resources. Her retirement in 2022 was marked with the title of Emeritus in recognition of her invaluable contributions.

In 2023, Charlton was appointed acting vice chancellor for academic & student affairs, taking charge of coordinating higher education issues, policies, and programs for NSHE’s workforce and community colleges. This paved the way for her current appointment as Interim Chancellor, where Charlton brings both enthusiasm and her wealth of knowledge to the role of the chief executive officer and ex- officio treasurer within NSHE. Appointed by and accountable to the Board of Regents, Charlton is tasked with overseeing NSHE’s administration, executing Board policies and directives, and managing its financial operations. Furthermore, Charlton collaborates closely with institutional presidents to enhance administrative efficiency, foster cooperation among member institutions, and play an integral role in strategic planning, budget presentations, and representing NSHE, including to the governor’s office and the state legislature.

Beyond her administrative roles, Charlton has been actively involved in community service, serving on the United Way of Southern Nevada’s board of directors, and chairing the Clark County School District’s Bond Oversight Committee. Her engagement with the City of Henderson includes roles on the Chief of Police Advisory Council and the Community Education Advisory Board. Charlton’s commitment to community extends to chambers of commerce, including the Henderson Chamber of Commerce, where she served on the Development Authority.

Her participation in organizations like the Goodie Two Shoes Foundation, ESPN Las Vegas Bowl Women’s Huddle, and Voices in Voting underlines her commitment to diverse community causes.

Susan Anton

Susan Anton has been recognized as a multi talented international star for more than 35 years in television, film, theater, and concert venues. She was nominated for a Golden Globe in her first film outing, Golden Girl, and was soon thereafter signed by NBC to star in her own variety show, Presenting Susan Anton. ABC later signed her to a development deal where she starred in the hourly drama, Cliffhangers. She has appeared in hundreds of film and television projects over the years.

Her Broadway credits include co-starring with the original Broadway cast of Tommy Tune’s Tony Award-winning musical The Will Rogers Follies; she also worked with director Mike Nichols in David Rabe’s Pulitzer Prize winning play Hurlyburly. She co-starred as Velma Von Tussle in the Las Vegas production of the Broadway musical, Hairspray, opposite Harvey Fierstein, which was directed by Tony Award winner Jack O’Brien and choreographed by Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell. She reprised the role for three spectacular evenings at the Hollywood Bowl with an all-star cast, which was directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell. She co-starred in the national tour of the Broadway musical All Shook Up, directed by Christopher Ashley and choreographed by Sergio Trujillo.

Susan starred for seven years in the The Great Radio City Music Hall Spectacular with the legendary Rockettes, directed by the late Joe Layton. She also toured in the Neil Simon/Marvin Hamlish production of They’re Playing Our Song and then went on to co-star with Elizabeth Ashley in the national tour of A Couple of White Chicks Sitting Around Talking. She has shared the stage with legendary entertainers Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davies Jr., Tom Jones, and many more. She toured with country super star Kenny Rogers and had a top 10 country hit with the song “Killing Time”. Internationally, she had recording success and received a Gold record for her hit, “Foxy”.

Susan and her husband, director, Jeff Lester have called Las Vegas home for more than 20 years. In 1997 they opened their production company, Big Picture Studios. Under their banner, Susan executive produced the award winning The Last Real Cowboys, starring Oscar winner, Billy Bob Thornton, and also executive produced the documentary Speed of Life with Amy Purdy, the inspirational Sochi bronze medalist who was also runner up in Dancing With The Stars. Susan is currently a minority partner and celebrity brand ambassador in a new California based beverage company, Spa Girl Cocktails.

Danielle Hartnett

Danielle Hartnett is a lifelong educator with a passion for film. She holds a degree from the USC School of Cinema and is a published film reviewer. Since relocating to Las Vegas, she has been heavily involved with OLLI@UNLV, part of a nationally-endowed program for ongoing education for older adults. Danielle is an instructor of film history with a special interest in the Hollywood blacklist. She is honored to be serving on the jury of the Nevada Women’s Film Festival and hopes to further the festival’s mission of supporting women’s voices and women’s visions through film.

Kynan Dias

Kynan Dias is an actor and award-winning screenwriter, born in Honolulu and raised in Las Vegas. Inspired at an early age by great American playwrights such as Tennessee Williams, Arthur Miller, and Edward Albee, Kynan taught himself to write feature-length screenplays as a 14-year-old high school student. He earned a B.A. in film from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he pursued acting, screenwriting, and directing. Later, Kynan earned his MFA in screenwriting from the University of California, Los Angeles, where he developed a love for writing TV sitcoms that were further nurtured during his time studying improv comedy at the Upright Citizens Brigade.

As a writer, Kynan’s films tend to live within the thin space between the humorous and the tragic, in sarcastic dramas and in comedies that hurt. As an actor, he is often hired to cry in comedies. With Lester Ryan Clark, Kynan co-hosts a series of film history podcasts on the TruStory.FM network that are meticulously researched yet lean heavily on improvised comedy.

Teaching at UNLV FILM since 2008, Kynan has developed a wide variety of courses in film production, directing, acting, screenwriting, and film studies, being especially proud of building classes such as Women in Comedy and Queer Cinema. His research interests include animation history, studio system economics, queer coding in classic film, and foregrounding previously unsung collaborators within major film authors’ historiographies.