The Jury

Amir Korangy
Amir has most recently appeared in *Curb Your Enthusiasm*, *Mom*, *Shameless*, *Grey’s Anatomy*, *Dead to Me*, and as a recurring character in NBC’s primetime sitcom *Superstore*. He is currently a Guest Director and Associate Faculty member at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and a Director at Workspace Hollywood, working alongside the renowned film director Howard Deutch. He is a member of British Equity, the Screen Actors Guild, and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.

...

Louisa Connolly-Burnham
Louisa Connolly-Burnham is an award-winning director and screenwriter hailing from Birmingham who founded her production Thimble Films in 2019. In 2024 she served on the jury for the prestigious 2024 BAFTA x Rocliffe script competition. In 2024 Louisa filmed SISTER WIVES, a short which she wrote, directed, produced & starred in alongside BAFTA-winner Mia McKenna-Bruce (How To Have Sex). The short has been acquired by Film4 and is currently streaming on Channel4 and is longlisted for the Oscar, BIFA and BAFTA.

​

Liza Van Der Smissen

Liza started in the film industry as an actress and dancer, moving into producing in recent years. During Covid she co-founded the Female Film Club, fast becoming a top space for women in the industry to connect. The Female Film Club been featured in Variety, Forbes and many more. 

Liza presents, hosts panel discussions and Q&As with the industry's most prominent women.

.

.

.

Damian Paul Daniel

Damian Paul Daniel is a London, England-based freelance DOP, known for Johnny English Reborn (2011), Fearless and Ill Manors (2012). 

In 2011 he was selected by BAFTA as a Brit to Watch and was a Bafta winner for 'The Black Cop', 2022.

Damian was the Director of Photpgraphy for BBCs documentary 'SALT'. A story that follows playwright Selina Thompson as she retraces the transatlantic slave trade. The film won the Grierson Award for Best Arts Documentary in 2022. 

​

Lily Brooks

Lily is an award-winning multi genre creative producer.

In 2022 she worked as a producer on "Lovely Little Farm" (Apple TV+) which starred Shirley Henderson, Joel Fry and VFX by Industrial Light & Magic received a BAFTA Award. It was also nominated for an Emmy in 2025.

Lily has worked with major broadcasters including, Apple TV+, Netflix, Sky and BBC. Her work covers high-end family drama, commercials, branded content, scripted podcasts, shorts, children’s and entertainment where dynamic storytelling always lies at the heart of her projects.

Lily is passionate about guiding new talent through the industry and is a mentor for ScreenSkills.