A Los Angeles-based script consultant and story editor who has been helping writers, directors and producers tell their stories for over 25 years. Ruth has story edited and consulted on award winning, internationally distributed shorts, features and television series, screened at high profile festivals such as TIFF, Cannes, Sundance, Berlin and SXSW, in theaters globally and on North American cable and streamers.

One of Central Asia's most successful and influential filmmakers, a showrunner whose films have dominated the box offices of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. A graduate of the School of Cinematic Arts at the USC in LA, Ruslan creates stories that resonate deeply with audiences while breaking commercial records and setting new benchmarks for regional cinema.

A Los Angeles-based cinematographer, his work has been featured at international festivals including Sundance, Cannes, SXSW, TIFF, IDFA, and Doc NYC. Ahrens has directed music videos for numerous artists, including Ringo Starr and Elton John, and has also shot for brands such as Disney, Nickelodeon, Matel, Chevy, and Hyundai.

An Indonesian film producer, and the founder & CEO of KawanKawan Media, a Jakarta-based production house known for its strong international co-productions. She gained broad attention with Autobiography (world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival and Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards). She has been recognized by Variety as one of their "Impactful International Women of 2023", Yulia served on international juries including at Cannes Critics' Week and Busan International Film Festival, further solidifying her role as a significant voice in Asian cinema.

An acclaimed writer, director, and producer from the United States, known for his powerful and emotionally resonant storytelling. He is the co-producer of the acclaimed Apple TV+ series Pachinko (The Road Through a Thousand Miles) and the director of Apple TV+'s series The Chief of War. With a distinct visual style and a focus on identity, family, and resilience, Justin is recognized at major international film festivals.

A producer, screenwriter, and film festival director with extensive experience across Asia, Europe, and Hollywood. Previously the Executive Director of both the Hong Kong International Film Festival and the Asian Film Awards Academy, as well as the Artistic Director of the Hainan Island International Film Festival. Roger is a respected member of the European Film Academy. His recent works have premiered at the Singapore International Festival of the Arts (2022) and the New Vision Arts Festival (2023).

A film professional and curator with experience across major cultural and media institutions in the UK, the U.S., and Europe. She has worked with the British Film Institute, Independent Television Service (ITVS), WGBH, and international film festivals. Currently, she serves as a curator at M+, the Museum for Visual Culture in Hong Kong, where she develops and oversees film and moving image programs.

A producer, director, screenwriter. Co-founder of the award-winning and nominee-winning production company EAST (Rom, Busan; Be Water, Sundance; Cannes; and Maika, Sundance). His recent series, Devil's Diner, was released for Netflix Originals.

A leading creative professional, currently serving as the Head of Originals and Creative Director at ITV Streaming in Uzbekistan. He has played a key role in shaping the platform's original content strategy and creative direction. Davron is best known as the producer of the acclaimed TV series "Aybsiz" (Not Guilty), which gained widespread popularity for its compelling narrative and cinematic quality.

A screenwriter, producer, and showrunner. He has served as a creative producer on several acclaimed projects, including the hit TV series Fizruk, Tolya the Robot, Nastya, Get It Together!, Soldout, and others. His creative vision bridges commercial appeal with authenticity. His portfolio spans both fictional and non-fictional genres, reflecting his understanding of audience engagement.

A film and television producer, and a co-founder of the 1.1STUDIO production company in Kyrgyzstan. He has played a key role in developing and producing acclaimed projects Prigovor (Sentenced), Koshunany Tandabait (We do not choose neighbours), Black Yard, and many others in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.

A writer, director based in Jakarta. His film Autobiography premiered in Venice Orizzonti 2022 where it received the FIPRESCI Prize. Since then, Autobiography has travelled to numerous festivals such as Toronto, BFI London, Marrakech, New Directors/New Films, Busan, Karlovy Vary, etc and received 19 awards worldwide, including awards for best film at festivals such as Tokyo FILMeX, Adelaide FF, Singapore FF and others. His second feature Watch it Burn was at Busan FF's Asian Project Market 2023.

An independent interactive story architect. Michel is the former director of the Arte Cinéma (France) and is currently a Director of Studies at the Venice Biennale College Cinema and programmer of the Venice VR section. He is also a thought-leader for hybrid forms of storytelling, and immersive, participatory, and interactive experienced and making VR films.

A screenwriter and producer known for her work on high-profile television series. She contributed to the critically acclaimed House of the Dragon, where she co-wrote episodes in Season 1 and Season 2. Her versatility extends to the Star Wars universe, where she served as a producer on the Disney+ series The Acolyte.

A Malaysian film director, producer and writer. He is the founder and managing director of his own production company Blackflag, and most recognized for his works in the Polis Evo franchise. Recognized for his contributions to Malaysian cinema, Joel is one of the highest-grossing film producers in Malaysia.

A dynamic blogger, influencer, and media producer recognized for her impactful presence across Central Asia's digital and creative industries. She has successfully developed and led numerous marketing campaigns, and cross-country collaborations focused on content production throughout Central Asia. Known for her authentic communication style, Meerim bridges brands, audiences, and creators.

The Executive Director of CAPE (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment), the world's longest-running organization driving change for Asian and Pacific Islander success in Hollywood.

A co-founder of the 1.1STUDIO production company in Kyrgyzstan and a general producer of many successful content production projects in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. Askhat excels at building creative teams and delivering compelling, high-quality entertainment. He has collaborated with top talent and emerging voices alike, helping shape the next generation of screen content.

A Chinese-Dutch film producer based in Amsterdam. She founded MUYI Film and Silk Road Film Salon in 2012. The latter is co-founded with Afghan-Dutch film director Aboozar Amini and has as primary focus on regions along the ancient trade route Silk Road. Her works Mr. Hu and the Temple, Fallen Flowers Thick Leaves, Lady of the Harbour, Kabul, City in the Wind, Smog Town (co-producer) have been shortlisted for IDFA Competition section for five times in a row, with Kabul, City in the Wind being the opening film for IDFA 2018, and awarded Special Jury Award for First Appearance Competition.

A screenwriter and producer from the U.S., best known as the co-creator of the hit Netflix series The Brothers Sun. With a strong background in both writing and production, Byron crafts narratives that bridge cultures and captivate global audiences. Passionate about authentic representation, he continues to bring fresh perspectives to the screen through bold storytelling.