SLAVIC FILM FESTIVAL 2026 short documentary JURY
PASHA TALANKIN
Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker and educator.
Through his filmmaking, Pasha brings a deeply personal perspective to complex social and political realities, focusing on the experiences of ordinary people living through extraordinary circumstances. His work has been recognized for its authenticity, courage, and commitment to documenting contemporary history. As a member of the Slavic Film Festival jury, he brings valuable insight into documentary storytelling, ethics, and the power of cinema to engage with real-world issues.
Thomas hass
Cinematographer, film editor, and documentary filmmaker
Throughout his 30-years career, he has worked across six continents, documenting major global events, including conflicts in Iraq, Gaza, and Ukraine, as well as natural disasters such as the tsunami in Japan, the earthquake in Haiti, and volcanic eruptions in Iceland. His work combines technical excellence with a deep commitment to authentic storytelling and human-centered journalism.
hiromasa konishi
Producer, Director, educator
Hiro has directed numerous TV shows, documentaries, promos, and commercials. His work has been broadcast nationally and internationally. He has been the chair/co-chair of the Cinema-TV-Radio Department since 2007. Prior to joining Saddleback College in 2005, he was an assistant professor of video and TV production at California State University Monterey Bay. He has a Master of Fine Arts in Film and Video Production from the University of Texas at Austin.
Melodie Bergquist-Turori
Producer, Director, educator
Melodie Bergquist-Turori is an interdisciplinary Pasifika artist, independent curator, and community scholar descended from Aitutaki and Pukapuka (Cook Islands), Sweden, and Germany. She recently served as Educator in Residence at the Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum in Long Beach, California. Melodie is a doctoral student at NAIITS: An Indigenous Learning Community, holds a Master of Arts (Theology) in Indigenous Community Development from NAIITS, and teaches radio broadcasting at Saddleback College.
SLAVIC FILM FESTIVAL 2026 short films JURY
SONIA MACHADO-HINES
Producer, Director, writer, and founder of Black++ Productions
Combining her creative vision with a background in business and entertainment consulting, Sonia has helped bring more than 30 films to audiences, including the documentary #hiplet, the narrative feature A Lady’s Love, and the award-winning short Karbouj. Her work is known for its focus on compelling human stories and strong independent filmmaking.
maria helena mayenzet
Actress
Maria’s career has spanned over thirty-five years working in regional theatre, film, and television. She is a professional actor, director, playwright, author, short film director and producer. She has a B.A in Drama from University of California, Irvine (2002) and an M.F.A. in Acting and Directing from California State University, Long Beach (2005).
She has taught at Saddleback College for 15 years and has been tenured faculty in the Cinema, Television and Radio Department since 2011.
She has been a Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival adjudicator since 2007.
She has summited Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania,Thorong La Pass in Nepal and the Lanin Volcano in Argentina.
Lydie denier
Actress, Producer, Director, Writer.
After a successful acting career with over forty television series and feature films she has shifted her focus to writing, directing, and producing films.
As a filmmaker, Lydie is committed to nurturing emerging talent, serving as an executive producer on short films that give young filmmakers a platform to bring their visions to life. Her directorial debut, Unforgotten Box, is a deeply personal documentary that reflects her love for intimate, thought-provoking narratives.
ryan hoskins
Actor, Producer, Director, Educator
Bio coming soon
Randy van dyke
Producer, Director
Randy Van Dyke has written and directed five feature films ranging from comedies and creature features, to psychological thrillers. Having grown up in the 80s, Randy has a healthy appreciation for big cinematic studio films as well as smaller, more personal indie stories. When not working on set he is also an educator helping the next generation of filmmakers learn the technical side of filmmaking.
Alona Ksenofontova
Hairstylist
A hair stylist with over 13 years of experience in the film industry and a member of the Hollywood film union Local 706. Her work spans a wide range of productions across Europe and the United States, where she skillfully merges diverse techniques and creative approaches from both cinematic traditions. Alona has also contributed her expertise to projects at Warner Bros., further enriching her international portfolio. She specializes in character styling for film and television, bringing a versatile skill set to every project and thriving in both major studio productions and independent films.