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.

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.