Andrea Lee Matthies is an artist, photographer and creative with almost two decades of experience in film, storytelling, and media. She holds a Master of Creative Media (Film & Television) and a Bachelor of Multimedia (Digital Video Production), and has worked on productions spanning commercial advertising, short films and feature-length projects. Her career has spanned both the artistic and commercial sides of the industry, giving her a deep appreciation for the craft of filmmaking and the power of stories to move, inspire, and transform.
Today, Andrea continues her creative practice through art, photography, and explorations in AI, weaving together visual storytelling, sound and immersive experiences, to create work that honours both the technical craft and the emotional resonance of narrative. She is passionate about supporting emerging filmmakers and championing bold, authentic voices in cinema.
Amir is a visual artist, photographer, creative director, and the founder of Crown Visual Studio and the South Melbourne Film Festival. His work explores the intersection of light, emotion, and narrative — creating imagery that feels cinematic, intimate, and timeless.
With years of experience in portrait, fashion, and conceptual photography, Amir has developed a signature visual style defined by elegance, restraint, and emotional honesty. Through his studio, he has collaborated with emerging talents, filmmakers, and artists to bring authentic stories to life.
Driven by a deep love for cinema and visual storytelling, Amir continues to expand his creative practice into filmmaking and curation, building platforms that celebrate originality and artistic vision. As a judge, he brings a sharp eye for composition, tone, and atmosphere — and a passion for stories that move beyond the surface.
Maryam Hashempour (b. 1996, Tehran, Iran) is a filmmaker, theater director, actress, and drama educator. She holds an M.A. in Cinema and a B.A. in Theater Directing from Sooreh University of Art, Tehran.
Her artistic practice spans theater, cinema, photography, and creative drama education. As a theater director, she has staged works by renowned Iranian playwright Bahram Beyzai, including Ezhdahak and The Story of the Hidden Moon. As an actress, she has performed in several productions, including Speak, Medea!, which toured internationally in Russia, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Turkey.
Hashempour has written, directed, and produced the short films Another Scarf and Peeping. Her film Peeping received international recognition, including an Official Selection at the Cannes Film Festival, the Award of Merit at the Accolade Global Film Competition and Best Shorts Competition (USA), and selections at numerous international festivals across Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America.
Alongside her artistic work, she has been active in arts education and cultural management, serving as Educational Manager at KhorMehr Cinema Institute and teaching creative drama for children. Her work focuses on storytelling, visual expression, and the intersection of cinema, theater, and human experience.
Doron Naaman began his career on stage as a theater actor. Over time, however, he found himself drawn to the creative possibilities behind the spotlight. His writing debut was met with critical acclaim when his first play was accepted into a theater festival and awarded first place. Building on this momentum, he has expanded his reach into both writing and directing for cinema.