Post Production Pitch Competition

Freddie Gluck is an American filmmaker whose documentary work blends nonfiction and narrative storytelling. Characterized by a profound exploration of grounded human interaction and the authentic moments that unfold in the spaces between, Gluck’s films have screened at Oscar-qualifying film festivals and across North America. His recent short, Stone Dead, was officially selected at the Brooklyn Film Festival, Denver Film Festival, New Orleans Film Festival, and the 5Point Film Festival. It was also a nominee for Best Documentary at NFFTY 2024.

Matteo Moretti is a Greek-Italian-American filmmaker specializing in documentary and commercial work that explores the intersection of culture, environment, and people. His films have been recognized by Oscar-qualifying festivals and brands like Nike and The North Face. Matteo was a 2023 newportFILM Cinematographer Lab Fellow and is known for his ability to capture authentic, compelling stories with a keen visual sense.

A first generation filmmaker, Harsimran Sandhu believes that stories make us feel less alone in this world. Throughout his career so far, he's made two short films, worked with Academy Award nominated talent, and has had premieres at the Oscar-Qualifying Tasveer South Asian Film Festival, the Coronado Island Film Festival, and the Cinequest Film Festival.

JT Trinidad (b. 2001) is a Cebu-based filmmaker. Their debut documentary as if nothing happened competed at the London Short Film Festival, while their first narrative short, the river that never ends, won Best Southeast Asian Short at SGIFF and streams on The Criterion Collection. Their films have screened at QCinema, BFI, Ji.hlava, and more. A valedictorian of UP Diliman CMC and an alumnus of ASEAN-ROK FLY, Ricky Lee’s Workshop, Mowelfund, and Film Futura, they co-founded [kino] kolekta, a nomadic cinema dedicated to showcasing short films by amateur filmmakers.

Earvic Noay (b. March 30, 2002) is currently finishing up his bachelor’s degree in Film at the UP Film Institute. He produced films that have been selected and won awards in Gawad Alternatibo of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, The Manila Film Festival, Film Development Council of the Philippines' Sine Kabataan, Puregold CinePanalo, QCinema QCShorts, and Queer East, and Drama International Short Film Festival. He is also an alumnus of the DAKILA and Active Vista’s Climate Story Lab, iNDIEGENIUS Lab, and BIFF's Platform BUSAN 2024.

Natalia Pacheco is a Latina filmmaker based in SouthEast LA who wants to be a writer and director. She comes from a split Nicaraguan and Russian background, which inspires her to center the exploration of identity as a key theme in her work. She is an alumna of Ghetto Film School LA and graduated from UCLA with a bachelor's in Film and Television. When she's not working on a movie, Natalia likes to paint or bake. Anything to stay creative!

Sam is a queer writer and director based in Detroit, MI, recognized for his exploration of violent and obscure themes in his work. Before his latest project, "Puke Bitch," he and his team collaborated on the short film "Dog" (2024), which has recently been acquired by TUBI. This winter, after reuniting with his talented crew, Sam filmed "Puke Bitch," a pilot episode that follows the apathetic twin teenagers, Dove and Larry Marvel, as they navigate a suburban wasteland. He is eager to showcase the dedication and skill of his cast and crew to the judges and is profoundly grateful to be considered for this opportunity.

Jaclyn Iskow is a multi-disciplinary artist operating in Detroit, Michigan. She explores the body and memory through self-portraiture, performance, and photography. Jaclyn attended the College for Creative Studies from 2020-2024 and has produced and performed in multiple films directed by Sam Tricomo including “Babydoll” and “Dog”

Samiksha Thakur is an Indian-American writer-director whose work explores complexities of the human condition via adolescence, womanhood, and mental health as they function within social institutions. Founder of the female-forward production company Pretty Porcelain Pictures, Samiksha has successfully ran various crowdfunding campaigns and led her short films to a sundry of awards and Academy-Award qualifying film festivals. When she's not freelancing, you can catch her doing colorful winged eyeliners, trying new coffee shops alone, or eating sushi with friends.