A graduate of DePaul University’s School of Cinematic Arts, Ryan cut his teeth in the festival world working with the Chicago International Film Festival from 2014-22 as an archivist, technical manager, programmer, and ultimately as the CineYouth Festival Director. He’s excited to continue NFFTY’s mission of encouraging young filmmakers to share their art with the world. When he’s not programming films for festivals or his podcast, you can catch Ryan trekking through the mountains of the PNW or sitting with his cat reading a book.

Amy Williams is an editor, producer, and film programmer based in Seattle, WA. This is Amy’s seventh festival with NFFTY, and she’s excited to help curate and produce another unforgettable program. A lover of creating and consuming media, Amy is most fulfilled by helping others bring their artistic visions to fruition.

Salome is a lifelong Seattleite. Spending college editing videos in her free time, she eventually had the opportunity to learn about and get involved with filmmaking thanks to Seattle based production company RG Pro’s intensive workshops and its apprenticeship program. She is thrilled to be a part of NFFTY 2025 and help bring forth films and programming that generate a deeper sense of meaning and connection.

Stella Naymik is a Junior at Kent State University studying Digital Media Production. She is a writer, director, and producer, currently involved in active roles with multiple production-based organizations in Northeast Ohio, such as The Female Filmmakers’ Initiative (Director). Stella can often be found working on student and independent films, or on sets of her own with her student-run production company mood9 (Executive Producer). She is beyond excited to help NFFTY continue to support and uplift young filmmakers.

Romina is a visual artist with marketing, distribution, and campaign strategy experience in the entertainment and photography industry. She is a senior at Cal State Northridge studying film with an emphasis on screenwriting. Her favorite movie is Fast Times at Ridgemont High.

Lake Neill is currently a junior at Ballard High School, based in Seattle, WA. He has been involved in Ballard's digital film program the past two years, and will be running and organizing their end of the year student-film-showcase this year and the next. When he's not editing or making student films, Lake can be found drawing or doing photography. He's excited to work with NFFTY and help share the work of many talented young filmmakers.