JURY PANEL FOR FINAL STAGE

Asif Kapadia is an Academy Award, four-time BAFTA, Grammy, and European Film Award-winning filmmaker, best known for his acclaimed documentary trilogy—Senna, Amy, and Diego Maradona. Focusing on child geniuses and the price of fame, these films are constructed entirely from archival material, driven by Kapadia’s cinematic instinct. His innovative storytelling has transformed the documentary genre, turning forgotten footage into unforgettable cinema.

Kapadia’s multicultural background informs his global, genre-crossing storytelling, and he has served on juries at major film festivals.

Amy, about Amy Winehouse, won the Academy Award, BAFTA, and Grammy, becoming the most successful theatrical British documentary ever. Senna, which tells the story of Formula One legend Ayrton Senna, premiered at Sundance and won a BAFTA. Diego Maradona premiered at the Cannes Film Festival 2019, won Best Documentary from Film Critics in New Mexico, and was nominated for a BAFTA, the Goldeneye, and 14 other awards.

Kapadia’s latest film, 2073, premiered at the 2024 Venice Film Festival. A dystopian thriller starring Samantha Morton, it blends archive, nonfiction, and drama to explore how the past may shape our future. He also co-directed Federer: Twelve Final Days and earned two BAFTAs for his fiction debut, The Warrior.

Diana Danielle is an American-born Malaysian actress celebrated for her work in film, TV, modeling, and music. A multi-talented star, she has earned several accolades, including Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, and Popular TV/Film Actress.

She ventured into music in 2016 with her debut single, Tentang Kita. Most recently, she released her latest single, Raja Dusta, in April 2025.

Diana’s film career has been marked by a series of acclaimed performances. In Sembunyi: Amukan Azazil (2013), she played the role of Aishah, earning a nomination for Best Lead Actress at the Malaysia Film Festival. Her performance as Nina in Hanyut (2016) won her the Best Supporting Actress award at both the Malaysia Film Festival and Anugerah Skrin. She later starred as Zak in Gol & Gincu Vol. 2 (2018), a role that won her Best Lead Actress at the Malaysia Film Festival. In 2023, she portrayed Nur in the critically praised film Imaginur, which led to a Best Lead Actress nomination at the New York Asian Film Festival.

Diana continues to captivate audiences with her artistic range across genres and platforms. With her powerful screen presence and growing international recognition, she remains one of Malaysia’s most admired and influential entertainment figures.

Jennifer Yu is a Hong Kong actress, singer, and model. She made her film debut in 2015, playing Ling in Macao ‧ Sisterhood. The role earned her Best New Actress at the 1st International Film Festival and Awards and Best New Performer at the 36th Hong Kong Film Awards.

In 2019, she received dual nominations for Best Supporting Actress for Men on the Dragon and Best Actress for Distinction at the 38th Hong Kong Film Awards.

In 2023, Jennifer starred in Far Far Away, earning multiple nominations, including Best Supporting Actress at the 41st Hong Kong Film Awards, Best Actress at the 29th Hong Kong Film Critics Society Awards, and Best Supporting Actress at the 59th Golden Horse Awards. Later, In Broad Daylight was released, bringing her even greater acclaim. She won several major honors: Best Actress at the 42nd Hong Kong Film Awards, the 30th Hong Kong Film Critics Society Awards, and the Hong Kong Film Directors’ Guild Awards 2023, as well as being nominated for Best Actress at the 60th Golden Horse Awards.

Reza Rahadian is an Indonesian actor who rose to prominence following his role in Woman with a Turban (2009). Since receiving his first Citra Award in 2009, he has acted in over 70 films, ranging from comedies and romances to dramas, biopics, and horror films.

During his lustrous career, he has received five Citra Awards from the Indonesian Film Festival, the Best Actor Award from the Asia Pacific Film Festival (APFF) 2017 for his performance in Rudy Habibie, and several awards from other national film festivals as the best leading actor. His films, Vengeance Is Mine and All Others Pay Cash (2021), received a Golden Leopard Award from the Locarno Film Festival 2021 in Switzerland, and 24 Hours with Gaspar (2023) premiered at the 28th Busan International Film Festival. Reza was selected as a participant of Berlin Talent 2016 and was appointed as the President of the Indonesia Film Festival 2021-2023.

As a director, Reza has directed one short film, Sebelah (2011), one anthology film, Wanita Tetap Wanita (2013), and one miniseries, Sementara Selamanya (2020). His short film, Sebelah, won the best short at the LA Lights Movie Award 2012. His feature film debut, Pangku (On Your Lap), is set to be released internationally in 2025.

Rima Das, a filmmaker from India, is known for making indigenous and realistic stories that explore complicated relationships, finding purpose, coming of age, and life amidst nature. She was conferred the Academy Awards (Oscars) membership in 2024. She is also one of the brand ambassadors of the Toronto International Film Festival’s ‘Share Her Journey’ campaign that champions the cause of gender equality in cinema. GQ India named Rima Das as one of the Most Influential Young Indians of 2018.

Her films Village Rockstars (2017), Bulbul Can Sing (2018) and Tora’s Husband (2022) premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. The films were collectively screened at over 150 prestigious film festivals around the world, winning over 75 awards. Village Rockstars bagged the National Film Award for the Best Feature Film in India 2018 and was India’s Ocial Entry to the Academy Awards 2019.

JURY PANEL FOR SEMI-FINAL STAGE

Al Jafree Md Yusop began his career by scriptwriting the film Paloh for director Adman Salleh, Dukun for director Dain Said, and the stage musical P. Ramlee The Musical for Enfiniti Production. His directing career started with the telemovie Senandong Malam, which he co-directed with Dain Said. He then directed Melur vs Rajawali and Kembara Nak Dara, both telemovies for RTM, and Ghahim Takut Nak Azan and Validasi for TV3. He wrote and directed his award-winning feature film Mencari Rahmat in 2017. He was a lecturer at Aswara, the National Arts Academy teaching screenwriting from 2009 to 2014.

Chacko George Vadaketh is an actor, voice-over artist, host, board member of the FINAS Malaysia. TV shows include, The Bold and The Beautiful, Strike Back, Mr Kiasu, In Plain Sight, The Bridge, Keluarga Baha Don. Film roles include: The Assistant, Princess of Mars, magiK. He narrates History Channel’s Road to Nationhood. Stage shows include: Singapore’s Por Por’s Big Fat Surprise Wedding and solo show Songs & Stories at George Town Fest 2024. He hosted the Royal Reception for Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla and was part of IFFLA (2010–2014). He’s a graduate of Cambridge University and a Barrister-at-Law.

Diversity of creative execution converting thoughts and visions onto a screen has played a major role in his design and art direction. Servicing through 25 years of valued experience, he has learned and used to adapting himself to many projects internationally in any region. Collaborating with an array of the industry’s international projects, developing excellent skills in film set architecture, international art department management, 3D concept visuals, and converting script environment visions onto screens. Experience in working with award-winning directors: Jonathan Nolan, Jon M. Chu, James McTeigue, Bill Eagles, Lisa Clarke, Joss Agnew, Jacquie Gould, and others.

Rendra Zawawi is an award-winning composer, songwriter, and producer whose work spans the US, UK, Japan, and Southeast Asia. A member of Hans Zimmer’s Bleeding Fingers, he scored M for Malaysia and contributed to American Horror Story. His song Arena Cahaya, cowritten with Zee Avi, won Best Theme Song at the Golden Horse Film Festival and Malaysian Film Festival. Rendra’s music has featured in the SEA Games and Maybelline New York’s viral TikTok ad. A Berklee graduate, he’s collaborated with Emmy-winning composers, performs globally, and creates music for film, TV, and personal projects.

Sangeeta Krishnasamy is a celebrated Malaysian actress, producer, and advocate for meaningful storytelling. A law graduate from the University of London, she found her passion in arts, and rose to fame with Vetti Pasanga and Vennira Iravugal in 2014. Her role in Adiwiraku (2017) won Best Actress at multiple awards. She later became the first Malaysian to win Best Actor Female – Tamil Diaspora at the Norway Tamil Film Festival. Sangeeta produced Gemencheh Boys (2023) and is working on a war-heroine film Sybil Kathigasu. She was also recently appointed Ambassador for the Children’s Cancer Association.

Saville Chan is an acclaimed Hong Kong film producer, screenwriter, and songwriter. He wrote and produced The Way We Dance (2013) and She Remembers, He Forgets (2015), both of which earned nominations at the Hong Kong Film Awards. As a lyricist, he has won three Hong Kong Film Awards for Best Original Film Song. He also produced A Light Never Goes Out (2022), which won Best Leading Actress at the 59th Golden Horse Awards. Saville is now an Associate Professor of Practice in Academy of Film, Hong Kong Baptist University, committee member of The Hong Kong Screenwriters’ Guild and The Federation of Hong Kong Filmmakers.

Vanidah Imran is a renowned Malaysian actress, model, and television host. She gained prominence after being the first runner-up in the Miss Malaysia World 1993 pageant. In 2007, she won the Best Actress award at the 20th Malaysia Film Festival and the Best Actress award at Anugerah Skrin (ASK) for her role in the film The Red Kebaya. Beyond acting, Vanidah hosted TV3’s women’s magazine show Nona. She earned a Master Degree in Performing Arts (Drama) in 2021 and she is a lecturer at the College of Creative Arts, UITM.

Yasmin Yaacob is an award-winning screenwriter, creative producer, and senior content executive with over 20 years of experience across Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. As former Director of Development of Viu Malaysia & Indonesia, she commissioned acclaimed series recognized by AACA, ATA, and Content Asia Awards. Her screenwriting credits include The Ghost Bride (Netflix), Third Rail (MediaCorp), and That Cover Girl (Amazon Prime), which won Best Original Production at AACA 2024. She recently wrote Karikal Mahal: Silent Witness (CNA, 2025) and the upcoming Malaysian film Memori (2025), which won Best Drama at the New York International Festival (2024).

PRELIMINARY SELECTION COMMITTEE

Ansell Tan is a Filipino-Chinese filmmaker with over 14 years of experience across Singapore, China, and Taiwan. He received a New York Film Festival Bronze Medal for Factory Towns (2014) and a Silver Medal for Futuropolis (2018). In 2019, he relocated to Ipoh, Malaysia, and founded Story Tinkers, a documentary studio focused on non-fiction stories that inspire meaningful discussions on sustainable development. Recently, they produced The Forgotten Railway of Kinta Valley (2024) with funding support from Think City

Chrishandra Sebastiampillai is a Lecturer in Film, Television and Screen Studies at Monash University Malaysia. Her research interests include stardom and celebrity, Malaysia cinema, Philippine cinema, and Southeast Asian cinema. She is currently researching Malaysian heritage buildings linked to film, and teaches units on documentary filmmaking and Southeast Asian cinema. Through the documentary unit, she has acted as Executive Producer for 37 student films (and counting) on a wide range of subjects including youth identity and belonging, gender, art, human rights, animal welfare and mental health.

Indrani Kopal is an award-winning documentary filmmaker and former Fulbright scholar with over 15 years of global experience. Renowned for her focus on social issues and underrepresented voices, her work includes The Game Changer (Cannes, 2015) and Incarcerated Rhythm (Harlem Film Festival, 2018). She holds an MFA from Hofstra University and an MA in Screen Business from AFTRS. In 2022, she produced Antha Naal, a historical documentary series for ASTRO. Indrani currently leads the BA Editing discipline at AFTRS in Sydney, Australia.

Jasmine Suraya is a Malaysian actress based in Los Angeles, working across independent films and international co-productions. She was nominated for Best Actress at the Asian TV Awards in 2024 for Hilang, and for Most Promising Actress at the Malaysian Film Festival in 2019 for Paskal. Her favourite directors include Aki Kaurismäki, Abbas Kiarostami, and Park Chan-wook—not because they necessarily inspire her, but because they make really great films. She previously served as a judge for the Samsung Short Film Competition x MIFFest (2022) and BMW Shorties (2023).

Jordan Chiam has risen to become a cinematographer with over 20 years of experience. His passion for visual storytelling drives him to capture relatable and beautiful moments. His work on Terbaik dari Langit (2014) won Best Cinematography at the 2015 Hainan Film Festival and was nominated for the same category at the 2015 Malaysia Film Festival. Interchange (2016) also won Best Cinematography at the 2017 Malaysia Film Festival. In the 2024 Kancil Awards, his Petronas CNY 2024: When the Heart Calls won Bronze. His latest credits include Polis Evo 3, Blood Flower, and Ma, I Love You (2023).

Kaze Ng is a producer with over 12 years of experience, committed to telling bold, emotionally resonant stories that cross cultural and linguistic borders. Beginning as a sound designer in Taiwan, she brings a deep sensitivity to tone and nuance into every production. She works closely with directors from development to post, blending creative vision with precise execution. Her work spans Southeast Asia and includes Mrs. K, Boluomi, Abang Adik, and Baran. Kaze champions films rooted in identity, memory, and resilience, with a focus on authenticity and collaboration. For her, producing is an act of service, amplifying voices that need to be heard.

Kik Fei Jiun is a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Communication and Creative Industries at TARUMT in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Her research in film studies, gender studies, and cultural studies aims to deepen understanding of cinema’s impact on society. She blends academic rigor with practical insights, exploring how cinema intersects with societal issues. Her research focuses on linking the film industry not only to academia but also to everyday life, aiming to connect with audiences on a deeper level and enhance their appreciation of diverse cultural narratives.

Rabbani Sujak is a visionary production designer whose career blends architecture and storytelling. A UiTM Shah Alam graduate, he entered the film industry in 2016 and founded Studio Selepas Ribut and Rumah Bunga Belanda. Known for bold visuals and an unconventional palette, he has worked on iconic projects like Yuna’s Forevermore and Joe Flizzow’s Satu Malam Di Temasek, which won two international awards in Budapest. His work on Imaginur earned a 2024 FFM nomination, and he was featured in Prestige Magazine’s 40 Under 40 in 2023, marking him a key force in Malaysian creative arts

Dr. Rosdeen Suboh is a director, actor, scriptwriter, researcher, presenter (film, TV, theatre, documentary, video, arts events), and founder of Forum Theatre, engaged with communities, universities, and schools. He won the Best Male Film Actor at the 33rd Malaysia Film Festival 2019, the Best Lead Actor at Anugerah Skrin TV3, 2019, the National Academic Award (Arts and Creativity) in 2022, and the top five Best Lead Actor at AIFFA. Among previous awards was Nominated Top Five Best Supporting Actor: TV3 SKRIN Awards 2008, Best Male Supporting Actor: Malaysia Theatre Festival Awards 1988, 2001 & 2007.

TK Cheng is a Malaysian filmmaker with extensive experience as a producer, director, and assistant director. A graduate of programs such as the Kyoto Filmmaker Lab, Asian Film Academy, and Golden Horse Film Academy, he was among 33 filmmakers selected for the 2021 International Film Business Academy of Busan Asian Film School (AFiS). His short films have been screened at numerous international festivals, and he has worked with acclaimed directors across Asia. Recently, he co-produced Stone Turtle (FIPRESCI winner at Locarno 2022) and is producing two international co-production feature films.

Victor Chen’s directorial debut short film, My Ba’s Radio was screened at Short Shorts (Japan) and awarded Best Short Film in Malaysia and Italy. His film producing credits include Fish Balls, Ah Ma, Inmates, Boys, and Mindframe. He worked on the Writers’ Room of the box oce hit Polis EVO 3, and he actively curates film festivals, workshops, and screenings. Victor co-founded Transitional Cinema with Andy Darrel Gomes to support emerging directors. He also curates Kami Creatives Student Film Screening for student filmmakers and served on the Selection Committee of the 7th MIFFest.

Ts. Dr. Vimala Perumal is a Yayasan TM alumna, graduated from Multimedia University in Film and Animation in 2004. Her works have been screened at international festivals, earning acclaim for their comical and cynical portrayal of Malaysian Indian life. Her Pasanga Trilogy, including Vilaiyaatu Pasangge (Playful Folks), Vetti Pasanga (Useless Folks), and Vedigundu Pasangge (Rowdy Folks), have achieved significant milestones and awards in Malaysian Tamil cinema, both critically and commercially. She also made a mark in television with Tamiletchumy, Malaysia’s highest-rated Tamil series. Dr. Vimala now serves as Assistant Professor at the faculty of Creative Multimedia and Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Creative Multimedia at Multimedia University Malaysia.

Zahir Omar is a film director who believes stories should hit hard and look good doing it. His feature debut, Fly By Night, flew across global festivals—from Busan to New York—and his latest works include Housekeeping (Amazon) and the upcoming Mikael. He’s also directed episodes for Disney+’s Tira and HBO Asia’s The Bridge. When he’s not behind the camera crafting chaos with style, he’s probably trying to explain why his favorite shot didn’t make the final cut. Expect bold ideas, sharp visuals, and the occasional filmmaking war story