Meet Our 2024 Jurors!
Jack Maxwell
Jack Maxwell hosted Booze Traveler, Booze Traveler: Best Bars, and The Trip (Travel Channel, 4 yrs/76 eps, domestic and int’l distribution). He has made guest star TV appearances on Lost,24,House, Without a Trace, Beverly Hills 90210, General Hospital, All My Children, and others. He has shared the stage with Al Pacino, Jessica Chastain, and Dianne Wiest in Salome, and has appeared in several other theatrical productions. Jack hails from South Boston, MA, and resides in Los Angeles. In 2023 Jack won Best Host/Solo performer for his nominated TV Pilot Spirit Quest with Jack Maxwell at the Tenth Annual NYC Web Fest. He is a Lifetime Member of the Actors Studio and can be found on Instagram and Twitter at @southiejack.
Cylla Senii
Cylla Senii is a versatile and daring artist who shines both on and off screen as an actress, producer, director, and writer. Her series SITUATIONSHIPS, which she created, wrote, directed, produced, and starred in, made its first debut on BET and is now available on Tubi & Amazon. SITUATIONSHIPS is currently in development for television with Monami Productions. Cylla is a member of the Producers Guild of America.
Senii is thrilled by the release of her new series BOUGIE & ABROAD on Blavity TV highlighting her passion for travel as a millennial. Upcoming, she is starring, producing, and writing a new unscripted series on TV ONE. In addition to developing her slate of film and TV projects under her production company, Featherstone Entertainment, Senii has several years of production and development experience working at the likes of Swirl Films, A&E, theGrioTV, Nickelodeon, Complex, HOT 97, Disney, Sony Music, and more.
Cylla is a graduate from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Arts and Journalism in Advertising with an emphasis in Film Studies and Music Business. In New York City, she sharpened her acting and improv skills by studying at Terry Schreiber Studios and the UCB Training Center. Currently, Cylla received the Cornell University Women’s Entrepreneurship certificate. In her spare time, she loves to travel, dance, read, and spend time with her loved ones. She reps her Liberian-Chinese-Trini background proudly, and holds down Queens, New York where she was born and has a love for the deep southern city of Warner Robins GA, where she spent her youth.
Jen Su
Jen Su is a television host and international entertainment correspondent for the Sunday Times. She covers film festivals and global red carpet events around the world from Oscars to Cannes — and works with diverse communities to educate through film, as a Board Director for the Philadelphia Film Society. Jen is also a commentator on film and fashion for Fox 29 in Philadelphia, as well as SABC3 Expresso in South Africa, where she lived for a decade and was host of 5 FM’s Hollywood Report with Gareth Cliff, as well as news anchor for Sky News’ “The African Business Report”.
Meredith Thomas
Meredith’s first professional acting role as Tessie in Annie came while still in elementary school when she was living on the Great Island of New Castle off the coast of New Hampshire. She continued to act in summer stock productions in the northeast throughout her youth, but soon headed west to Los Angeles, securing a role in her first big-budget feature film, Pleasantville as a teenager. She hasn’t stopped working in film and television since.
She is second only to Vivica A. Fox in the number of Lifetime Television Movies. With chops for both comedy and drama, you’ll find her easily transitioning between thrillers like Lifetime’s The Wrong Blind Date, The Wrong Boy Next Door” and the new Christmas classics “A Christmas in Vermont” with Chevy Chase, plus “A Christmas in Royal Fashion. The latter was ION Television’s highest-rated movie in prime-time and ranked #2 that season among all the networks airing holiday movies with an average of 1.2 million views.
Meredith is also an award-winning director and producer who has made inclusion her passion. In 2018 she created a charity event called FYC Independents. It gave a platform to underrepresented talent including people of color, performers with disabilities, LGBTQ talent, seniors and women. In 2023, Spirit Quest with Jack Maxwell, a TV pilot she directed, was nominated for Best Pilot at the Tenth Annual NYC Web Fest.
P. Frank Williams
Emmy and 8-time NAACP winner P. Frank Williams is the Director and Executive Producer of the highly rated Hulu documentary Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told. Williams was also the showrunner and Executive Producer of the new Tubi true crime series Killing Hip Hop, hosted by Angela Yee. He served as the Executive Producer and Showrunner of the 50 Cent and Mona Scott-Young produced series Hip Hop Homicides on WeTV and ALLBlk in 2022. The series, hosted by Van Lathan, investigated the murders of rappers like Pop Smoke, Soulja Slim, XXXTentacion, Magnolia Shorty and more. He also was the EP/Showrunner of the Tina Knowles produced Discovery Plus & OWN four-part series Profiled: The Black Man and the Tv One music collaboration series Collab, hosted by legendary rapper Doug E. Fresh.
He was a Co-Executive Producer for the BET show Copwatch America, a documentary series about police brutality. Williams worked as an Executive Producer at TMZ and was a Supervising Producer for FOX’s Who Shot Biggie and Tupac. The Oakland native was a producer and co-host of the A&E Biography investigative series Who Killed Tupac? about the murder of Tupac Shakur. Williams was a director and senior producer for TV One’s acclaimed Unsung and Unsung Hollywood documentary series. The show won multiple NAACP Image Awards.
In the 1990s and early 2000s, Williams was Executive Editor of The Source Magazine where he interviewed Dr Dre, Suge Knight, Lauryn Hill and more. He started his career as a reporter at the Los Angeles Times, and is a graduate of San Diego State University and The Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. He is the founder and president of For The Culture By The Culture Media Inc, an urban content creation company based in Los Angeles with satellite offices in Atlanta and the Bay Area. www.pfrankwilliams.com
Rick Younger
Rick Younger is an actor, comedian, and singer who you’ve undoubtedly seen in numerous national television commercials. Film credits include Ordinary World, Morning Glory and Love Reconsidered. He’s appeared on TV in the Woody Allen Amazon Series, Crisis in Six Scenes, HBO’s Girls, Blue Bloods, Law & Order: SVU, The Last O.G., and The Other Two on HBOMAX. Rick has been on Broadway where he originated the role of Mr. Duvall in Mean Girls the Musical. Rick is also the star and co-creator of Rick Younger presents The Rick Younger Show starring Rick Younger as Rick Younger which won Best Pilot at NYC Web Fest in 2023.
Thank You To Our 2023 Jurors!
Julie Cavaliere
Julie Cavaliere is a writer, director, producer, and actor. She began her career working for Scott Rudin and quickly accelerated her experience in the industry working with top producer Morris S. Levy’s M.E.G.A. Films. After years of honing her skills in several areas of the entertainment industry, she has recently launched her own production company, Very Cavaliere Productions which is dedicated to telling stories centered around the human experience from unique, often overlooked points of view. She most recently wrote and directed Reimagined’s first volume: Nyssa which world premiered in competition at the Venice International Film Festival (La Biennale) in 2022.
Her work has been featured by The Guardian, Inc. Magazine, Medium/Authority Magazine, Variety, Deadline, The Wrap, Funny or Die, CollegeHumor, Elizabeth Banks’ WhoHaHa, and has been in competition at several festivals including The Venice International Film Festival (directorial debut), and most recently, the Tribeca Festival. Selected acting credits include Person of Interest, Blindspot , as well as a recurring role on Cop Show opposite Colin Quinn and Jerry Seinfeld and FBI: Most Wanted on CBS.
Judith Davis
Judith Davis is a published freelance writer and web content manager with a 20-year career. She has been a content freelancer for Disney, Time Warner, Viacom, News Corporation and various other media sites. She has been hired by independent production companies to rewrite and polish scripts, and has worked as press for high profile film festivals such as Sundance Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival, Cannes Film Festival, NY Film Festival, just to name a few. As a juror, she has worked with the American Black Film Festival, AAWIC Film Festival, Ocktober Film Festival, and NYC Web Fest.
Jamie Monahan
Jamie Monahan is an award-winning filmmaker, director, producer, and actress. She successfully produced and directed Almost Maine at The Shell Theater and produced Swingtime Canteen (Off-Broadway) at Cherry Lane Theatre. She directed and produced the award-nominated short film The Wishing Tree, and assistant directed the celebrated short, Anatomy Of An Orchid. She produced and cast both the original proof of concept for Adaptive Studios’ Astral and the Sundance New Voices Lab Finalist Flat Earth and executive produced Triad, and produced Below The Belt. Jamie executive produced, wrote, directed, and starred in the original sci-fi series Lucid, garnering a Best Pilot nomination at NYC Web Fest, digital distribution from DUST, and acceptance into the Sundance Institute TV Writing program. Her latest project Legacy, earned finalist status at the Sundance 2020 Episodic Makers Lab. Jamie recently completed Levels 1, 2, and 3 of IDC’s Intimacy Coordinator training, fostering intimate safe spaces for performers.
Dan Perlman
Dan Perlman is a comedian, writer, and director from New York City. He co-created, wrote, and starred in Showtime’s critically-acclaimed comedy series, Flatbush Misdemeanors. Dan made his directorial debut in the Flatbush episode, “boomerang,” which Vulture praised for its “masterful direction.” Dan also wrote and directed the award-winning short film, Cramming.
Dan first co-created the prize-winning digital series of Flatbush, which served as the foundation for the Showtime show. Made on zero-budget, the first installment became Oscar-qualified after winning Grand Jury Awards in its film festival run.
As a stand-up, Dan has been featured on Comedy Central and was named one of the New Faces at the Montreal Just For Laughs Festival. Dan is a regular at the Comedy Cellar in NYC and headlines venues across the country. His writing has also appeared in The New Yorker.
Tshepo Ramasia
Tshepo Ramasia an actor from Johannesburg, South Africa.
He stepped into the entertainment world in 2014 first as a DJ while moonlighting as an events coordinator and international artist booking agent. In 2015, Tshepo went to work as a talent manager at D’ Xclusive Sounds in Johannesburg, managing signed talent’s appearances and schedules. In the same year, Tshepo debuted as the support lead character “Mack” on SABC 2’s award winning Telenovela Keeping Score.
In 2017, Tshepo decided to fully pursue his acting career, enrolled and graduated with a Diploma in Drama from the New York Film Academy. Tshepo has since been expanding his acting experience. Upon his return to South Africa in 2021, Tshepo has since featured in award-winning soapies such as The Queen and other feature films on Netflix. His latest projects are: Kings of Joburg Season 2 (Netflix) 2023 Savage Beauty Season 2 (Netflix) and Unmarried (DSTV, South Africa)
Adjani Salmon
Hailing from Jamaica, Adjani is a writer-director and actor who only writes “what he likes.” As well as an avid reader, he spends his time people-watching, eavesdropping and randomly chatting up strangers, not putting his Architecture degree to good use.
In 2022, the pilot for BBC3’s TV adaptation (of his web series Dreaming Whilst Black in 2018) garnered national acclaim winning a RTS & BAFTA Award for Breakthrough and Emerging Talent respectively. With the help of A24, Adjani created Season 1 and is now broadcasting globally including on Showtime in the US. Despite his recent accolades, Adjani is most proud of the fact that he can finally pay rent from his once passion turned profession.
Heidy Torres (Heidytorr)
A dynamic force in cinema, Heidy Torres is a screenwriter, director, and actor known for her powerful storytelling. Her acclaimed short film, Getting Aria Back has garnered global recognition, earning her mentions and awards in prestigious film festivals. As a judge, Heidytorr brings her expertise and discerning eye, shaping the future of cinema with her innovative vision.
Thank You To Our 2022 Jury Panel!
Jeff Ayers
Jeff Ayars is a filmmaker, actor, and co-founder of the comedy duo Cannibal Milkshake – known for their sketches & parodies with over 45M views and 115K TikTok followers. Jeff has played Bradley Cooper on Comedy Central, Captain America on Funny or Die, and was featured as Finance-Bro Gosling by Fortune Magazine. Cannibal Milkshake has also been featured by The New Yorker, The National Lampoon, CollegeHumor, Elizabeth Banks’ WhoHaha, Fast Company, and Ellen.
On the film & television front, Jeff produced & starred in the 2019 psychological thriller feature, This Is Our Home; starred in the 2022 indie sci-fi feature The Abaddon Pit, and recently guest-starred on CBS’s FBI: International. Jeff also played Thomas Jefferson in a 2022 SuperBowl Ad.
In his corporate work for NBCUniversal, Jeff has directed spots for Bravo, produced promos for Blumhouse/Universal Pictures, and field-produced MSNBC stories from IMAX headquarters, Area 51, and the Pentagon. His film work has been featured at the Philadelphia Film Festival, The Cinequest Film Festival, Lower East Side Film Festival, the Nashville Film Festival, and the Tribeca Film Festival.
Nika King
Miami native Nika King’s talents as a comedian and actor are versatile and dynamic. She is best known for her comedic abilities, but in her breakout role playing Leslie on the Emmy winning HBO series Euphoria opposite Zendaya and Storm Reid, King showcases a much more dramatic side of herself. In this role, she pulls from her early life watching family members battle addiction and triumphantly overcoming them. It is from that resolve and resilience that King offers a dramatic perspective and newfound depth in this character.
King’s comedy has landed her roles on Kevin Hart’s Guide to Black, the Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal, and hosting Nika King & Friends, a monthly show at the Improv Lab in Hollywood CA. She also wrote, produced and acted on the award winning web series Funny Married Stuff, currently streaming on KweliTV. While King has a passion for acting and producing, her talents do not end there. Nika has recently directed her first project For Sale, a short film that addresses grief and mental health in the life of a Black married couple.
In 2020, she created Jeli Life, an online community tech platform for Black and Brown people, who want to be in the entertainment industry. The platform provides peer to peer mentorship, access to job listings and advice.
After speaking at the 2021 Better Together: Mental Health Storytelling Summit produced by MTV Entertainment Group, King was compelled to establish Rose of Sharon, a 501 (c) (3) based in South Los Angeles, CA. The mission of the nonprofit is to improve the quality of life for individuals and families from underserved and marginalized communities by compassionately serving their mental health and wellness.
Penguin Suit Lu
Luis Salas, better known as Penguin Suit Lu, is a Venezuelan director, producer, and editor based out of Miami, Florida. With over 5,000 music videos shot and edited in the past decade, Penguin has had a big influence on the independent music scene in South Florida. His specialty – creating sleek looking productions on a low budget, garnered a lot of attention from up and coming artists all over the country and eventually led to work artists such as Dj Khaled, Rick Ross, David Guetta, Sean Kingston, Ace Hood and Mr. Vegas and more.
Lu is very involved in commercial work for some of Miami’s finest hospitality and nightlife, with reputable brands such as Tag Heuer, Beatus, Caron Paris, and Make-a-wish foundation. These days Penguin serves as a senior director at World Red Eye in Miami and can be seen working on his own projects with the likes of cinematographer Sam Brave and legendary director Michael Bay.
J. Alexander Martin
Born and raised in Hollis Queens New York, the acclaimed Dr. Ph.D. J. Alexander Martin has externalized many successful ventures in the fashion industry including the iconic clothing line FUBU –“For Us By Us” – serving as the co-founder and Vice President.
J is the Cofounder and creative director of Fubu The Collection and CEO of ForUsByUs Network. He has held licenses & has worked with successful multi million dollar brands, (Crown Holder, Kappa, Drunken Monkey, Ted Baker, Coogi, LRG Ladies, Under 2 Flags, Married to the Mob,Heatherette Posner/Loreal, Luster Hair Care Products, Echelon Indian Virgin Hair & Human Hair Mfr., Scunci, Camus Cognac, FashInvest, Vumee, Siemens, Samsung, Vertu, Black Chambers of Commerce NY/NJ) Van Heusin, Fabien Couture Group, Sean John, Under 2 Flags and more.)
J attended the Fashion Institute of Technology And has a doctorate in Philosophy Business Administration & Entrepreneurship from Harvest Christian University. Dr. Ph.D. J. courageously served with the United States Navy during Desert Storm and was released on an honorable medical discharge.
He is also Strategic Advisor/Shareholder Fan Controlled Football League Author of Building An Empire and Money Makes Me Crazy, Board Member of the National Black Chambers of Commerce, President of the New York State Black Chamber of Commerce and Representative of the Urban League Young Professionals.
Ria Pavia
Ria Pavia is a writer, director and acting/dialogue coach. Her film directorial debut, Second Team, nabbed 16 awards over the last year and is being developed to series. Pavia’s career in the entertainment industry launched with performing gymnastics in a tampon commercial in the ‘80s. This stint propelled her into acting in TV commercials, guest spots, and film roles. She recurred on Who’s the Boss, The Hughley’s, and the soap opera Santa Barbara. Her career then segued into casting associate on such movies as Twister, Dead Presidents and Flirting with Disaster. Next, she donned her scribe hat, working as a staff writer on Ask Harriet starring Ed Asner, and Pauly, starring Pauly Shore, for FOX.
In the theatre world, Pavia has collaborated with Noah Wyle, Jennifer Aniston and Mark Ruffalo, directing over 45 plays and musicals. She just wrapped her 5th season as acting coach on Freeform’s Grownish and recently directed her first music video starring Trevor Jackson in partnership with TikTok and Apple. The comedic sketches she directed for The Tam & Kevin Show are now viewable on Second City’s streaming platform. Pavia attended Interlochen Arts Academy for high school as a Theatre Major, studied under the late great Sanford Meisner in the West Indies, and finished up at UCLA focusing on Theatre, TV & Film. Her most rigorous training revolves around the title of Mother to 21 year old Adrianna and Dominic & Rocco, her 18 year old twins.
Kathy Searle
Kathy Searle is a film and theater actress. Born in New Rochelle, New York, her early acting career started at the age of 12. She started her acting career with commercials and small roles in TV shows. She appeared in several TV shows including The Bunny Hole, LI Divas, Law & Order, Gossip Girl and As the World Turns. Other than that, she also performed in various films. She had leading roles in My Man Is a Loser and Being Michael Madsen.
Searle starred in the a cappella musical comedy Perfect Harmony at the Clurman Theatre in New York City and also had some roles in theater such as Apple Cove and The Awesome 80s Prom. Searle attended The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and also went to Upright Citizens Brigade for her comedy career.