STXIFF JUDGES

SANDRA AVILA

A 24 year veteran in the entertainment industry, Sandra Avila has an established track record as an executive, producer and literary manager. For the past six years, she has been a partner and literary manager at Inclusion; a management company focused on elevating diverse storytellers. Some of her clients include: David Blue Garcia (Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Tejano), Julio Quintana (Blue Miracle, The Long Game), Marcella Ochoa (Madres), Saray Guidetti (NBC’s The Blacklist) and Adrian Grunberg (Banditos, The Black Demon, Rambo: First Blood).

Indranil Banerjee

Indranil Banerjee is a renowned filmmaker, Mainly known for his critically acclaimed mini-series "4 Shades of Leap," which holds the distinction of being India's first horror mini-series available in Amazon Prime USA and UK. He is also the visionary creator and director behind Kolkata's first sitcom, "Paanchphoron's."

Indranil serves as a jury member at some of the world's most prestigious Oscar-qualifying film festivals and as a programmer for notable festivals such as the San Francisco International Film Festival, Durban International Film Festival, Seattle Film Festival, Sarno International Film Festival in Italy, Los Angeles CineFest,The Art and Tour International Tourism Film Festival in Portugal, and more.

As a proud alumnus of the New York Film Academy (New York), he is the founder of the award-winning production company "Unity Pictures" and the commercial production house "Unity Commercials." Notably, one of his advertising films has set a record as India's first drone-based cosmetic advertisement. His latest short film, "Ujjhyo - The Insaid," is currently streaming globally on Apple TV.

https://www.facebook.com/indranilbanerjee.dir

Joe Castro

Joe Castro is an acclaimed special effects artist, director, and filmmaker known for his bold, boundary-pushing work in the world of low-budget horror and exploitation cinema. With a career spanning several decades, Castro has become a staple of underground genre films, specializing in gruesome practical effects, inventive creature designs, and darkly comedic tones. 

Born with a passion for horror films, Castro began his career in the 1980s, honing his craft in special effects and makeup for independent productions. His early work showed an undeniable knack for creating visceral, over-the-top gore that captured the raw energy of exploitation films. As his skills grew, so did his reputation, eventually leading to his involvement in several cult classics and directorial projects. 

Perhaps one of his most unexpected and exciting moments came when he served as a special effects artist on El Mariachi(1992), Robert Rodriguez's groundbreaking debut film. Castro's contribution to the low-budget classic helped further cement his reputation in the industry as someone capable of achieving big-budget results on a modest budget.  

Castro is perhaps best known for his work on Terror Toons (2002), a campy, violent, and surreal horror film that blends elements of animation with live-action gore. As the director and special effects artist, Castro crafted a visually chaotic world where cartoonish violence meets gory mayhem, solidifying his place in the genre’s pantheon. The film became a cult hit, praised for its unapologetic embrace of absurdity and its boundary-pushing effects. 

Following the success of Terror Toons, Castro continued to work in the realms of low-budget horror and slasher films. He directed and provided effects for The Jackhammer Massacre (2005), a brutal and intentionally absurd slasher that cemented his reputation for merging shocking violence with a darkly comedic touch. The film's no-holds-barred approach to horror, paired with Castro's inventive gore effects, quickly made it a fan favorite. 

Another notable entry in Castro's career is Blood Feast 2: All You Can Eat (2002), a sequel to the infamous 1963 cult classic. Directed by the legendary Herschell Gordon Lewis, Blood Feast 2 saw Castro contributing his effects expertise to amplify the blood-soaked madness of the film. His work on the movie continues the tradition of shocking, over-the-top gore that fans of the franchise crave, while adding a fresh layer of modern, grotesque creativity. 

In 2012, Castro achieved a major milestone in his career when he directed The Summer of Massacre. This film earned him a Guinness World Record for the most kills in a slasher film—an achievement that not only showcased his commitment to delivering over-the-top thrills but also solidified his place in the world of horror cinema history. 

Currently, Castro is continuing his collaboration with director Chad Ferrin, working on two highly anticipated projects: Ed Kemper, a chilling biographical crime thriller that delves into the mind of one of America’s most notorious serial killers, and Unspeakable Beyond the Wall of Sleep, a horror film inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft. These projects demonstrate his ability to adapt to different horror subgenres while maintaining his signature flair for unsettling visuals and strong character-driven storytelling. 

Joe Castro's passion for horror and special effects has led him to work on numerous other projects, often collaborating with other cult filmmakers in the genre. His dedication to the craft of practical effects, blood-splattered creativity, and his willingness to push the envelope has earned him a loyal fanbase, making him one of the most recognized names in the world of DIY horror. 

Whether through his work as a director or as a special effects artist, Castro's influence on independent horror is undeniable. With over 130 feature film credits to his name, Castro has made a significant impact in the world of low-budget horror and exploitation cinema, becoming a master of practical effects and a staple in genre filmmaking. His career reflects a commitment to unfiltered creativity and an enduring love for the wild, irreverent world of splatter films and low-budget genre cinema. 

Camille Scioli Chambers

Steven Escobar

Steven Escobar is an Emmy Award-winning editor and producer whose prolific career has made a significant impact on both network television and independent cinema. With a robust portfolio that spans various genres and formats, Escobar is recognized for his dynamic editing style and his ability to weave complex narratives into compelling visual stories.

Steven Escobar has made substantial contributions to network television, particularly in reality TV, where his expertise in pacing and storytelling has been instrumental. He is perhaps best known for his work on “The Amazing Race”, which earned him an Emmy Award for Outstanding Picture Editing for a Reality Program. His ability to create suspense and drama through editing has been a key factor in the show’s success and critical acclaim.

In addition to “The Amazing Race”, Escobar has worked on other high-profile TV shows including CBS’ “Big Brother” and Fox’s “America’s Most Wanted”, where his skills have further shaped the reality TV landscape. Beyond television, Steven Escobar has expanded his creative endeavors into film production, focusing on independent films. He has produced several features that have garnered attention on the festival circuit, highlighting his commitment to storytelling across different media.

Escobar has expanded his creative footprint into independent film production, where he has been involved in a series of groundbreaking projects. Notably, he produced and edited the cult horror series “Terror Toons,” which garnered a loyal fan base for its unique blend of dark humor and terror. The series earned acclaim for its ability to blend campy horror with animation, making it a standout in the independent horror genre. The series went on to complete three sequels and now part of a “Quadrilogy Terror Toons” boxset.

Escobar also Executive Produced and Edited the independent feature film, “The Summer of Massacre,” which holds the Guinness World Record for the most deaths in a slasher film. The film’s violent, over-the-top scenes earned it recognition in the world of indie cinema, and Escobar’s involvement played a key role in its success.

In addition, he worked on “Xenophobia,” a thought-provoking film that blends science fiction with horror. The film explores themes of alien invasion and human survival, showcasing Escobar’s diverse production abilities and his commitment to bringing new, thought-provoking content to the screen.

Originally from Edinburg, Texas, Escobar relocated to Hollywood to pursue his passion for the entertainment industry. He is currently furthering his education as a law school student, demonstrating a dedication to helping others with their own projects and securing their intellectual property rights.

Steven Escobar’s career is marked by a deep commitment to creative storytelling and an ability to adapt to various genres and media formats. His work in television and film has influenced countless filmmakers and editors, and his ability to navigate the demands of reality television while producing groundbreaking horror films has made him a respected figure in both fields.

As he continues to work on new projects, Escobar remains dedicated to pushing the limits of storytelling and production, constantly seeking new opportunities to innovate and challenge the status quo in entertainment. His work continues to be a testament to the power of creativity, technical expertise, and a willingness to explore new narrative frontiers.

MAURO FLORES JR.

Mauro Flores, Jr. is a McAllen native currently living in Los Angeles where he works as a story producer for unscripted shows such as Tough as Nails, LegoMasters, and The Amazing Race. He has also worked as a writers assistant on Starz’s VIDA and Netflix’s Atypical. And his short films “The Trainee”, “Night of the Hipsters”, “Alma” and “Searching for Waldo” can be found on YouTube. As a playwright his plays have been seen in LA, New York and Korea. Also an illustrator and painter, Mauro‘s work has been used on CBS’s How I Met Your Mother and Fox’s Dads, and he has recently broken into the art gallery scene in Los Angeles. You can see his work at maurofloresjr.com or his Instagram @mauro_floresjr_art.

JOSHUA KENNEDY

Joshua Kennedy is the writer-producer-director of more than twenty low-budget feature films including ATTACK OF THE OCTOPUS PEOPLE, SATURNALIA: CAVE-GIRL FROM OUTER SPACE, THE INNSMOUTH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS, and HOUSE OF THE GORGON.

Since graduating from Pace University in New York City, Kennedy has been the recipient of numerous awards however he considers one of his greatest honors the “Audience Choice Award” he received during the Cinesol 36-Hour Film Race when he was but a senior at Edinburg High School under the direction of Susan Smith. His film was “Sweaters” – a horror movie about… killer sweaters.

After five years of toil, struggle, and existential crises, Kennedy just recently completed work on his 16mm epic magnum opus MANTOPUS which will (finally!) see a release on DVD and Amazon Prime later this year.

Melinda Marroquin

Melinda Marroquin is an award-winning filmmaker based in Austin, Texas. Born and raised in Mission, Texas, she was immersed in the world of film and theater from an early age. At just seven years old, she made her on-screen debut in She Came to the Valley, igniting a lifelong passion for storytelling.

Marroquin went on to appear in several films and TV movies, but it was her work behind the camera—primarily as a 2nd Assistant Director and Production Coordinator—that led her to her true calling as a director and producer. She gained recognition with her short film Dancing with the Devil, a haunting and visually striking story she wrote, directed, produced, and starred in. The film made waves on the festival circuit, earning multiple awards, including Best Director, Best Short Horror Film, and Best Folklore Film.

A dedicated advocate for women in the industry, Marroquin serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors for Women in Film & Television Austin and is an active member of the Austin Film Society, All Entertainment Business, and the National Association of Latino Independent Producers.

She currently has two projects in development: a historical period piece being packaged as a limited television series and a feature-length, female-driven comedy.

CARLOS MORENO JR.

Carlos Moreno Jr. is a prolific and seasoned actor and filmmaker with credits in over 70 Hollywood and independent movies and television shows. His credits extend from television shows such as “911,” “ER,” “Dexter,” “Major Crimes,” “Difficult People” and “Huge In France” to feature films like “Transformers,” “Delta Farce,” “Frank and Lola,” and “Happy Feet.” He played four voices in the Oscar- winning animated film “Coco.”
Carlos is a filmmaker and has written, produced and directed several short films and series. His latest film, “Numb", has won The Audience Award, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Song at festivals in 2022 and 2023. His directorial debut film “Habanero” won him the Rayo Del Sol Award from CineSol Film Festival in his native state of Texas, while “Sweet Blight” earned him the Audience Award from the California Women’s Film Festival. His recent short “Panacea,” a minimalist futuristic drama about the difficult choices in life, played festivals in Hollywood and Los Angeles as well as the Latino Filmmakers Network’s showcase during the Sundance Film Festival and is streaming on Amazon Prime, Apple TV and Google Play.

Carlos is currently developing the comedy web-series “Pepito’s America”, based on the infamous Latin Pepito jokes. He created short vignettes of Pepito's America which is currently being considered for an Emmy in the Short Form Comedy, Drama or Variety Series. He is also being considered for an Emmy for Outstanding Actor in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series as Pepito.
All the while, he continues to develop his first feature, “No, Guey Jose,” a dark-comedy about a border agent and an immigrant.

Pepito's America - YouTube Channel
IMDB
www.carlosmorenojr.com
BRUH PICTURES

ALVARO RODRIGUEZ

VALENTE RODRIGUEZ

Valente Rodriguez was born in south Texas in 1964. He is the youngest of eight in a family of migrant farmworkers. He put himself through college by doing children’s theatre in south Texas. After graduating college in 1987 he went to Los Angeles to become an actor.

His first professional acting Job was a feature film called SALSA THE MOTION PICTURE in January of 1988. Since then Valente has appeared in numerous Film/TV and Theatre productions – Film: Blood in… Blood out…, Mi Familia, Roosters, Erin Brockovich, Deep Blue Sea, Volcano, The Ugly Truth,  It’s Complicated, McFarland USA. TV: Golden Girls, Mad About You, X-files, ER –  he was a regular on the George Lopez show playing the part of Ernie. He was also a regular on Happily Divorced  with Fran Drescher – playing the part of Cesar.

Along with being an actor Valente has written several theatre pieces that have been seen in LA.  He was a member of the Latino Lab in Los Angeles and has performed both their DAY OF THE DEAD show as well as the Christmas pageant “La VIRGEN”.  He has performed at numerous stages in LA and through out The United States. He produced three films in the Rio Grande Valley (Texas), directing one of them, in 2010. He also went back to school, completing his Masters in Theatre in 2015.

Ashraf Shishir

Md Ashraful Alam, widely known as Ashraf Shishir, is a multifaceted filmmaker, scriptwriter, and human rights advocate with a robust global standing in the film industry. Acknowledged for his cinematic expertise, he's served as a jury member in 48+ prestigious international film festivals in USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Italy, Denmark, Netherlands, Greece, New Zealand.  Romania, Bangladesh, India, Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia, Iran, Azerbaijan, Iraq, including the 52nd International Emmy® Awards (International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences).

Ashraf Shishir has a prolific background in filmmaking, having received numerous national and international accolades. His debut feature film, "THE INNOCENCE" (Amra Ekta Cinema Banabo), holds the record for the longest fiction feature film (21 hrs.+) in world film history, a testament to his innovative approach and dedication to the art of storytelling. His work spans various genres and formats, including feature films, documentaries, short films, and television commercials.

His directorial ventures encompass compelling feature films like "THE CART" (Gaariwala), awarded a prestigious grant and honored in over 100+ international festivals across 33 countries, receiving 26 international accolades. Similarly, "THE INNER SOUND" (Gopon), acknowledged internationally, awaits its global release after screenings in 25 festivals spanning 18 countries.

Beyond filmmaking, Shishir's social advocacy, including impactful multimedia content highlighting human rights issues, has earned awards and nominations. He's actively involved in TV series, international collaborations, historical features, and telefilms, reflecting his diverse and impactful contributions to the film industry.

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6959128/

kent smither

John J. Valadez

John Valadez is a Peabody Award winning filmmaker, whose work has received two national Emmy nominations.  He has directed a dozen documentary films for primetime national broadcast on PBS and CNN over the past 25 years.  His body of work explores race, power, and identity through the Chicano & Latinx experiences. 

Valadez has tackled diverse and often controversial subjects, bringing thoughtful, and emotionally engaging work to a national audience.  His latest film, American Exile (PBS/2021) aired nationally in primetime.  The film explores the deportation of US military veterans, and played an important role in helping to change national policy, allowing deported veterans and their families to return home.

Other major works explore a diverse range of subjects including: the lynching of Mexican Americans in the West (The Head of Joaquin Murrieta PBS/2017), the Chicano struggle for equality and justice (Prejudice and Pride /2013/PBS/Latino Americans), Latinos in World War II (War and Peace/2013/PBS/Latino Americans), the birth of Mexican American civil rights (The Longoria Affair/ 2010/PBS/Independent Lens), The history and evolution of Chicano Music (The Chicano Wave/2009/PBS/Latin Music USA), public art and the genocide of Native Americans in the Southwest (The Last Conquistador/2008/PBS/POV), the devastating impact of standardized testing on America’s most vulnerable children (High Stakes Testing 2005/ CNN Presents), the resegregation of American schools (Beyond Brown/2004/PBS), contemporary segregation in a small southern town (The Divide/2003/PBS/Matters of Race), Latino gangs in Chicago (Soul Survivors/1997/PBS/Making Peace), and the false imprisonment of a leader of the Black Panther Party (Passin’ It On/1994/PBS/POV).

John’s films have garnered top prizes at film festivals from San Francisco to Chicago to Atlanta to Mumbai, have been broadcast across the United States, Canada and Europe, and have been featured at major museums and cultural institutions – including the Hirshorn Museum, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Georges Pompidou Centre in Paris, Lincoln Center, the Smithsonian Institute, and the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC.   

John grew in up Seattle, taught photography in rural India, studied filmmaking at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts and at the Vermont College of Fine Arts, and is Professor of Documentary Filmmaking at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.  

Adrian Viña

Adrian Viña was born and raised in Edinburg, Texas in the Rio Grande Valley. Viña wanted to be a storyteller from a very young age. He was involved with drama and media tech in high school, while fostering a deep appreciation for film and television and daydreaming about working in Hollywood one day. He eventually studied film at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. While in school he co-wrote and directed a short film that later played at CineSol Film Festival. After graduating from SMU, Viña moved to Los Angeles to pursue screenwriting. He worked numerous positions in the industry. His writing career finally started while working at a literary management company, when he optioned his script SUCKERS to Alcon Entertainment. That same script was later picked up by Nickelodeon and made into their hit Halloween movie, LIAR, LIAR VAMPIRE in 2015. He then worked on numerous television and film projects, including BLURT! For Nickelodeon and COP AND A HALF: NEW RECRUIT starring Lou Diamond Phillips. Adrian also participated in the prestigious Disney Television Writing Program in 2020-2021 and has a Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting degree from California State University, Northridge.