OFFICIAL JURY MEMBERS TO THE ITFFA 2026
Lieschke Steven-Jennings
COO
Mossel Bay Tourism
Current COO of Mossel Bay Tourism Bureau, Lieschke has over 35 years of work experience both local and international. She spent 20 years in the Middle East working on major event productions and tourism initiatives. Her tireless efforts, fierce determination and genuine love for tourism are an inspiration to us all.
George Moolman
Head of Event Partnerships
V&A Waterfront
George creates purposeful experiences that blend tourism, hospitality, and storytelling—from global races to cultural activations. At the V&A Waterfront, he leads Events, Partnerships, and Film, curating 250+ impactful events each year and showcasing Cape Town as an iconic, adaptable destination. With a hospitality mindset, he turns every event into a moment of connection, growth, and shared memory. Outside work, he draws inspiration from travel, design, food, and the outdoors.
Mohamed Awad Farah
Filmmaker, Producer and Curator
Sudanese Filmmaking Association
Mohamed Awad Farah is a Filmmaker, Producer and Curator. He studied Documentary Filmmaking at Al-Jazeera Media Institute and Produced/Directed more than 120 episodes of DocuSeries.
Dr Leila Berhouma
Professor of Higher Education
Multimedia Arts at Manouba University
Leila Berhouma is a Tunisian writer, film critic, and academic whose work highlights cinema’s role in fostering empathy, dialogue, and cultural understanding. Published internationally, she engages in film education, mentorship, and humanitarian initiatives, using art as a tool for peace and social awareness.
Briony Brookes
Head of PR & Strategic Communications
Cape Town Tourism
Briony Brookes is Chief Marketing Officer of Cape Town Tourism, leading global marketing, communications, and brand partnerships that position Cape Town as a world-class destination. Known for innovative, emotionally driven campaigns rooted in local culture and creativity, she has helped elevate the city on the global stage. As an ITFFA judge, she brings strategic insight and a strong commitment to authentic storytelling.
Ruth Nazzinda
|Documentary StoryTeller|Multi-Award Winner|Jury|Director|Writer|Podcaster
Project Founder, Coordinator, Humanitarian
Ruth is a Filmmaker Head of Production, Director at Film Garage Studio, ED at Garage Women. Foundation, Film Mentor, Film Jury & Women in Film Uganda Monologue Jugde, Podcaster, 2D Animator. Board member Read To Learn kids literature development program. FounderBitone Art Reels (BAREEL) Production Company.
Can Saracoglu
President, Producer and Director
International Tourism Film Festival
Can Saracoglu is the President of Cinetour and the Director of the International Tourism Film Festival. He is also a Director and Producer at the news/media company, Tukan Film.
Penny Randall
Special Projects Manager
V&A Waterfront
Penny Randall is the Special Projects Manager at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. She has more than 30 years’ experience in Marketing, Events & Project Management.
Christine Norton
Marketing Manager
Premium Brand Distributors
Christine Norton is the Marketing Manager for Premium Brand Distributors. She is responsible for the marketing and brand management for Sony Digital Imaging, Nikon, Atomos, Lexar & YoloLiv.
Carlos Sargedas
Director
Finisterra Arrábida Film Art & Tourism Festival
Carlos is the director of Finisterra Arrábida Film Art & Tourism Festival, a festival he created six years ago to give the Arrábida Region international promotion to the world of cinema and Finisterra Brasil Film Art & Tourism Festival. In the last 19 years, it has been dedicated to the promotion of promotional films.
Lee Dicks
Managing Director, Shareholder
Nova Constantia Boutique Residence
Lee Dicks, a FEDHASA board member, is the Director of Nova Constantia Boutique Residence. He is also Co-director of Constantia Valley Tourism and running the Cape Town Concierge Forum.
Melissa Foley
Meaningful Tourism Marketing Consultant
Melissa Foley is a certified auditor for Travelife, a sustainability advisor for ATTA, WTM Africa, and consultant to several African tourism businesses, not-for-profits, associations, and organizations. Her true passion is facilitating the integration between various stakeholders to create lasting collaborations where transformational tourism can truly thrive. Utilizing over 20 years of corporate marketing experience, extensive world travel, and more than a decade of NGO consulting globally, she has a unique perspective on ethical travel.
Damien Ng Tat Chung
Film Director
Island Media Services
Damien Ng Tat Chung is a multi-award-winning international film director and content creator for TV Channels and Digital platforms. Damien is also an experienced script writer, play-writer and stage manager.
Juca Fonseca
Director
Arraial Cine Fest Festival
Writer, composer, screenwriter and cultural producer. He is a member of the Bahia Sectoral Collegiate of Audiovisual Content and Director of the Arraial Cine Fest Festival in Arraial D'Ajuda, Bahia, Brazil. He is a member of the Arrábida Film Commisison of Portugal and its representative in Brazil. He is part of the resident jury of the Finisterra Arrábida and Finisterra Brasil Festivals.
Imran Khan
Dr. Imran Khan
Wenzhou-Kean University
PhD graduate in Information and Communication in Digital Platforms from the University of Porto and Aveiro, is a researcher and lecturer specializing in animation, cinematography, AR, and VR, contributing to academia in Portugal and the UAE, serving as a jury member for the Art and Tours Film Festival, and leading research on AI and IoT for well-being, including projects on elderly support in China and preserving Wenzhou’s cultural heritage.
Juan Antonio Narro Prieto
Tourism Writer
Juan is a Tourism Writer from Spain that collaborates with several newspapers, magazines and radios in Spain, Portugal and America (U.S.A., Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Chile, Argentina, México, Guatemala…) in tourism and gastronomy. Member of APETEX (Association of Tourism Journalists and Writers of Extremadura), FEPET (Spanish Federation of Tourism Journalists and Writers), AECPI (Spanish Association of Iberoamerican Correspondents) and AIDP (Iberoamerican Academy of Writers and Journalists).
Joseph Kafunda
Co-Founder
Rafiki Tours & Safaris
Joseph M. Kafunda is a Namibian tourism and lifestyle curator, documentary producer, and co-founder dedicated to responsible travel, community empowerment, and celebrating Africa’s cultural heritage.
Martin Hatcheul
Writer
Tourism Content
Martin Hatchuel is a communications consultant who has a background in horticulture and tourism, which have given him a special interest in nature and history. He is particularly interested in seeing these subjects explored with sensitivity in film, and with an eye to sustainability and towards the benefit of the communities it touches.
Dr Arvind Kumar Saraswati
Academic Coordinator of undergraduate program in Hotel Management and Head of the Department for Food & Beverage Service Operations & Management. Arvind is diligently committed to promote quality education & research es in the domain of tourism and hospitality in India & overseas. Being an adherent of tourism films as modality for tourism development and destination promotion, he has a long serving association with Art & Tur International Tourism Film Festival, Portugal, Zagreb Tour-film Festival, Croatia and International Tourism Film Festival, South Africa as Jury Member.
Janine Hills
Founder and CEO
Authentic Leadership
Janine Hills is a pioneering leader in corporate South Africa, renowned for her expertise in reputation management, ethical governance, and executive coaching, having founded the country’s first reputation management firm and now leading Authentic Leadership, a global consultancy advising C-suite executives and boards across Africa and beyond.
Juliana Boianova
Expert
International Cooperation and Festivals Division
International Communications Department
Bulgarian National Television
Juliana has been working at Bulgarian National Television for 21 years /since 2003/ as Festivals Expert. She is a member of an internal selection committee at BNT, which chooses which productions BNT will present at international festivals and competitions. Member of CINETOUR.
Alejandra Medina Ayrer
Director, Founder
AMA Comunicaciones
Alejandra Medina Ayrer, a marketing and innovation specialist in tourism and gastronomy, is a cultural and niche travel expert, branding strategist, and active APTUR CHILE member, serving as a jury for ITFFA and contributing to the travel industry in Chile as Product Manager at Deltour Travel Agency and Director of AMA Communications.
Sam Oluoko
Founder and Projects Manager
GPAY Africa
Sam Oluoko is the Founder and Projects Manager at Great Potential African Youth (GPAY), a youth talents and film training organization based in Nairobi-Kenya.
Anna Kurinnaya
Dean
Kharkiv State Academy of Design and Arts
Dean of the Faculty of Audiovisual Arts and Media Technologies at the Kharkiv State Academy of Design and Arts (Ukraine), and founder of the International Art & Travel Film Festival. An Associate Professor (PhD) specializing in dramaturgy, screenwriting, and audiovisual education, he is the author of several books and around 50 academic publications. He also curates international educational projects and serves on the Board of Directors of Cinetour.
Dany Gamal
Film Director, Writer
Dany Gamal
Dany Gamal is a film director and writer, he holds a diploma in film and television directing arts from the French University in Egypt and has won many local and international awards.
Solly Moeng
Director Brand Communications
Dimsum Energy
Solly Moeng a recognised brand reputation strategist, commentator, lecturer, and former South African Tourism and Woolworths communications leader, now heading DonValley Reputation Managers and the Africa Brand Summit.
Thabo Modise
Founder
Toura Travel Therapy
Thabo Modise, known as Thabo the Tourist, is an award-winning entrepreneur and founder of Toura Travel Therapy, recognized as a leading force in South Africa’s art-focused tourism sector and a prominent figure in Johannesburg’s cultural landscape.
Sivuyisiwe Giba
Co Founder
SivuBuhle Media
Sivuyisiwe Giba is an award-winning Eastern Cape film director and producer, co-founder of SivuBuhle Media, and a passionate advocate for cultural storytelling, youth development, and industry growth, with over 12 years of diverse film experience spanning directing, producing, facilitating, and serving on multiple creative industry boards.
Itumeleng Lepota
Founder
African Development Hub
Itumeleng Lucia Lepota is a development strategist, business consultant, and founder of the African Development Hub, with over a decade of experience driving socially innovative, culturally rooted, and inclusive enterprises across wellness, youth development, creative industries, and community-based development in Africa.
Mohamed Awad Farah
President
Sudanese Filmmaking Association
A Sudanese impact producer and film consultant since 2013, Al Jazeera Media Institute documentary directing alumnus, President of the Sudanese Filmmaking Association, and CEO of Content Passport, a startup monetising humanitarian content for creators in conflict regions.
Zwo Farisani
Co Founder
Farisani Creations
Born in Venda and raised in the United States, Zwo is a UCT honours graduate in Theatre and Performance and co-founder of Farisani Creations, whose debut feature film Smart Casuals was released globally on Netflix in April 2024.
Sven Klawunder
CEO
Flying Media
Sven Klawunder, a 20-year veteran in film and tourism, CEO of Flying Media, and a pioneer of online video magazines, producing global tourism content for German-speaking audiences while serving as a media and aviation ambassador.
Yaser Ahmadi
Filmmaker, director and CEO
Simorgh Film Studio
Filmmaker and director, CEO of Simorgh Film Studio, and member of Art Action Greece, he produces narrative films, documentaries, international co-productions, and tourism-focused films, with his work screened at prestigious festivals across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, and with extensive experience as a film festival jury member.
Enrique Lepehne
Festival Director
Lepehne Projects
Enrique Lepehne is the founder of Lepehne Projects, CMO of The Golden City Gate, and Director for Germany at Cinetour, with over 20 years’ experience in tourism, culture, and storytelling, specializing in strategic consultancy, marketing, and partnerships that connect destinations, creative projects, and communities through impactful and immersive experiences.
Alti Fouché
Filmmaker
Cool to be Kind
A filmmaker who works at the intersection of travel, conservation, and everyday human stories. Her experience in directing, filming, editing, and guiding content for broadcast has shaped a portfolio rooted in curiosity and respect for place. Projects she has contributed to—across adventure, wildlife, and tourism storytelling—have been acknowledged internationally for their sincerity and creative approach. Her work reflects a belief that film can strengthen connection, support communities, and inspire more conscious travel.
Giju Varghese
Tourism Investment Advisor
A tourism and business development expert born in Ethiopia and raised in Zambia, with a background in hotel management and an MBA from the UK, who spent 14 years at South African National Parks leading major public–private tourism developments, later founding a regional tourism advisory firm and, in 2025, launching Bhoomi Experiences, a destination management company focused on Southern Africa and the Indian diaspora market.
Prof Nicola Wakelin-Theron
Senior Lecturer - Tourism Department
UJ University
Nicola Wakelin-Theron is a senior lecturer in Tourism at the University of Johannesburg, holding a PhD in Employment Relations, with a focus on entrepreneurship, employability, smart technologies, and inclusive tourism through strong industry collaboration.
Kasey Engel
Co-Founder
Harmony Mauritius
Kasey Engel is the Co-Founder and Director of Sales and Marketing of Harmony Mauritius, a boutique destination management company and tour operator based in Mauritius. A writer and wildlife photographer, her work engages with curated luxury travel, visual storytelling, sustainability, and the representation of wildlife, people, and landscapes across island and African destinations.
Meysam Abbasi
Writer ,Producer, Director
PHD in International Economics from the University of Commerce of Tajikistan Bachelor's degree student in law *Documentary cinema:* The producer and director of the documentary on the life of Reza Roygari Producer and director of the documentary on the life of Enayat Bakshi and Reza Fayazi the cinema: Producer and director of the short film Hamdam Producer and director of the short film Raha Nightmare (Bakhtak Raha ) Writer, Producer and director of the short film “Lost Song” Writer and Producer of the short film “Uncle” Writer and Producer of “No war” Short film Director of the short film “Sun” Substitute producer and presenter of the short film Khavar (director Reza Iranmanesh)
Neeshi Beeharry
Actress - Content Creator
Visual Magic Creators
Neeshi Beeharry is an internationally recognized Mauritian actress, media personality, and storyteller, known for her lead role in the award-winning film Aniksha (TIFF 2020) and for Travel With Neeshi, a narrative-driven tourism series that won a Silver Award at ITFFA 2023. Her work spans cinema, television, and tourism storytelling, and her international recognition includes a WIBA 2023 award in Cannes, reflecting her strong influence at the intersection of culture, media, and destination representation.
Victor Zaviano
Producer
A Nigerian filmmaker, travel storyteller, and visual documentarian whose work captures the richness of African culture, landscapes, and untold stories. As the creator of award-winning documentaries and cinematic travel content, Victor combines immersive storytelling with striking visuals to inspire audiences worldwide. His projects, including Ikpe Waterside, Chasing Shea, and Edo State Government collaborations, have been recognized at international festivals for their cinematic quality and cultural impact. Through his lens, Victor brings Africa’s narratives to life, connecting communities, cultures, and viewers around the globe.
Stanley Edwards
Director, OGLE Digital Media
Platypus Digital
Stanley Edwards is a content Director / Producer who focuses on developing digital content delivery platforms, retail and event display technologies, interactive solutions, virtual and augmented reality and applications for mobile platforms. He recently brought the first 360 cinema - a Super Reality Dome into South Africa which offers a shared immersive experience.
Jacquie Pastor
Marketing Specialist
Bill Harrop's Original Balloon Safaris
Jacquie Pastor is a tourism and environmental marketing professional with over 20 years’ experience. She leads direct marketing at Bill Harrop’s Original Balloon Safaris and is actively involved with SATSA, Adventure Tourism, and Skal International Gauteng, advocating for sustainable tourism in South Afric
Patrick Garcia
Director / Producer / Head of Aquisitions
ACT Films
Patrick Garcia is an award-winning director, producer, cinematographer, and animation/VFX specialist with over 20 years in film and television. His work has been distributed by major global platforms including Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Lionsgate, and he is known for transforming micro- to mid-budget productions into successful, visually distinctive films through his dynamic storytelling style.
Richard Kruger
Owner
RichRed Productions
Owner of Rich Red Productions and an award-winning film-maker, he has dedicated 30yrs to telling compelling stories of devastation, courage, resilience and beauty to highlight the fragility of our planet and all that inhabit it. It is through their tool of storytelling that filmmakers can empower the viewers to care beyond their own frame.
Costas Constantinou
President
Modern Renaissance Arts and Culture Association
Costas Constantinou is a Johannesburg-born entrepreneur, cultural patron, and tourism leader. He is President of the Modern Renaissance Arts and Culture Association, CEO of Sandton Tours, and a lodge owner. A BCom and BAcc graduate, he also serves as an ITFFA jury member, supporting cultural exchange and the arts.
Kagiso Tlhobolo
Owner
3t Business Fusion
Kagiso is a sustainable tourism specialist and founder of 3t Business Fusion, with over 20 years’ experience. He holds a B.Tech in Tourism Management, served in senior roles at South African National Parks, and sits on the Tourism Standards Committee at SABS. He is also Co-Founder of Eta Le Rona, promoting accessible tourism, and has contributed to major national tourism projects.
Dianna Martin
Founder & Principal
Destination Atelier
An award-winning film and television producer and founder of Destination Atelier. With over 30 years of experience in hospitality and tourism across three continents, she leads projects that elevate destinations, revitalise heritage properties, and create immersive, culturally rooted experiences. Her work in regenerative tourism empowers communities, while her television productions across Africa amplify local voices and explore themes of identity and transformation.
