Directing with Purpose: Shaping the Vision

Maitha Alawadi is an award-winning Emirati film director, scriptwriter, and TV presenter known for her bold, diverse, and culturally authentic storytelling. With over a decade of experience across the UAE, Australia, India, and the UK, she has contributed to 20+ short fiction films in various production roles. A TEDx speaker and advocate for amplifying the female voice in cinema, her work spans fiction films, mini docu-series, commercials, and social content. Her projects have won 13+ awards at 40+ global festivals, redefining Arab cinema with fresh, inclusive narratives.

Travon Free is an award-winning writer, actor, and comedian known for his dynamic presence in the entertainment industry. He boasts an Oscar, five Emmy Awards, and a Peabody Award, highlighting his versatility. Free is the creative force behind "Him or Her," produced by Issa Rae, and has contributed to projects like "Black Monday" and HBO's "Camping." His extensive work includes roles on "Full Frontal with Samantha Bee" and "The Daily Show." Dividing his time between New York and Los Angeles, he humorously refers to his collection of over 250 shoes

Neel Kumar is a filmmaker, writer and storyteller who draws from a life rich in experiences, from riding motorcycles around the world to working as a copywriter in top agencies. With a keen ear for honesty and a deep appreciation for craft, he crafts compelling narratives whether in feature films, shorts, or commercials. His debut feature “Beneath a Sea of Lights” and acclaimed short films have earned him recognition at numerous film festivals. Currently, he’s engrossed in his next feature, “Epitaph,” set in Ancient Egypt.

Franklin Leonard is an entrepreneur and cultural commentator originally from Columbus, Georgia. He is the founder and CEO of the Black List, an online platform dedicated to identifying and celebrating great screenplays, television pilots, theatrical plays, and novels. One of Fast Company's 2012 100 Most Creative People in Business, the recipient of the WGA's 2019 Evelyn Burkey Award, and the Gotham Film Organization's 2024 Anniversary Tribute, Leonard is also a contributing editor at Vanity Fair and a member of AMPAS and BAFTA.