We are very happy to share that this group of documentary experts will be judging this year’s selection of documentary shorts. We are honoured to have their participation!
Robinder Uppal
Robinder Uppal is a documentary filmmaker and interactive producer whose work builds on lifelong interests in immigration, diversity, and social justice issues. Co-founder of Lost Time Media with Marc Serpa Francoeur, in 2020 they released No Visible Trauma, a scathing exposé of police brutality and accountability issues in their hometown of Calgary, Canada, which had its world premiere at the Vancouver International Film Festival.
Brighid Wheeler
Brighid Wheeler has been in the indie film world, specifically the film festival world, for most of her adult life. Having run the gamut from shift volunteer to THE ‘Queen B’ (a fabulous nickname earned early in her festival career), she just ended her 13+ tenure as Senior Programmer for Indie Memphis and is currently the Programming Director for the Atlanta Film Society. Outside of the festival, you’ll most likely find her mentoring, guiding, and encouraging the filmmakers in Memphis and beyond. She attributes this as her main source of drive and inspiration both personally and professionally. Brighid has served on countless juries at festivals across the country and considers each experience an honour as it allows her the opportunity to support the current and next-generation storytellers.
Vivian Xavier
Vivian Xavier is a cinematographer and cinephile who decided to become a storyteller at the age of 14. He has an MFA in film production from Florida State University and has attended a creative producing course in Busan, South Korea. He has lensed short films, documentaries, commercials and music videos, and counts Krzysztof Kieslowski as his favourite film director. He is most recently the co-founder and lead programmer for the Gandhara Independent Film Festival.