Jury
Fiction
MarBelle
Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief platform Directors Notes I United Kingdom
MarBelle is the Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of film curation and interview platform Directors Notes. Since its launch in 2006, DN has been regarded as one of the leading organisations for independent film, working with filmmakers to create in-depth feature articles which reveal the painstaking production stories behind their award-winning work for a worldwide audience of industry professionals, festival curators and dedicated film fans. Eclectic in its tastes, the BIFA-qualifying Directors Notes is where you can find the most cutting edge films regardless of genre, length or technique.
Melvin Mak
Filmmaker I Singapore
Melvin Mak is an award-winning filmmaker whose career spans from commercial storytelling to narrative features. He has served as Executive Producer on significant successes in Asia, including the heartfelt drama A Good Child (2025) and the hit Reunion Dinner (2022). His versatility is further underscored by his work with Apple, where he co-directed the tech giant's first Chinese New Year short film for the China market, a landmark project that merged cinematic artistry with global brand strategy. Transitioning from a background in advertising where his precision earned him a Silver Cannes Lion , he is currently helming a highly anticipated Singaporean theatrical release scheduled for 2027.
Claire Barrault
Writer & Director I France
Claire Barrault is a french writer and director. She has written and directed three short films, which have been selected and awarded at international festivals : "Simon your ass" , "Hasta Luego" and "Grass on your class" . Alongside her work in film, she also writes for video games, notably on titles such as "Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown." She is currently developing several series projects and preparing her first feature film.
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