P. Sheshadri
Pattabhiramaiah Sheshadri is an Indian film director who works in Kannada cinema. He completed his Master’s degree in Kannada literature and also received a Diploma in journalism. He is known for his films Munnudi, Atithi, Beru, Tutturi, Vimukthi, Bettada Jeeva, Bharath Stores and December-1. He has also worked as a director in various television serials. Sheshadri became the first director to win a National Film Award eight times consecutively when his film December-1 won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Kannada and the National Film Award for Best Screenplay
Career: Before 1990: Journalism Sheshadri began his career working at Navakarnataka Prakashana, a publishing house, where he designed cover pages for the publication. 1990–1995: Entry into films Sheshadri started working in films and television by writing scripts and assisting the established Kannada film director T. S. Nagabharana. 1995–2000: Working in television Sheshadri began to direct television serials as a way to earn a living. His first serial was Inchara in 1995 followed by Kamanabillu and Kathegaara in 1996 and Maayamruga in 1999. 2000–present: First film and directorial career During the 31st International Film Festival of India in New Delhi in 2000, Sheshadri watched the Malayalam film Karunam which had won the Best Feature Film award at the festival. He learnt during a conversation with the film’s director that it was made on a budget of ₹1 million. This gave him the confidence that a film could be made with a small budget.
Achievements: Munnudi (2000) won Best film on other Social Issues and Special film of Social Concern, Athiti (2001), Beru (2004), Vimukthi (2008), Bharath Stores (2012) and December-1 (2013) won Best Feature film of Kannada, Bettada Jeeva (2010) won the Best film on Environment Conservation/Preservation , Thutturi (2006) Won Children’s Film: Best Audience Award.
MR. Suparn S Varma
He an Indian film director, screenwriter, producer who works in Hindi cinema. He is best known for directing television shows such as The Family Man (2021), Rana Naidu (2023) and The Trial (2023).
Career: Verma started his career as a journalist and. In 2005 he made his debut as a director with the film Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena. Then in 2009 he has directed Acid Factory, which didn’t do well in the box office. And then in 2013 he made his directorial comeback with his third film Aatma
Achievements: His work earned him prestigious awards, including the Filmfare OTT Awards for Best Original Screenplay and Best Director, Critics. Suparn served as the showrunner and director for the Indian adaptation of “THE GOOD WIFE,” renamed “THE TRIAL,” for Disney+ Hotstar.
Jayprad Desai
He is an Indian film director, screenwriter and producer. He is known for Phir Aayi Hasseen Dillruba (2024), Kaun Pravin Tambe? (2022), Mukhbir – The Story of a Spy (2022). He made his directorial debut with Nagrik, a Marathi political drama-thriller in 2015. He is the grand nephew of Vasant Desai, a composer.
Career: His first directorial venture Nagrik, a Marathi political drama-thriller, revolving around a struggling middle class journalist, won several accolades including Maharashtra State Awards for Best Social Film. It was also selected at multiple prestigious film festivals such as MAMI and IFFI.
Achievements: He holds a Masters Degree in Film from New York. Mukhbir has been one of the most watched watched and best reviewed series of 2023 while Kaun Pravin Tambe has been most loved web film also nominated for the Filmfare OTT awards and loved unanimously by masses and critics alike. His movie Nagrik, a Marathi political drama-thriller won Maharashtra State Awards for Best Social Film.
Usha Jadhav
Usha is a critically acclaimed actress, best known for her award-winning role in Dhag (2012), where she won the Best Actress Award at the 60th National Film Awards for her powerful portrayal of a rural woman fighting for a better future. She received further praise for her natural performance as Muthulakshmi, wife of Veerappan, in Ram Gopal Verma’s Veerappan. Usha has also starred in independent films like Salt Bridge (2015) and Lucknow Times (2015). With her strong presence in both cinema and advertising, she brings invaluable insight as a jury member at the Jagran Film Festival.
Career: Born in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, Jadhav moved to Mumbai to pursue her passion for acting while working in a travel agency. Hailing from the Kaikadi Nomadic Tribe, her journey from a lower-middle-class background to the big screen has been one of determination and grit.
She gained recognition through commercials for brands like Tata DoCoMo and Fevicol. Her film debut came in Traffic Signal (2007), followed by a role in Do Paise Ki Dhoop, Chaar Aane Ki Baarish (2009). In 2012, Jadhav appeared alongside Amitabh Bachchan in Kaun Banega Crorepati ads and played a lead role in the television show Lakhon Mein Ek, where she portrayed a young bride fighting discrimination.
Achievement: 2013 Winner Silver Lotus Award Best Actress (Dhag), 2019 Winner Silver Peacock Best Actor – Female (Mai Ghat: Crime No 103/2005), 2013 Winner Maharashtra State Film Award Best Actress (Dhag).
ALEJANDRO CORTÉS CALAHORRA
A member of the Academy of Cinematographic Arts and Sciences of Spain, and ACCIÓN (Spanish Association of Film Directors), [Name] is an experienced producer, director, and scriptwriter. He has mentored at leading Spanish film universities like ECAM (Madrid) and ECIB (Barcelona). As a jury member at international film festivals, he has contributed to the global cinematic community.
His notable works include Refugios (2015), a feature film produced across 12 countries, featuring renowned actors like Álex Angulo, which was selected at festivals in the USA, India, and Latin America. His documentary Carrasca (2019) earned awards at festivals in Colombia, Uruguay, the USA, and Spain, including Best Spanish Film at the Madrid Film Festival. He also directed the rockumentary Héroes: Silence and Rock & Roll (2021) for Netflix, which received nominations for the Goya and Forqué Awards.
Currently, he is developing Made in 1999, a Spanish-Latin American co-production, and Old Dog, an international thriller. Both projects have received accolades at international film labs and festivals. He is also the director of the upcoming documentary La Maleta de Álex, about legendary Spanish actor Álex Angulo.
He has received several awards for filmmaking, screenwriting, and artistic excellence from Spanish governments and institutions.
Madhu Reeta Anand
Madhu Reeta Anand is an Indian independent film director, writer and producer. She has directed two feature films, written five feature films, directed many documentary films and series, spanning an array of genres. Many of her films have won national and international awards. She writes for various websites and magazines and has been featured in various books and other publications. She is also an activist for women’s rights and rights of other minorities. She has consistently used her films and influence to support the causes of ending violence against women and children.
Profile: Madhureeta Anand is an accomplished filmmaker with a diverse portfolio. Her directorial record comprises two narrative feature films and she has authored eight narrative features. Her repertoire extends to encompass numerous documentary films and series spanning various genres. Her cinematic works have garnered both national and international accolades for many of her creations. Her journey into filmmaking commenced with her studies at the Mass Communications Research Centre at Jamia, after which she embarked on a prolific career in the field.