PLEASE WELCOME THE FIRST MEMBERS OF the jury for 2024

WEZ MERCHANT

FILM PR GURU.
Wez is the owner and MD of Strike Media, one of the leading film and music PR agencies. With 22 years experience in the sector working on over 1000 campaigns for some of the largest theatrical, home entertainment and music releases of all time. In his spare time Wez plays football, golf and sings (better in the past) and now has identical twin boys to give him extra things to worry about.

timandra harkness

TIMANDRA HARKNESS

JOURNALIST AND BROADCASTER
Timandra is a deep fan of science fiction and real science. She formed the first comedy science double-act in the UK with neuroscientist Dr. Helen Pilcher. Her short films were screened at festivals in Bristol, Paris and Seoul. For BBC Radio, she has presented dozens of documentaries including FutureProofing and What Has Sat-Nav Done To Our Brains. Her book, Technology is Not the Problem, is out in May 2024

photo of gavin saville

Gavin saville

SCIENTIST AND FILMMAKER
Gavin is an ecologist and conservationist scientist turned filmmaker, He is also the Director and founder of the WILD INDIE SCI-FI AND FANTASY FILM FESTIVAL. (@wisfff) His work includes the NASA Astrobiology Institute video Series. He also finds time to be the martial arts instructor for the Exiles historical martial arts group, teaching sword, dagger and spear techniques.

Alexander Milas

ALEXANDER MILAS

JOURNALIST AND BROADCASTER.
Alexander is an erstwhile archaeologist, broadcaster, Kerrang! journalist and editor-in-chief of the UK's Metal Hammer magazine. His company, Twin V, produces documentaries and music videos, as well as events including Space Rocks, an award-winning celebration of space exploration in partnership with the European Space Agency. In his spare time he runs the Heavy Metal Truants, a charity cycle ride, is leader of the Heavy Metal Cycling Club, and a trustee of Earth Percent, a climate action group founded by Brian Eno.

kelli maroney headshot

KELLI MARONEY

ACTOR AND PRODUCER
Kelli is an actor and producer whose career spans several decades, with over 70 production credits, including 31 films and over 540 hours of TV.
Kelli is well-known for her strong female roles, including the gun-toting cheerleader "Sam" in the festival favourite, Night of The Comet. As a producer she whas won many awards and remains deeply committed to championing independent filmmakers.