Ashutosh Gowariker, an acclaimed Indian filmmaker and former actor, gained global recognition with Lagaan, an Oscar-nominated period drama. He founded Ashutosh Gowariker Productions, creating notable films like Swades and Jodhaa Akbar. His diverse filmography spans romantic comedies, patriotic thrillers, and historical epics (Mohenjo Daro, Panipat), often tackling themes of nationalism, patriarchy, and women's empowerment. A member of the Director's Branch of the Academy, Gowariker is known for his impactful blend of historical and contemporary narratives.
A well renowned writer, director, and producer from Singapore. Chen's short film, Ah Ma (2007), made him the first Singaporean filmmaker to win at Cannes. His debut feature, Ilo Ilo won the Caméra d'Or. Wet Season, his second film was nominated for the Platform Prize at the Toronto International Film Festival. Both the movies were Singapore's official entries to the Oscars. Drift 2023, his first English film, was premiered at Sundance and The Breaking Ice, his first Chinese feature was screened at Cannes. He produces films under the Giraffe Pictures banner.
Elizabeth Karlsen, a highly respected UK producer, co-founded Number 9 Films in 2002 with Stephen Woolley. She and Woolley received the BAFTA Award for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema in 2019. Elizabeth has produced acclaimed films like Carol, Little Voice, Made in Dagenham, Mrs. Harris, and Colette. Her work has garnered 52 BAFTA nominations and 20 Academy Award nominations. Upcoming films include The Salt Path, The Assessment, and A Pale View of Hills.
Born in Spain, Fran Borgia is an established Asian producer with many award-winning films. He founded Akanga Film Asia, an independent production company in Singapore. His has to his credit, movies like A Lullaby to the Sorrowful Mystery (Silver Bear Winner), A Yellow Bird, A Land Imagined (Golden Leopard Winner), Yuni (Platform Prize Winner), Tiger Stripes (Grand Prize Winner), Oasis of Now, Stranger Eyes (Golden Lion competitor), and Village Rockstars 2 (Jiseok Award Winner).
Jill Bilcock gained international attention with A Cry in the Dark and forged a lasting collaboration with Baz Luhrmann. Her influential editing in films like Strictly Ballroom, Romeo and Juliet, and Moulin Rouge introduced modern techniques to classic genres. She edited high-grossing films such as Muriel's Wedding, Red Dog, The Dish, and The Dressmaker. Jill has also worked with directors like Shekhar Kapur on Elizabeth and The Golden Age, Sam Mendes on Road to Perdition, and Guillermo del Toro on Don't Be Afraid of the Dark.
