The Jury

CHARRU SHARMA
 (INDIA)
Writer, Director, Film Festival Founder
Founder of YathaKatha International Film & Literature Festival in Mumbai, Charru Sharma is a filmmaker dedicated to showcasing untold stories of India’s real heroes. Her directorial debut, Ambassador of Socialism – Life & Times of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, received acclaim at JIFF and Kala Ghoda Art Festival and many others. Currently, she is working on biopics including Dadasaheb Phalke and a bold project on Indian women prisoners, "Term Over Torture Not". With a background in writing, direction, and production, she has authored a biography on Dr. Lohia. A postgraduate from Agra University, she values research, storytelling, and bringing impactful narratives to the screen with passion and purpose.

RAJNI ACHARYA
 (INDIA)
Documentary Film maker, Lifeographer
Rajni Acharya is a trailblazer in Creative Media, earning the title "Lifeographer" for his unique cinematic biographies. As the founder of "Takshila Multimedia", Rajni Acharya has directed over 400 short films, documentaries, and lifeography films, including the acclaimed "Dastaan-e-Rafi", about Padmashree Mohd. Rafi. He has also directed "Sur Shabdnu Sarnamu" on Padmashree Avinash Vyas. His ongoing projects include "Life is Eternal", "Zameen se judi Unchi Udaan" and "Mumbai Samachar 200 Not Out" among others have won numerous national and international awards. Rajni Acharya also serves as the director at PEN India Group and is also ex-President of IDPA. He also serves as trustee of the Lions Sports Complex in Mumbai and the Halavad Education Society. He was also appointed as VP of India's first satellite channel ATN as well as SEO by the Maharashtra Government in 2005.


BUVANA RAM  (India
 / USA)
Award Winning Writer / Producer / Director
Buvana Ram, an accomplished film maker began her journey as a journalist, holding a Master’s degree from Annamalai University, followed by diplomas in Journalism (Delhi) and Filmmaking & Screenwriting from Los Angeles and the University of Melbourne. In 1995, she established her own film production company, dedicating herself to a range of independent projects. Over the years, she has written, directed, and produced numerous ad films, telefilms, short films, TV series, and feature films, with several of her shorts earning international awards and acclaim. A self-made filmmaker, Buvana is known for creating customised independent features and shorts, and brings strong skills in administration and coordination. Her critically acclaimed cross-country feature film, 'Love Me Stupid' shot in the USA with an international stellar cast, has won multiple global awards and is now ready for marketing and distribution.


SANJAY MATHEW 
(INDIA)
Film maker & Editor
Sanjay Mathew is an award-winning freelance filmmaker and editor based in Mumbai, with over 23 years of industry experience. His extensive body of work spans TV commercials, corporate films, television shows, short films, and digital content for renowned clients such as ASB Japan, Escorts Ltd, Mahindra, Birla Sunlife, P&G, Volkswagen, SBI, Zee Network, Asianet TV, and many others. He has directed acclaimed short films like ‘Enough is Enough’ and ‘Metro Café’, the latter winning Best Screenplay at IFEFA, Australia. His most celebrated work, ‘ZUNI’, starring Divya Dutta, has received 47 awards and recognitions globally. Sanjay is currently directing a Hindi horror film titled ‘DAAI’.

PRADEEP CHANDIRAMANI (INDIA)
Psychic Healer, Face Reader & Film Consultant
Pradeep Chandiramani is a gifted Psychic Healer, Face Reader, and Medium, also certified in Past Life Regression therapy. He has helped thousands across Dubai, Africa, New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, and India. Beyond healing, he has mentored numerous models and actors, boosting their confidence and overcoming fear. As a jury member, he has graced fashion events like Mr. & Miss Africa and Mr. & Ms. Gujarat. He also serves as a Consultant with MBF Dreamlab, a Mumbai-based production house that has produced Hindi films and music albums and is now expanding into Bengali and South Indian cinema.


MOHAN DAS (INDIA)
Chairman, Festival Jury & Director
Mohan Das, an award-winning writer and director, is the force behind the successful Lakecity International Film Festival in Gwalior. With a passion for storytelling and cinematic excellence, he has expanded his vision by taking the concept of film festivals to various cities across India and internationally. His initiative, the Chambal International Film Festival, is an extension of this mission—bringing world cinema, culture, and emotion to the people of the Chambal valley. The festival serves as a platform for showcasing avant-garde films, honouring achievers from all walks of life, and promoting cross-cultural understanding through cinema.

Dedicated to making quality films accessible to new audiences, Mohan works through Eon Films, organising film screenings, workshops, and short film competitions, while also consulting on feature films. His vast experience has earned him invitations to serve as a jury member at prestigious festivals such as LHIFF International Film Festival (Barcelona), The North Film Festival (New York), Coal City International Film Festival (Nigeria), and numerous festivals across India including Mumbai, Kolkata, Bikaner, Nagaland, Akola, and more.

Through his tireless efforts, Mohan Das continues to be a driving force in championing independent cinema, nurturing talent, and building global bridges through the universal language of film.