Temi is a British-Nigerian writer and director based in London, passionate about creating stories that explore the complexities of the human experience.

With a focus on profound themes and social issues, her work delves deep into untold stories, offering a raw and emotional connection with audiences. Through her storytelling, Temi challenges conventions, sparking reflection and empathy in those who experience her work.

Her BAFTA-qualifying short film Step Back stands as a highlight of her career, showcasing her ability to blend powerful narratives with authentic characters. These projects are a testament to her commitment to creating meaningful stories that both entertain and provoke thought.

Shortlisted for the Merky Books New Writers Prize 2024/25, Temi is making waves in the literary and film worlds. Known for her collaborative spirit, she has worked with prestigious organisations such as BFI, Wondery, and Your Cinema Films, always believing that creativity flourishes in community.

Michelle Pascal is an accomplished filmmaker and media professional with over two decades of experience in television, including 12 years as a producer and director at the BBC, and more recently as a Talent Manager at Icon Films. Her extensive portfolio includes work on flagship BBC programmes such as Countryfile, Antiques Roadshow, and DIY SOS Big Builds.

Michelle’s directorial debut, the BFI-funded short film Hats, explores the nuanced relationship between a Black British woman and her ailing West Indian mother through a symbolic collection of hats. Hats earned recognition internationally, winning Best First Time Filmmaker at Toronto’s Alternative Film Festival in 2023, being named a finalist at the Stockholm City Film Festival, and receiving the ‘Best of the Fest’ accolade at the Windrush Caribbean Film Festival.

Currently, Michelle actively contributes to community-based film initiatives through collaborations with Nature Rising, Black Seeds Network, and May Project Gardens. She is also the driving force behind Fam Films CIC, a unique cinema experience championing global majority filmmakers through its “patties instead of popcorn” philosophy.

Marina Elderton is a multi award-winning composer and film producer, and co-founder of EMC Productions- a production company creating boundary-pushing work across film, television and immersive media.

Her producing credits include the new feature TRAMP (“a groundbreaking sports drama” – Screen Daily), the award-winning Born of Violence (debuted at the Cannes Lions Saatchi New Creators Showcase), and the web series ELDR:TV (awarded ‘Best Documentary Series’ at the Sydney Webfest).

A scholar from the National Film and Television School, Marina’s original scores feature in BAFTA-nominated and BIFA-winning Poly Styrene: I Am a Cliché (Sky Arts), ZERO (BBC 2), Such Small Hands (Film4), and Miu Miu Women’s Tales (dir. Lynne Ramsay).

She has composed for global brands including Rimmel, Vodafone, and Cadbury, and her solo artist project ELDR has received support from PRS Foundation’s Women Make Music. Marina is represented by BDi Music and is a member of the Alliance for Women Film Composers.

Annie Little is a UK-based hair and makeup designer and hair artist working in Film and Television. She has been on-set hairstylist to Letitia Wright, Josh O’Connor and Gugu Mbatha-Raw among others.

Drawn to good stories and bold storytellers Annie counts among her TV & Film credits Apple TV’s Surface, Marian Quinn’s feature film TWIG. On the Netflix series Queen Charlotte, Annie was the hair and makeup coordinator managing the wig styling team and overseeing the movement of almost 1000 wigs and she was also on the award-winning short film Original Skin. Annie was on the jury panel for this year’s (2025) BAFTA TV Craft Awards. 

She is part of the 2025 Women in Film & TV mentoring (WFTV) cohort, was a ScreenSkills Leader of Tomorrow (2021) is a film industry mentor and is the founder of BLCKSTR; workshops that support on-set crews working with textured hair and makeup.

Bhavini Goyate is a dedicated arts professional with over a decade of experience in arts administration. Since 2014, Bhavini has worked with prominent UK theatre companies and venues, including the Young Vic Theatre, Paines Plough, tiata fahodzi, and the Almeida Theatre.

After her work in theatre, she transitioned into sector support, contributing to the wider arts and culture industries through her roles at Clore Leadership and Creative Access, where she focused on leadership learning and professional development for historically marginalised communities.

Currently serving as Inclusion Manager at the British Film Institute (BFI), Bhavini delivers the implementation and development of the BFI’s inclusion strategy. Her work addresses long-standing inequities within the film industry, advocating for systemic change and ensuring that historically underrepresented communities have a voice in the creative process.

Driven by a mission to bring joy, celebration, and opportunity to individuals from all walks of life, Bhavini remains committed to fostering more inclusive and equitable spaces within the arts and cultural sectors. Throughout her career, she has consistently worked towards creating meaningful, sustainable change and advancing representation in the industry.

Janet is a writer-director, founder of Mediathirsty, and member of Directors UK and BAFTA Connect.

In 2023, she completed BFI NETWORK supported short film, Returned, starring Michelle Greenidge with Max Fincham & Jeffery Kissoon.

Her first three indie shorts, Kindred, Clearing and Asunder all screened internationally, winning several awards, including in Cannes Court Métrage, BAFTA-qualifying Aesthetica and British Urban Festivals, Toronto Black, Halifax Black and Houston International Film Festivals.

Melanie Jones Powell is a cultural curator and the Executive Director of the Caribbean Film Festival (CFF), a multi-day celebration dedicated to elevating Caribbean cinema and reimagining the region’s storytelling traditions. In her role, Melanie leads the strategic vision, operations, and growth of the festival, championing a platform that centers youth, women, and emerging voices.

With a career built around creativity, culture, and community, Melanie brings a deep, personal commitment to the power of storytelling. For the past five years, she served as the Festival Coordinator at Africa Film TT, building on her expertise in event management, programming, and public engagement. Her work at Africa Film TT sharpened her ability to lead complex projects with a rare combination of precision and imagination, qualities that now drive her vision for CFF’s dynamic expansion.

Melanie holds a Master of Arts in International Migration and Ethnic Relations from Malmö University in Sweden, and graduated with First Class Honors from the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Film. Her scholarly work mirrors her lifelong passion for cultural exchange, social justice, and the global Caribbean identity.

Whether she is negotiating international collaborations, mentoring young filmmakers, or orchestrating a stylish premiere, Melanie Jones Powell remains driven by a single, powerful mission: to ensure that Caribbean stories are not just seen but celebrated, remembered, and respected around the world.