J U R Y NYC 2 0 2 6
SERGEY MOKRITSKY
Sergey Mokritsky (born February 18, 1961, Polyanivka, Zhytomyr region, USSR) is a film director, cinematographer, screenwriter, and actor.
He graduated from the Cinematography Department of VGIK in 1991 (workshop of A. Galperin). He has worked with major studios including Mosfilm and the Odessa Film Studio.
From 1997 to 2002, he was the director of photography for the iconic television program “Kukly” on NTV.
In 2000, together with Kirill Serebrennikov, Ilya Malkin, and A. Marchenko, he co-founded the film company ChBK-Film.
Selected Filmography
Director
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Spetsgruppa (2007)
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Four Ages of Love (2008)
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Churchill (2009)
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Teacher’s Day (2012)
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Battle for Sevastopol (2015)
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I Am a Teacher (2016)
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Draft (2018)
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The First Oscar (2022)
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El Russo (2024)
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EPRON: Treasures of the Sunken Ship (TBA)
Screenwriter
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Teacher’s Day (2012)
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Battle for Sevastopol (2015)
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Draft (2018)
Cinematographer (Selected)
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The Smell of Autumn (1993)
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Journey to Malin (1997)
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Everything We Dreamed Of (1997)
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Popi (1998)
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Girls Choir (1998)
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Rostov-Papa (2001)
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Diary of a Murderer (2002)
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Bayazet (2004)
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Taxi Driver (2004)
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Vocal Parallels (2005)
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Goddess of Prime Time (2005)
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Icon Hunters (2005)
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Shift (2006)
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Playing the Victim (2006)
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Bus (2008)
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Contact with Classmates (2008)
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Diamonds. Theft (2010)
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My Dad Baryshnikov (2011)
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Quest (2011)
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Far from War (2012)
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Without Witnesses (2012)
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I Am a Teacher (2016)
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Love Without Size (2020)
Awards
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Russian Federation Government Prize in Culture (2016)
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“Fiddler on the Roof” Award by the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia (2015)
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Best Director Award — TEFI “Immortal Regiment” (2017) for Battle for Sevastopol
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Debut Prize at the II “Golden Phoenix” Festival (2009) for Four Ages of Love
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Moscow City Prize (date unspecified)
OLEKSII ZARZHYTSKYI
Oleksii Zarzhytskyi is an executive producer and co-founder of Goby Fish Production, currently based in Los Angeles, California. With extensive experience in film and television production, he has worked on numerous acclaimed television series and feature projects, serving as an executive producer on large-scale productions for leading broadcasters and streaming platforms. His credits include Cossacks. Absolutely Fake History, Love in Chains, House for Happiness, Romeo and Juliet from Cherkasy, and many other successful projects.
After relocating to the United States, Oleksii continued his producing career by co-founding Goby Fish Production, where he develops and produces independent films and vertical drama series for the international market.
Recognized for his expertise in production management and creative leadership, Oleksii has been invited to serve as a jury member of the Follow Your Heart Film Festival on multiple occasions. In 2026, he returned as a jury member for the Miami edition, continuing his collaboration with the festival and supporting emerging filmmakers from around the world.
AVA GOLBAN
Media strategist, producer, and founder of Media Productions USA.
Ava Golban specializes in viral marketing and innovative media promotion across
film, television, fashion, and digital platforms. Through her agency, she develops
high-visibility campaigns, secures editorial and TV placements, and creates
strategic collaborations with global media, talent, and cultural platforms.
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm18298019/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_2_nm_6_in_0_q_AVA%20GOLBAN
VICTORIA UNIKEL
Victoria Unikel is an award-winning, shocking and acclaimed contemporary painter and mixed media artist known for her versatility and scandalous works. Her works have been displayed in galleries since 2008.
As an international celebrity artist, Unikel has been featured in Forbes, ELLE, Daily Mail, Mirror, New York Post, L'Officiel, The Independent and many others.
Unikel has also received recognition as a performer, writer, producer, and media mogul. Victoria is starring in and producing Exorcista, a paranormal, horror, and true crime historical show, that is all about Secrets, Spells and Shadows! Official website: Exorcista show
Having a top education in music and acting, she has played numerous roles in film, TV, and stage performances in various countries including the US, Germany, France, Ukraine, and Russia.
Victoria Unikel actively advocates for a number of social causes and works with non-profits such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation in the United States, where her painting was auctioned off for charity, and the AIDS Foundation in Berlin, Germany. She is a passionate supporter of the LGBT community and for equal rights and freedom for everyone, regardless of color or creed.
Victoria's contribution to society was recognized when she received the top art award for her efforts in the battle against human trafficking and slavery from the MOSAIC Federation (a worldwide association comprising the CIA, FBI, and other intelligence and law enforcement agencies) at a star-studded 2019 celebrity gala held at New York’s Cipriani 42nd Street.
Victoria also founded VUGA Foundation, a non-profit organization that will work to further equality, justice, and peace, through art and entertainment.
HENRY LIPATOV
Henry Lipatov is an award-winning director, producer, and visual effects supervisor with a rare combination of cinematic storytelling, technical mastery, and high-velocity content intuition. With over 165 music videos directed, Henry is recognized as one of the most prolific and in-demand visual storytellers in the global entertainment industry. His work has consistently transformed short-form formats into cinematic experiences, collaborating with world-class artists such as Jennifer Lopez, Eminem, Chris Brown, Kelly Clarkson, 50 Cent, Linkin Park, Fall Out Boy, Demi Lovato, One Republic, Why Don’t We. Henry’s ability to merge narrative, rhythm, performance, and visual effects inside extreme time constraints makes him uniquely positioned for vertical storytelling — where every second must hook, every frame must communicate, and every transition must carry meaning. His groundbreaking visual effects work earned Best Visual Effects at Cannes (2015) for the short film «A Tricky Treat». As the founder of “Beverly Films” Henry has successfully expanded into film and television, supervising Visual Effects for the feature film LA Rush, starring Elijah Wood and developing original series such as “Beehive”, “Matt Hatter”, “I AM BONE”, “TIMER”, “NO ARRIVAL NO DEPARTURE”.
OLEKSANDR GORBATYI
Oleksandr Gorbatyi
Screenwriter, scryptwriter, playwright, and actor.
An internationally recognized cultural figure and mentor, honored for his outstanding contribution to the development of the cultural landscape of Ukraine.
A distinguished expert in cross-cultural humor and media education, whose work operates at the intersection of artistic practice, pedagogy, and television, shaping contemporary approaches to storytelling and creative expression.
An active member of leading professional organizations within the global writing and media industries, including the Writers Guild of America, PEN America, the North American Writers’ Association, and the Association of Ukrainian Producers, underscoring his high level of international professional recognition.
His professional practice encompasses the creation of television and stage productions, the advancement of international educational initiatives, and the scholarly exploration of comedy as a system of meaning and cultural codes, contributing to the evolution of modern cultural discourse.
oleksandrgorbatyi.com
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STANISLAV ARESHCHENKO
Artist and multidisciplinary contemporary creator recognized internationally for contributions to NFT and digital art. Recipient of the “Prestigious Person of the Year 2021” award (Moscow, Russia) in the nomination “Contribution to NFT/Digital Art” and the “Art US Nation Award 2025” (Miami, USA).
He is a TV host and author of art-focused programs, including “Art2Day” on First Russian TV Channel and “Explore Art” on Miami TV (USA). He developed a proprietary artistic methodology titled “Brush Code” and is the author of the published book “Unframed Lines of the Future.”
Actively engaged in the global art scene, he has participated in and organized numerous international exhibitions across Europe, the Middle East, and the United States, combining contemporary painting, digital innovation, and media-based art education. He is an expert and highly professional in art costume and stage design, as well as in NFT and digital art, with a strong creative vision and extensive experience across contemporary artistic practices.
VITALII TOVCYHA
Director of Photography | Cinematographer | Video Producer
Los Angeles, California, USA
Professional Profile
Professional Director of Photography, Cinematographer, and Video Producer with over 12 years
of experience in cinematography, commercial production, and brand storytelling. Specialized in
cinematic visual aesthetics, strategic commercial content, and full-cycle video production for
corporate, luxury, and consumer markets. Founder of a U.S.-based production company
operating within the American market and delivering high-end visual content for both national
and international clients.
Experienced in leading productions from concept development through final delivery, including
directing photography, lighting design, production coordination, and post-production
supervision. Strong background working with corporate brands, luxury wedding productions,
and professional film crews under industry-standard production workflows.
Key Expertise
- Cinematography (lighting design, composition, visual dramaturgy)
- Commercial and brand content production
- Corporate video production
- High-end wedding cinematography
- Full-cycle video production (pre-production to final master)
- Production team leadership and coordination
- Strategic visual identity development
- Post-production supervision and editing
- Film set operations and professional production workflows
Significant Projects & Professional Achievements
Commercial & Corporate Production
Led and produced commercial and corporate video projects for U.S.-based and international
companies operating on a national and global level. Developed strategic visual content for brandscollaborating with major corporations such as Google, Amazon, Tesla, Walmart, Whole Foods
Market, Uber, and Red Bull.
Produced strategic brand and commercial video campaigns for Conexwest, one of the leading
container solution companies in the United States. Responsibilities included cinematography,
visual concept development, production management, and execution of marketing-focused visual
campaigns.
Collaborated with OLG in Canada, filming large-scale sponsored public events including the
Toronto Pride Parade in 2022 and 2023, where the company served as a primary sponsor.
Produced visual content for Maxymova, an Italian cosmetics company. Commercial videos
created for the brand were displayed at international exhibitions and airport advertising screens
in Italy.
Worked as the lead editor for a large-scale commercial content package produced for ROSHEN,
one of the largest confectionery manufacturers in Europe and globally recognized among the
world’s leading confectionery brands. Responsible for editing the primary promotional video and
a substantial portion of the campaign’s branded content package. One of the produced videos
continues to be featured on the company’s official website.
International Production Standards & Industrial
Organizations
Produced visual content for companies operating in compliance with international certification
and classification organizations, including American Bureau of Shipping, Bureau Veritas, Lloyd’s
Register, DNV, and International Organization for Standardization. These productions required
adherence to corporate compliance standards, industrial safety requirements, and high-level
production quality.
High-End Wedding Cinematography
Founder and Creative Director of a U.S.-based wedding cinematography brand specializing in
cinematic storytelling for luxury and destination weddings across the United States and Mexico.
Responsible for the full production cycle, including creative direction, cinematography, client
communication, post-production supervision, and final delivery.
Collaborated with internationally recognized wedding production teams including Balerina
Films, Kim Films, and Yuko Weddings on luxury wedding productions and destination events.
Film Industry ExperienceProfessional experience working within film production crews in multiple technical and creative
positions, including Director of Photography (DP), Gaffer, Electrician, Camera Assistant, and
Second Assistant Camera (2nd AC). Extensive hands-on experience operating under professional
on-set production standards, lighting workflows, and cinema production environments.
Business Activity
- Active commercial operations in the United States
- International client portfolio
- Independent production and project execution
- U.S. - based production company founder and operator
Portfolio & Professional Links
Cinematography Portfolio. https://vimeo.com/benfilmz
Instagram main. https://instagram.com/tovchiga_video
Wedding website. https://www.sunlitphotovideo.com
Wedding portfolio. https://vimeo.com/sunlitweddings
Wedding Inst. https://instagram.com/sunlit_weddings
Conexwest YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@conexwest
ROSHEN Promotional Video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTHxnZ8RavY
INNA BAHRIANTSEVA
Inna Bahriantseva is a recognized international beauty industry expert, author of scientific publications, and a researcher in lash health, structural correction, and professional safety protocols based in Florida, USA.
She is the founder of ROYAL LASHES BY INNA LLC and the creator of the LRCA Method (Lash Recovery & Correction Architecture) — a proprietary system for the recovery and structural rehabilitation of damaged natural lashes. Inna's experience in the international beauty industry spans more than nine years. She is a licensed Lash Artist in Florida (USA), with her professional foundation rooted in European training.
Inna's expertise has been formally recognized by the international professional community. She is a member of the International Beauty Professionals Association (IBPA) in the Professional category, reserved for specialists whose work demonstrates measurable quality and active engagement in industry development. In 2026, Inna received the Woman of Motivation award, which honors women whose professional trajectory serves as a reference point for other specialists, and was a participant at the United Beauty Award & Conference in Miami — one of the key industry events in the US beauty community.
As a jury member of the Follow Your Heart Film Festival, Inna brings her deep understanding of visual aesthetics, facial architecture, and modern beauty standards to the evaluation of styling, makeup, and visual character creation in cinematic and fashion projects.
NATALIA NAGORNAYA
Film Editor / Film Director / Post-Production Producer
Natalia Nagornaya is a film editor, director, and post-production producer with more than 15 years of experience in film, television, documentary, commercial, and digital video production.
She holds degrees in Applied Mathematics and Film and Television Directing, and also has a background in music education. Natalia began her career on the set of the television series Doctor Zaitseva’s Diary and later focused on film editing, directing, and post-production.
She has worked as a Lead and Sole Film Editor on documentary films including The Thousand Goddess, which received awards at the Metaphysics Film Festival / former Esoteric Film Festival and the Buddhism International Film Festival, and The Way of Tao. She also directed and edited the short film Breakfast with Diana, which was selected for several film festivals.
Natalia has collaborated on commercial and branded video projects for major companies and brands, including Tinkoff, Sberbank, Avito, and Dyson. Her experience also includes producing post-production workflows, including her credited role as Producer Post-Production on BetBoom Dacha Dota 2 Dubai: Reveal (SUB).
As a jury member, Natalia brings expertise in film editing, directing, documentary storytelling, narrative structure, cinematic rhythm, and post-production workflow.
Selected works and collaborations:
The Thousand Goddess — Lead and Sole Film Editor
The Way of Tao — Lead and Sole Film Editor
Breakfast with Diana — Director and Editor
BetBoom Dacha Dota 2 Dubai: Reveal (SUB) — Producer Post-Production
Tinkoff, Sberbank, Avito, Dyson — Commercial and branded video projects
VALENTINA VARNAVSKAYA
Valentina Varnavskaya,
Fashion and executive director of one of the most famous fashion weeks in Russia - Sochi Fashion (for 6 years of the week) http://www.sochifashionweek.ru/.
Since 2017, the Sochi Fashion Week site has become one of the largest exhibition venues in Southern Russia. Trendy collections, a special atmosphere, spectacular performances, vibrant parties, celebrities both from the capital and the south, buyers and fashion business owners - Sochi Fashion Week rightfully occupies the main place in the calendar of fashion events in Russia! This is the first event - the official fashion week in the Krasnodar region. Since its inception, this event has been actively attended by the Sochi City Administration. Since 2017, the Sochi Fashion Week project has collected more than 300 shows by Russian designers.
My experience also includes working in teams for weeks at a time in fashion organizations in Italy, America and France. I am proud of the education I received at the Vyacheslav Zaitsev School.
Fashion Director in Paris for Paris Fashion Air events https://instagram.com/parisfashionair, https://parisfashionair.com.
Information about Paris Fashion Air at L'Officiel: https://www.lofficielmonaco.com/fashion/paris-fashion-air-the-luxury-fashion-hub-taking-the-industry-by-storm. We managed to attract May Musk and many other famous people in the modern industry to present this project.
I am a partner of Miami Swim Week, New York Swim Week and New York Fashion Week, as well as the first fashion shows.
Winner of fashion awards in Russia and America, member of the fashion association National Academy of the Fashion Industry (founded by V.M. Zaitsev), Fashion Group International (America).
Tatiana CHARON
Tanya Charon (Rebrikova) - Ballroom dancer and competitor.
Open Pro/Am Ballroom Dance Champion,
Open Pro/Am Showcase Champion,
Open Pro/Am 10 Dance Champion.
From a young age, Charon showcased innate talent in dance, captivating audiences with exceptional skills and dedication. Her journey began at age seven, stepping onto the dance floor for the first time. Since then, Charon has devoted her life to perfecting her craft, establishing herself in the competitive dance world.
She rapidly ascended through the ranks, impressing judges and audiences with her grace and skill. By the age of 16, she had secured first place at the Moscow Championships, setting the stage for a career filled with numerous accolades and victories.
From 2021 to 2023, she achieved numerous US national victories, including the USA Dance Championship in Orlando, the Grand National in Miami, and other US National Open Dance Championships.
Charon's notable achievement includes a captivating showcase to Mozart's 'Requiem,' where she and her partner skillfully choreographed intricate lifts, blending various dance styles to convey a poignant story. The performance has garnered breathtaking feedback from both judges and the audience, highlighting their ability to express characters' emotions through powerful techniques.
https://www.instagram.com/tanya.tux/
Edgar SAAKYAN
Edgar Saakyan - Media, Fashion, Pageant producer
Edgar Entertainment is a creative team specializing in creating and producing media content, digital experiences, fashion shows, beauty pageants, and collaborations with influencers.
We do media and content for New York Fashion Week, Miami Swim Weeks, Paris Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week!
We do promotion, media, and delegate contestants to pageants like Miss Universe, Miss World, Miss Grand, Miss Earth!
We strategize and develop digital projects in Cryptocurrency, Art, Ai and have worked on projects such as Art Basel in Miami, Consensus in Austin, Blockchain Life in Dubai and CoinAgenda in Puerto-Rico!
You give challenges! We find solutions!
https://edgarentertainment.com/
VOLODYMYR BORYSOV