AFIN Adjudication Team

Biography

Peter Koevari is an award-winning screenwriter, director, and producer from Brisbane, Australia. He leads FilmLab Academy and serves as Festival Director of the AFIN International Film Festival, championing emerging talent and independent cinema.

His work spans genre-driven storytelling influenced by Quentin Tarantino, Christopher Nolan, John Woo, and David Fincher. Peter's filmography includes the sci-fi short 3, the web series Diana, the dystopian drama 30, and the cyberpunk film Quantum Ride. He is currently developing the feature adaptation of his horror proof-of-concept Lucky Devil.

Peter believes in creating films that resonate globally through strong planning, quality processes, and compelling storytelling. He has also contributed to the broader creative community as a judge for the New Silk Road fashion competition.

Biography

Vicky Wanless is a multi-talented film Producer, Director, and Actor with a passion for storytelling and a strong commitment to Independent cinema. Her award-winning short films such as Ripples, Once Upon a Midnight and Afterglow, have gained recognition for their originality and emotional depth. Vicky has worked professionally on productions such as Australian Survivor, The Mole, Godzilla vs Kong and Boy Swallows Universe to name a few.

As a champion of indie filmmaking, Vicky brings creative vision and hands-on expertise to every project.

She is also the Co-Director of the AFIN International Film Festival, where she supports emerging voices and innovative storytelling from around the world.

Biography

Steve Bisley is one of Australia's best-known screen actors. A graduate of the National Institute of Dramatic Art, he made his film debut alongside Mel Gibson in Summer City (1977) and played Jim Goose in Mad Max (1979). His films include Newsfront, The Last of the Knucklemen, Squizzy Taylor, The Big Steal, Red Hill and Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby (2013). On television he spent four years as Detective Jack Christey in Water Rats, with roles in A Town Like Alice, The Flying Doctors, Police Rescue, Halifax f.p., Jack Irish, Redfern Now, Doctor Doctor and Mystery Road: Origin. In 2026 he won the Silver Logie for Best Lead Actor in a Comedy for Deadloch.

Biography

Born in Newcastle Upon Tyne in the North of England, Neil Marshall has been working successfully in both feature films and television since his feature debut 'Dog Soldiers' in 2001. His second feature as both writer and director, 'The Descent' 2005 was an even bigger critical and commercial hit, winning several awards including the BIFA for Best Director, and the Empire award for Best Horror. He followed this success with the post-apocalyptic action movie 'Doomsday' 2008 for Universal and historical adventure 'Centurion' 2010.

In 2012 Neil made his debut in the world of high-end television with 'Game of Thrones' S2 Ep9 'Blackwater', and followed that up with S4 Ep9 'The Watchers on the Wall' for which he received an Emmy Nomination for Best Director. Marshall continued to work in the network, cable and streaming arenas directing projects such as the pilot episodes of 'Black Sails' for Starz, DC's 'Constantine' and 'Timeless' both for NBC, and notable episodes of 'Hannibal' for Showtime and 'Westworld' for HBO. In 2017 Neil developed, produced and directed the Netflix reboot of classic sci-fi series 'Lost in Space', quickly followed by the feature film reboot of 'Hellboy' released in 2018.

In 2020 Marshall made his return to independent film and the horror genre with the multi-award winning witch-hunt saga 'The Reckoning', the opening movie at Fantasia festival in Canada that year. His next movie 'The Lair' was the opening night presentation at Frightfest 2022 in London and also played Sitges in Spain before being released on Shudder in Feb 2023. Marshall switched genres yet again for the violent gangster revenge movie 'Duchess', and most recently directed the erotic giallo thriller 'Compulsion'. He is developing several projects including WW2 alien invasion thriller 'Invaders', tense action thriller 'Dead Stop' and land speed record drama 'Mach One'.

Biography

Ben Fransham is a New Zealand actor, stunt performer and movement specialist with an extensive career spanning theatre, film and television. A former professional dancer, he is recognised for his distinctive physical character work, notably as Petyr in What We Do in the Shadows, Eligos in Ash vs Evil Dead, and his contributions to The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, along with the first season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. More recently, he appeared as John and worked as creature movement choreographer on Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement's Time Bandits (2024). He also played Heron in 30 Days of Night (2007). His upcoming screen work includes Bloody Legends and Black Sheeps, both scheduled for release in 2026, with a further two films due for release in 2027.

Biography

Before entering acting, Bruce led a life far removed from the limelight. He worked as a crayfisherman like his father and later trained as a physical-education teacher. In his early twenties, he discovered a passion for contemporary dance, a path that led him to a professional dance career spanning several years in both New Zealand and Australia. By the mid-1980s, Hopkins transitioned into acting. Over decades he built a diverse career in theatre, film, television, voice-acting, and radio.

Bruce is perhaps best known for his role as Gamling, a loyal warrior in the armies of Rohan, in the cinematic adaptations of The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002) and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) directed by Peter Jackson. He worked on popular shows such as Xena Warrior Princess and Hercules, and contributed his voice to the character "Choobo" in Power Rangers Ninja Storm.

Bruce continues to be active both in the arts and in charitable and community endeavours.

Biography

Nick Kozakis is an ADG-nominated, ARIA Award-winning director known for collaborating with some of Australia's most talented creatives.

Nick's latest feature film, Kick On, an action-horror, premiered in the Midnight Madness section of the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The film has since screened at Fantastic Fest, Sitges Film Festival, Screamfest and numerous other festivals, earning awards for Best Director and Best Picture.

His debut feature, Godless: The Eastfield Exorcism, screened at the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) and Sitges Film Festival, where it won the People's Choice Award for Best Film. The film also received three AACTA Award nominations.

Nick's portfolio also includes acclaimed music videos, including 'Dance Monkey' for Tones And I, which has amassed over 2.3 billion views on YouTube.

With a distinctive talent for building tension and suspense, Nick continues to establish himself as one of Australia's most exciting emerging filmmaking talents.

He also directed the upcoming feature The Body Farm.

His short All About Valerie was an AFIN nominee for Best Film Editing in 2025.

Biography

Dov Kornits co-founded Australia's longest running consumer movie magazine FilmInk in 1997 and continues to oversee it today. In 2017, he worked as Head of Theatrical for Umbrella Entertainment, releasing films such as Rhiannon Bannenberg's Rip Tide, Lynne Ramsay's You Were Never Really Here and Greg McLean's Jungle into cinemas in Australia. Dov founded film distributor Filmink Presents in 2019, releasing an eclectic slate, including Talking About Trees, Use Me, Hot Mess and The Legend of the Five.

In 2022, Dov founded film distributor Screen Inc. which primarily focuses on releasing Australian films such as Ice Maiden, A Royal in Paradise, Body Blow, Yesterday Island and Sukundimi Walks Before Me, along with international titles such as Kristen Stewart's The Chronology of Water. Dov was also the co-founder and director of the Inner West Film Fest which ran 2023-2025.

Biography

Jadey Duffield is an award-winning English director, screenwriter and producer. She is best known for her eccentric action comedies consisting of Bafta qualifying 10 Minutes For A Pound, Sticky Fingers (starring BAFTA nominee Amit Shah), The Last Dumpling and BFI's Art of Action Quadrilogy. With a robust background in dance, mo-cap and all things action, Jadey has worked on 'Fast & Furious 6', 'The Huntsman: Winter's War', 'Ready Player One', 'The World's End' and 'Guardians of the Galaxy'.

Biography

Col Larsen is a seasoned Lighting Cameraman with a creative eye for detail, an ideal work ethic and dedication for quality work. He has an in-depth understanding of old school and modern Cinematography, a collaborative team player who excels in challenging environments. Working on productions such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Chronicles of Narnia, and Rock Island Mysteries to name a few. Col is a true professional with a creative vision.

Col is currently working on the new season of Big Brother Australia and the UK I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here.

Biography

Jessica is a versatile storyteller whose work blends adventure, imagination and hope. She began her career at age four on the Australian TV series Richmond Hill and has spent over 35 years as an actress, performer and filmmaker across film, television, theatre and music videos. Her passion for better creative education, mental health advocacy and opportunities for artists has led her into public speaking, mentoring, hosting, and launching her podcast ArtArtistBiz.

As CEO of The American Arts Film & Television Academy (AAFTA) and founder of Diversity Entertainment/Diversity Pictures, she champions innovative, inclusive storytelling and supports artists across Australia and the USA. Her producing and directing credits include A Death Perspective, Unsound (winner of Melbourne Queer Festival; Top 10 Australian Films of 2020; now on Netflix), and Enigma. Recent honours include Best Female Director at Cannes Worldwide Film Festival and Best Director at Los Angeles Film Awards for After Roe Falls and Starry Eyed.

Jessica recently joined Rockwell Media Partners and is developing a slate of new projects, including Queens of the Desert, Spiral, Reverie and Alphabetas.

Biography

Kate Armon is an AACTA Award-winning writer, director, producer and performer based on Australia’s Gold Coast, with a diverse creative career spanning film, television, theatre and live performance.

A passionate storyteller with experience both in front of and behind the camera, Kate continues to develop original film and television projects alongside her husband and creative partner, Craig Smith.

Their internationally recognised dark comedy The Celebrant has received more than 30 awards and accolades, while Kate’s feature screenplay, Sisters of the Immaculate Green, has also received recognition at the AFIN Awards.

Her creative achievements include Brains on Tap!, an original television entertainment format recognised in connection with the prestigious Reg Grundy Innovation Award, demonstrating her versatility across both scripted and unscripted entertainment.

Kate is currently producing Into the Firing Line, a documentary exploring the experiences of the pioneering women who entered Australia’s male correctional institutions, bringing previously untold stories to the screen.

With an eye for authentic performances, compelling characters and innovative storytelling, Kate brings both practical industry experience and a genuine appreciation for the dedication required to bring a creative vision to life.

A strong supporter of independent filmmaking and emerging talent, Kate is delighted to join the AFIN Awards judging panel, celebrating the imagination, courage and creativity of filmmakers from around the world.

The Celebrant won Best Queensland Short Film at AFIN in 2025.

Biography

Tanya Rich is a Melbourne-based actor whose career spans over two decades across theatre, film, and television. Her foundations in performance and storytelling were shaped early, beginning with intensive studies in Film, TV, and Theatre in the United Kingdom in 2002. Driven by a passion for immersive method performance, Tanya continued her training at the prestigious Lee Strasberg Institute in Los Angeles in 2006.

As a performer, Tanya has appeared in numerous theatre productions, independent short films, and feature films, and was lucky enough to have worked with some of Australia's best talents including Sarah Snook, Shane Jacobson and Pia Miranda. Most recently, Tanya appeared as the lead in the award-winning short film '2020 Vision' which has had great success in the 2025 Australian film festivals.

Her work behind the scenes is equally accomplished. Tanya is an award-winning playwright and director, earning multiple theatre accolades including Best Play, Best Playwright, and Best Director for her original short-form works. Her understanding of stagecraft also extends to technical production, with hands-on experience as a theatre sound and lighting technician and operator.