2026 Jury Board

Sumathy Ram is a Houston-based Indian American filmmaker, lyricist/poet, and music producer. A multidisciplinary artist, she brings together cinema, literature, and music to celebrate cultural heritage and explore universal human experiences. Her creative work emphasizes meaningful storytelling, cross-cultural understanding, and the power of art to inspire social transformation. She has collaborated with Grammy Award-winning composer Ricky Kej on Gandhi: Mantras of Compassion & Peace Projects, further extending her creative contributions to music with a global reach. Her artistic vision reflects a deep commitment to using creativity as a bridge between cultures, generations, and communities. Through her artistic endeavors, she continues to champion creativity, cultural connections, and global unity.

Josh Hurtado is a Dallas-based film festival consultant, programmer, journalist, and film distributor with a passion for independent and international cinema. A strong advocate for South Asian films, he has played a significant role in introducing Indian cinema to mainstream American audiences. Through his company, Potentate Films, he contributed to the successful U.S. theatrical resurgence of S. S. Rajamouli’s Oscar-winning film RRR. His work in film programming, distribution, and criticism continues to bridge Indian storytelling with global audiences, championing emerging filmmakers and diverse cinematic voices. With a keen eye for compelling narratives, he has become an influential voice in fostering cross-cultural appreciation of cinema and expanding opportunities for independent filmmakers.

Sid Rallapalli is a Dallas-based independent film producer and entrepreneur with a passion for authentic, content-driven Telugu cinema. Originally from Visakhapatnam, India, he has been instrumental in nurturing emerging filmmakers and bringing distinctive regional stories to wider audiences through his production banner, Waltair Productions. His 35 Chinna Kadha Kaadu won the Best Children's Film (Golden Lotus Award) at the 72nd National Film Awards. His latest venture, Dark Chocolate, a psychological thriller, is set for theatrical release in November 2026, in association with Rana Daggubati’s Spirit Media. With a keen eye for unconventional narratives and fresh cinematic talent, Sid continues to champion independent filmmaking, creating opportunities for bold storytelling and innovative voices in contemporary Indian cinema.