Eduardo Sanchez was born in Cuba in 1968. He studied television at Montgomery College in Rockville, MD and film at the University of Central Florida, where he met his Haxan Films partners. In 1998 he co-wrote and co-directed THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT.
He went on to direct episodes of SUPERNATURAL, LUCIFER, QUEEN OF THE SOUTH, Ryan Murphy’s AMERICAN HORROR STORIES, and the season 1 finale of YELLOWJACKETS. He recently worked on STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS and directed a segment of SATANIC HISPANICS, which won Best Horror Director at the 2022 FANTASTIC FEST.
Matmos — the pioneering duo of Drew Daniel and M. C. Schmidt — has spent decades redefining the boundaries of sound, transforming everything from surgical procedures to household machinery into intricate, concept-driven compositions at the intersection of music, performance, and research.
Widely respected in both avant-garde and academic circles, their influence expanded globally through collaborations with Björk on Vespertine and Medúlla, where their microsound techniques helped shape the sonic identity of two landmark albums.
With a practice rooted in experimentation and the reimagining of form, Matmos brings a uniquely discerning perspective to the Experimental Films category — well-suited to recognizing work that challenges convention and expands the language of moving image and sound.
Scott Crawford is a filmmaker, author, and journalist known for his work documenting music culture and independent creative communities, particularly those rooted in Washington, DC. He is best known for directing Salad Days: A Decade of Punk in Washington, DC (1980–90), a critically acclaimed documentary that premiered at SXSW and has become a definitive chronicle of the DC punk scene.
He followed with Creem: America’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll Magazine and most recently Something Better Change, continuing his exploration of punk history. He is also the author of Spoke: Images and Stories from the 1980s Washington, DC Punk Scene.
Crawford’s work is distinguished by its deep engagement with community, archival storytelling, and the intersection of music and identity — making him an ideal voice in evaluating documentary work.
Michael Streissguth is a documentary filmmaker, writer, and educator known for his deeply researched, character-driven portraits of artists and cultural figures. His films explore the intersection of music, identity, and American life — with subjects ranging from Johnny Cash to Nighthawks on the Blue Highway, a documentary on the long-running blues and roots-rock band The Nighthawks.
In addition to directing, Streissguth has built a respected career as an author and cultural historian, bringing a journalist’s rigor and a storyteller’s sensitivity to both his films and writing.
As a professor and mentor, he has played a significant role in shaping emerging filmmakers, emphasizing strong storytelling fundamentals and thoughtful engagement with subject matter.
Sharon Pieczenik is a producer, editor, videographer, and writer with nearly two decades of experience creating documentary and nonfiction media across broadcast, digital, and festival platforms. Her clients have included Discovery Channel International, San Diego PBS, and the Center for Investigative Reporting.
She has also held key production roles with FEMA, the Bay Area Video Coalition, and National Geographic, contributing to series including Explorer, Expedition Raw, and Best Job Ever. Her background spans investigative journalism, environmental storytelling, and global documentary production.
As a juror, she brings a comprehensive understanding of documentary craft — from field production through post — offering a thoughtful, well-rounded perspective on storytelling, structure, and impact.
Richard Jefferies grew up in Frederick, where he made animated films that won awards worldwide. He attended CalArts 1974–78, where — alongside classmate and future “Simpsons” director Mark Kirkland — he made a video to “Fame” by David Bowie. It aired on NBC and won a Student Academy Award.
Signed by William Morris Agency in 1987, Richard worked as a writer for filmmakers including Ridley Scott, Gale Anne Hurd, James Cameron, Michael Jackson, Kathryn Bigelow, and Mel Brooks.
Stacey Chomiak is an animation designer, illustrator, and author whose work spans television animation, design, and children’s media. With over a decade of experience, she has contributed to projects for DreamWorks, Netflix, Apple TV+, Paramount+, Hasbro, Sony, and Cartoon Saloon.
Her credits include Not Quite Narwhal, The Snoopy Show, Star Trek: Lower Decks, Carmen Sandiego, Chip & Potato, and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, as well as art direction on DreamWorks’ Spirit & Friends. She is also a committed LGBTQ+ activist championing authentic representation across animation and publishing.
Wendy Grieb and Chuck Grieb are award-winning animation artists and illustrators whose careers span television animation and storytelling across major studios. The two met while studying art at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and have since contributed to productions for Disney, Nickelodeon, Sony, and Klasky Csupo.
Their work helped bring to life iconic characters from Phineas and Ferb, Hercules, Lilo & Stitch, Timon & Pumbaa, Buzz Lightyear, My Life as a Teenage Robot, and Winnie the Pooh, among many others. Members of The Animation Guild, their artwork has been featured in Spectrum, ImagineFX, and Exposé.
Both have taught animation filmmaking at the university level, mentoring the next generation of artists and filmmakers.
