The Jury

Steen Agro
" Steen Agro is a writer/director and producer, living and working in Prague since 2010. Having started his film career in commercials, he’s shot upwards of 300 ads in the UK and around Europe. Steen made his feature film debut with the 2005 Shut Up and Shoot Me, which garnered a raft of awards and critical acclaim. Along with over 40 short films and web series, Steen continues to develop for both TV and movies. He established his production company, Electric Dinosaur Films, in 2015, through which he and his team scooped first prize in the global 48-hour World Film Challenge, screening at Cannes in 2021. As a screenwriter, he works in both animated and live-action, over an eclectic mix of genres. From Comedy to Horror, Drama to Thrillers. Steen is also an actor and voice artist, as well as teaching directing and screenwriting at the Prague International Film School."

Maya Volava
Maya Kvetny, CSA, is a casting director with a successful track record in feature films and TV series targeting the international market. Maya’s portfolio includes casting for high-profile productions such as Universal Pictures, “Nosferatu”, Marvel's "Spiderman: Far From Home," Amazon’s "Carnival Row," the Oscar-winning film "Jojo Rabbit," Netflix’s "Extraction 2" and "The Gray Man," as well as Ron Howard’s series, "Genius.” Throughout her career, a unique expression has been the common thread that defines Maya's work. Her keen eye for talent and her ability to nurture the creation of authentic, memorable characters have made her a sought-after professional in the industry. Recently, Maya has taken on the role of mentoring actors, offering coaching from the unique perspective of a casting director with extensive experience collaborating with some of the most prominent directors in the field. She is a member of the Casting Society of America (CSA)

Alsu Kurmasheva
Alsu Kurmasheva is an award-winning journalist, editor, and a press-freedom advocate based in Prague since 1998. She has spent over two decades at Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), producing compelling audio, video and written reports on cultural identity, human rights, and ethnic minorities in Russia's regions. In October 2023, while caring for her ailing mother in Russia, she was detained and sentenced to six and a half years in prison on charges of spreading “false information” about the Russian military, linked to her editorial work on the RFE/RL book Saying No to War. She was released in August 2024 as part of a major prisoner exchange between the US and Russia. Since returning to Prague, she mentors young journalists on authentic storytelling and resilience, while advocating for press freedom. Kurmasheva brings a unique perspective on honest, human-centered storytelling and the courage required to tell difficult truths.
AWARDS
Best Film
Jury Award
Audience award
Prague Film Institute is a practical film and acting school focused on hands-on education in filmmaking and performance. Through workshops, masterclasses, industry collaborations, and real production experience, students develop professional skills, build strong portfolios, and prepare for careers in the creative industries.



