12th Annual 168 Film Project Jury Announced

An illustrious panel of jurors has been tapped for this year’s 168 Film Project, a speed-filmmaking competition of short films (10 minutes or less) with entries from around the world. The announcement comes from 168’s Executive Director and Founder, John David Ware.

“We are very proud of this year’s panel. The jurors have an amazing array of talent with the balanced insight necessary to judge the art of storytelling,” said Ware. “Most of our filmmakers are unknown, however their ability to excel at this pace, under the 168 schedule, will not go unnoticed by our panel of pros.”

The 168 Film Festival 2014 Jury includes:

Sean Patrick McNamara, who has directed Academy Award winning actors like Helen Hunt, Marisa Tomei, Jon Voight, Mira Sorvino as well as James Woods, Shia LaBeouf and Jessica Alba. Sean served as writer, director and producer on feature film, Soul Surfer.

"Soul Surfer" Director Sean Patrick McNamara will be on the jury panel for the 12th Annual 168 Film Project; Photo courtesy of Sean McNamara

Brian Bird In addition to Hallmark’s When Calls the Heart, Brian’s 30-year career includes writing and producing credits such as feature film, Captive, the true story of the 2005 Atlanta hostage crisis, Gametime for NBC (2012), Not Easily Broken, adapted from the novel by T.D. Jakes and 250 episodes of network TV.

Leilani Downer has written for several network television sit-coms including A Different World for NBC and Good News for UPN. She was Executive Story Editor for ABC’s Growing Pains and a producer on Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper (ABC), Fresh Prince of Bel Air (NBC) and Sister, Sister (WB).

Brian Bird will be one of the jury members to determine who will be awarded at the 168 Film Festival; Photo Courtesy of Meredith Bird

Bill Ewing Over 15 years at Columbia Pictures, Bill supervised production of more than 100 feature films as Senior Vice President of Production Administration including Awakening, A League of Their Own, Groundhog Day, Age of Innocence, Air Force One, Men in Black and Spiderman.

Gary Skeen Hall is Sr. V.P. of Post Production for 20th Century Fox TV where he oversees post-production for scripted network and cable series including 24, The Simpsons, Bones, and Homeland.

Casting Director Beverly Holloway will be one of the nine judges on the panel for the 168 Film Project; Photo courtesy of OC Registar

Beverly Holloway is a Casting Director who has worked with Jim Caviezel, James Garner, Abigail Breslin, Dermot Mulroney, and Kelsey Grammar. Her credits include Mom’s Night Out, and The Ultimate Gift.

Naima Lett loves helping people find their purpose and follow their dreams while deepening their faith. She’s a pastor, producer, award-winning actor, and author of Confessions of a Hollywood Christian.

Alan Miller received his calling to the ministry when he was a freshman in high school. After pursuing a BA and a MA in Biblical and Theological studies, he began doing ministry in the heart of Los Angeles at the Salvation Army.

Fred Shaheen is Vice President of Acquisitions for family-entertainment network, INSP, where he oversees the acquisition and licensing of content. Shaheen spent thirteen years in Hollywood producing television.

The theme for this 168 Film Project is "The Gift" Photo Courtesy: 168 Film Project website

The 168 Film Festival is Sept. 12-13 at the Aratani Japanese Theater, Downtown Los Angeles. It is open to the public and includes screenings and the Awards Show. Tickets are on sale July 1st. Cast and crew nominations are scheduled for mid-July.