Koka Singh Arora is a filmmaker and producer recognized for championing diverse stories and emerging voices in cinema. With projects spanning independent films and international collaborations, his work reflects a strong commitment to cultural representation and meaningful storytelling. As a jury member, he brings a sharp eye for impactful narratives and innovative filmmaking.

Chayan Sanchez is an award-winning director whose films explore themes of identity, resilience, and human connection. Her storytelling has resonated with audiences at international festivals, where she has been praised for blending emotional depth with bold cinematic vision. As part of the jury, she contributes her experience and passion for authentic, boundary-pushing cinema.

Katie Reyes is an accomplished film professional, festival director, and curator who has served on the jury of numerous international film festivals. With a deep passion for independent cinema and emerging talent, she has been instrumental in shaping platforms that celebrate diverse storytelling and creative excellence. Through her work, Katie continues to support filmmakers worldwide and elevate new voices in global cinema.

Chayan Sanchez

Koka Singh Arora

Katie Reyes

Flora Cheng is an international composer based in Los Angeles, California. A graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara, she currently serves as President of the MTAC Lakewood-Cerritos Branch. Her work has been recognized globally, including a nomination at the Colombian Academy Awards (Macondo Awards) for SARA – La Fuerza Del Mar. Flora’s music has earned multiple honors, including Global Music Awards and Best Original Score and Song awards at several international film festivals. Her acclaimed album ICARUS and the track Solitary have been celebrated for their emotional depth and artistry.

Flora Cheng

Naosheen Ahmed

Naosheen Ahmed is an actress, writer, and producer based in Los Angeles, known for creating authentic, thought-provoking stories inspired by her multicultural upbringing between Saudi Arabia and India. She focuses on women-centered narratives that challenge stereotypes and explore emotional depth, bringing intellect, empathy, and bold storytelling to every project both on and off the screen.

Maheshwarapandiyan Saravanan

Maheshwarapandiyan Saravanan is a filmmaker and producer with over a decade of experience across acclaimed Indian and international cinema projects. His work includes contributions to Pebbles, India’s official Academy Awards entry, and producing the record-setting feature An Order from the Sky. He is the Founder & CEO of Nanmadhi Film House and continues to champion bold, micro-budget filmmaking with global relevance.

Edward Orsdekar

Edwards is A multi-hyphenate creative with experience across film, voice performance, and production, bringing a strong understanding of storytelling from both in front of and behind the camera.

Meet Our Lovely Team

JD Brookshire

Stand up comedian, actor, writer, producer, film festival brainpower and honestly the calmest human in the room 🎤🎬
JD is that rare person who makes you feel comfortable within seconds. If you’re nervous, lost, or just need a friendly smile, go to JD immediately. Guaranteed good vibes only 😄✨

Juggy Arora

Caddi

The easiest friend you’ll ever make 💛
Juggy is that guy who feels like a best friend within five minutes of meeting him. Warm, kind, positive, and always smiling. One conversation with Juggy and you’re already part of the family 😄🌟
He’s also a Director and Producer, and a true film champion. On set, Juggy is the person who can do anything without ever saying no. Reliable, supportive, and always ready to make things happen 🎬🔥

Composer. Producer. Organizer. Problem solver. All in one 🎧🎬

Caddie is the ultimate all-rounder. Music, logistics, ideas, execution, he does it all without breaking a sweat. If something needs to get done, Caddie has already thought about it 😄✨

Meet Our Founder

Venkat Sai Gunda is an award-winning independent filmmaker and storyteller who founded The Storyteller Universe Film Festival after experiencing firsthand the realities of making a film without industry access, privilege, or shortcuts.
After completing his own feature film through sheer persistence, Venkat witnessed how many genuine stories struggle to find fair platforms amid commercial pressures and gatekeeping. Rather than stepping away, he chose to build what he once searched for. A festival rooted in empathy, integrity, and respect for the craft of storytelling.

The Storyteller Universe was created not as a business venture, but as a filmmaker-first ecosystem where story leads, creators are valued, and making a film itself is honored as an achievement. Venkat continues to lead the festival with a hands-on, community-driven approach, believing that cinema has the power to connect people across cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.

For him, the festival is not just an event. It is a universe built by storytellers, for storytellers.

Contact Us

Reach out to our jury for inquiries and collaborations.