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Ian Truitner
Co-Founder - Program Director For Fiction
Ian Truitner is an award-winning film director with projects featuring on Amazon Prime, Netflix and Lionsgate.
His projects have featured at prominent festivals such as Cannes, SXSW, Milan International Film Festival, Palm Springs International Film Festival and Seattle International Film Festivals.
Ian holds masters degrees in Business Administration and International Relations, and is a member of the Directors Guild of America. -
Tehani Nguyen
Founder and Executive Director
Tehani Nguyen is a Lisbon-based student with a passion for Liberal Arts and Geopolitics. She has interned at Atelier Joana Vasconcelos, Sotheby's Paris, and Ubik - STARCK NETWORK, gaining hands-on experience in the art world. A former volunteer with the PORTA association—a non-profit celebrating Portugal’s identity as an international cultural hub—she contributed to initiatives that foster collaboration between local and international artists.
Tehani co-founded the Young Photographers of the World Exhibition, a platform dedicated to showcasing emerging photographers aged 10-25, and organized Youth Padel tournaments, reflecting her entrepreneurial spirit. Her three published articles—two exploring Vietnamese art and French influence, and one examining global health equity—reflect her deep engagement with artistic and cultural dynamics as well as her broader curiosity about the world. -
Randall Scerbo Truitner
Co-Founder - Program Director For Documentaries
Randall’s early career began as a fashion stylist and costume designer for award-winning commercial campaigns and television. After moving to Los Angeles Randall became a successful Producer and content creator for Spelling Television, Current TV, Miss USA, Miss Universe, Extra and E Entertainment, where she also appeared as an on-air host. Her documentary Inshallah: Diary of an Afghan Woman, filmed on location in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, was acquired by Oprah Winfrey’s Oxygen Network and premiered April 2002 raising over $1 million in relief funds. Also Randall co-founded RANDIAN, a patented media tech platform which monetizes content online. Currently, Randall is in development on a documentary.
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Sophie Civet Burrus
Co-Founder - Communication & Event Director/Producer
Sophie has over 30 years of experience in communication and event management. With a master’s degree in economics from the Sorbonne, she began her career in the entertainment industry as Communications Director for Paris Première (1999–2006). In 2006, she co-founded NicoandCo, an agency renowned for creating exceptional events for high-profile clients such as LVMH, Schweppes, Heineken, and Relais & Châteaux. Over 15 years, she orchestrated hundreds of landmark events across France, including the iconic “Soirée des Ambassadeurs,” an annual gathering of 5,000 guests. Sophie also managed the renowned Dîners en Blanc in Paris from 2006 to 2014 and later brought the concept to Lisbon, where she has organized three successful editions since 2019. Now based in Portugal, Sophie continues to provide tailored event services for businesses and individuals. Passionate about giving back, she has been involved with the Alzheimer’s Research Foundation for seven years, creating “La Quinzaine de la Toque,” a charitable initiative uniting restaurants to raise funds for the cause. -
Hanae De Bagneux
Global Events Expansion Manager
Hanaé is a French-Mauritian engineering student in a dual bachelor program at CentraleSupélec and McGill. She loves bringing her ideas to life and solving social challenges. Captivated by emerging technologies that simplify the world, she aims to contribute meaningful advancements and eco-friendly alternatives. She is also passionate about cinema. Involved in theater since she was young, Hanaé ventured into filmmaking at 14. She played a role in the Canadian series "Blood and Treasure," portraying the younger version of the main character, Lexi. This enriching experience taught her a lot about cinema. She continued her cinema studies and, at 16, wrote a 10-minute short film screened at the French Institute of Marrakech.
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Patrícia Vasconcelos
Festival Consultant
Patrícia Vasconcelos is a seasoned Casting Director and Producer with over 30 years in the film and TV industry. After living abroad from 1976 to 1988, she began her casting career in 1989 and has since cast numerous national and international films, TV series, and over 100 advertising projects. She has collaborated with renowned directors like Marco Martins, Raul Ruiz, Joaquim Leitão, António-Pedro Vasconcelos, Richard Curtis, and Bille August. Her notable TV work includes telefilms for SIC, such as Amo-te Teresa and Facas e Anjos, and series like Cuba Libre and Viúva Negra. In 2010, she directed her first documentary O Meu Raul and hosted the TV show Sei Quem Ele É for RTP1. A founding member of the Portuguese Film Academy, she also created PASSPORTE LISBOA, a project connecting Portuguese actors with international casting directors. Patrícia founded the acting school ACT and the MANSARDA association. She is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) and the Casting Society of America (CSA). -
Julita Santos
Executive Producer
Julita Santos is a distinguished cultural producer and the founder and CEO of Goodstaff, specializing in cultural production and management. With over 20 years of experience in the national and international cultural sectors, she has developed expertise in literature, theatre, cinema, and visual arts events. Julita serves as PR Manager for Ukbar Filmes, overseeing Distribution, Communication, and Marketing, and was the Commissioner for Vila Real’s bid for European Capital of Culture 2027. In December 2021, she launched THE GREAT LISBON CLUB, a festival supporting 300 artists, and co-created CINE-CARAVANA, an itinerant project that brought Portuguese films to 27 cities in 2021. Her previous roles include organizing major cultural events like FOLIO – International Literary Festival of Óbidos and MOTELX – Lisbon International Horror Film Festival. With experience in both Portugal and France, Julita has contributed to renowned film festivals such as Cannes, Locarno, Venice, and Berlin, promoting Portuguese cinema. -
Mónica Nogueira
Production Assistant
Mónica Nogueira is a freelance Event Producer and Entrepreneur with extensive experience across Europe, South America, and Asia. After earning her degree in Business Management, she began her professional journey in sales and customer service before transitioning into event production and coordination. Over the years, she has produced a wide range of corporate, cultural, and lifestyle events, known for her ability to turn creative ideas into flawless, engaging experiences. Her international background and intercultural communication skills have shaped a global perspective that she brings to every project. In 2017, she founded a tourism company in Ibiza, curating artistic and cultural experiences for travelers—a venture that deepened her passion for storytelling and cultural exchange. Mónica is also an avid traveler and art enthusiast, continually drawing inspiration from the places and people she encounters.