Our LGBTQ Film Festival asks for shorts up to 30 minutes or under, which show the many iterations of identity, sexuality, and gender. Its jury is made up of both activists for the LGBTQ community and film experts. We’d love for you to meet them:
Dan Brian, YouTuber and LGBTQ Community Activist
After coming out to his mom on YouTube in 2012, Dan has become a strong activist for the LGBTQ+ community. By creating YouTube videos showing the relationship with his boyfriend, Dan has been able to reach the hearts of many people struggling with their own sexual identity around the world. His love for social media has proven to be an important tool in spreading the positive message of equality.
Andrea Krauss, Here Media, Inc.
Andrea’s professional background in television, film, and video with a concentration on independent film spans over two decades. She has been with the Distributions and Acquisitions division of Here Media/Regent Entertainment for seven years, bringing her unique visual sensitivity, strong analytical skills, and cultural awareness to the company by screening and evaluating submissions for potential acquisition. She has also been instrumental in coordinating domestic and international film festivals for all of Here/Regent Films theatrical titles including the Academy Award® winning film Departures. Her commitment to diversity has been enhanced by her involvement with the South Asian Arts & Cultural Council, a pioneering organization working to share the rich heritage of South Asia with the modern global world. Her ability to build bridges through cultural diplomacy has fostered the exchange of ideas and communication through the medium of film. Producing credits include Dalila Ali Rajah’s short film “Secret & Toys” with Quentin Lee directing, “Grown This Way” and “Cock in Bull 2” directed by Nathan Adloff and “Cinema Conversations with Stephen P. Jarchow”, a docu-series for Here Television.
Christopher Racster, Executive Director of Outfest
A trusted voice in the LGBT community for 20 years, Christopher Racster has made an international impact as an advocate, fundraiser, and filmmaker, employing media to help shape public perception and acceptance of the LGBTQ community. In 2011, Christopher joined Outfest as Director of Individual Giving. And in 2015, after an exhaustive international search, Christopher was named Executive Director of Outfest, charged with growing the programs and stature of the organization worldwide.
Eli Sanders, Associate Editor of The Stranger
Eli Sanders is the associate editor of The Stranger, Seattle’s alt-weekly newspaper. His first book, “While the City Slept,” was published in 2016 by Viking Press. He won the Pulitzer Prize for Feature Writing in 2012 for his reporting on the murder of Teresa Butz, and his work has appeared in The New York Times, The Seattle Times, The American Prospect, and Salon, among other publications. Sanders lives in Seattle. Blabbermouth is a weekly Stranger podcast in which Dan Savage, Eli Sanders, and Rich Smith dive into the latest national news and stickiest cultural debates.
Robert Hébert, LGBT marketing lead for AT&T
Robert Hébert is a marketing and creative director who has been delivering innovative, branded content experiences to consumers for over fifteen years.
Robert is the LGBT marketing lead for AT&T where he enjoys producing memorable programs that celebrate the brand’s stellar history protecting and advocating for LGBTs. Previously, he held senior positions in both creative and marketing at Here Media, the LGBT publisher where he created and launched the young millennial media brand, Pride.com, while guiding the expansion of the network, Here TV. At Forbes, his work as a creative director won him a Cannes Lion Award. He has produced programs for word-class brands including Cadillac, Macy’s, Marriott, and Champagne Taittinger.
Robert began his career in Cable TV supporting the distribution and launch marketing efforts of new networks including Anime, The Outdoor Channel, and others.
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