Tryon International Film Festival unveils judging panel for 2025 season

Published 12:40 pm Tuesday, August 5, 2025

TRYON—The Tryon International Film Festival recently announced its judging panel for the 2025 season, introducing a combination of new and returning voices from across the film industry and beyond. The festival’s 11th annual edition will take place October 9–12 in Tryon.

“We are thrilled to announce the esteemed lineup of judges and advisors for the 2025 Tryon International Film Festival,” said TRIFF co-founder Beau Menetre. “These outstanding professionals, hailing from across the film industry, are true experts and passionate advocates of the art of filmmaking. Their talent, insight, and dedication will undoubtedly elevate the festival experience and help us showcase the very best of cinematic storytelling.”

New judges joining the panel this year include Julia Fowler, a South Carolina native known for her viral Southern Women Channel comedy videos, who will serve as a judge for Best Comedy Feature and Short Films. Sam Sokolow, an Emmy-nominated executive producer of the NatGeo series GENIUS, will also judge the comedy category.

Jeff L. Lieberman, an Emmy- and WGA-nominated filmmaker recognized for Bella! and The Amazing Nina Simone, will serve on the jury for Best Documentary Feature. E. Vincent Martinez, an Atlanta-based artist and filmmaker, joins the panel to evaluate Best Documentary Short.

Several longtime contributors will return to the festival’s jury. Frank Calo, a Sundance Grand Jury Prize-winning director (The Believer), returns for his 11th year to judge Best Overall Film and the TRIFF Award. Homayra Sellier, a global child protection advocate and founder of Innocence In Danger, and Dr. Samuel L. Waymon, an award-winning composer and collaborator of Nina Simone, will again co-judge the Human Rights and Dignity category.

Other returning judges include screenwriter Kevin Bernhardt (Best Narrative Feature), director and professor Steven Esteb (Best Narrative Short), voice actor Francesca Calo (Best Animated Feature and Short), equestrian journalist Diana De Rosa (Best Equestrian Film or Podcast), and journalist Cookie Hood (Best Podcast).

Kristi Ray and Erika Arlee, co-founders of Honey Head Films, will return as co-judges for the Student Film category. Jazelle Foster, founder of Creative Meets Marketing, will judge The Awe Project, a student competition for high school and college filmmakers in North and South Carolina.

Established in 2014, the Tryon International Film Festival focuses on independent storytelling and has become a regional destination for filmmakers and audiences. More information about the 2025 festival, including submission details, is available at www.tryoninternationalfilmfestival.org.