Jury
Features
David Hatkoff – Executive Director, NewFest: New York’s LGBTQ+ Film Festival
Since 2019, David Hatkoff has led NewFest, New York’s premier LGBTQ+ film and media organization, growing its annual festival into the largest queer film festival in the U.S. Under his leadership, NewFest expanded with NewFest Pride, Queering the Canon, and initiatives like the Black Filmmakers Initiative and New Voices Filmmaker Grant with Netflix. Previously, he spent 11 years in senior leadership at NYC’s Signature Theatre, helping transition it to a Frank Gehry-designed venue. Passionate about queer culture, David is dedicated to amplifying LGBTQ+ storytelling and creating inclusive spaces for diverse voices.
Hansel Porras Garcia – Award-Winning Filmmaker & Artist
Hansel Porras Garcia (b. 1994) is a queer Cuban-born filmmaker and artist based in Miami, known for his powerful storytelling on identity, family, and migration within the Cuban diaspora. His feature film Febrero won the Knight Made in Miami Award at the 2023 Miami Film Festival, and his short films have been showcased at Slamdance, LALIFF, and New Orleans Film Festival, earning international recognition. As Manager of the Cinematic Arts Residency at Oolite Arts, Miami’s largest artist support organization, he mentors and uplifts emerging filmmakers.
T.J. Murphy – Executive Director, Reel Q: Pittsburgh LGBTQ+ Film Festival
T.J. Murphy leads Reel Q, Pittsburgh’s longest-running film festival and the sixth-oldest LGBTQ+ film festival worldwide. Dedicated to uplifting LGBTQ+ voices through film, he also serves on the Pittsburgh Equality Center board and is pursuing a degree in social work, actively working to strengthen and support the local LGBTQ+ community.
Documentaries
Bears Rebecca Fonté – Journalist, Filmmaker & Artistic Director, PRISM/aGLIFF (Austin)
Bears Rebecca Fonté is a transgender journalist, filmmaker, and film programmer, serving as the Artistic Director of PRISM/aGLIFF in Austin, TX. She founded the Other Worlds SciFi Film Festival and was the Director of Programming for the Austin Film Festival. Her acclaimed short films, including Roadside Assistance, Prenatal, and Secret Keeper, have screened at 150+ festivals, while her LGBTQ+ horror short Conversion Therapist premiered at Inside Out Toronto. Her feature thriller iCRIME was distributed by Breaking Glass Films, and she co-produced the Sundance Jury Award-winning short The Procedure
TODD HOGAN – Executive Director, aGLIFF, Austin Gay & Lesbian International Film Festival
Todd Hogan is the Board President and acting Executive Director of aGLIFF, Austin’s LGBTQ+ film festival, and Director of Sales & Marketing for KMFA, Austin’s classical/arts public radio station. A seasoned marketing strategist, he has collaborated with Broadway Across America, ZACH Theatre, and Flavor Hospitality Group, among others. With a background in radio and television marketing, Todd has held executive roles at Clear Channel, Entercom, Border Media, and Univision, crafting innovative media solutions. He also chairs the Arts Committee for the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce and co-produced the Pride In Local Music event. Based in Austin, he co-parents his beloved dogs, Liza Minnelli and Buddy Boy, and is an unapologetic fan of ’80s pop music trivia and Barry Manilow.
STEPHEN WEISENREDER – Co-Chair of Programming, ImageOut, Rochester, NY
Stephen Weisenreder is the Co-Chair of Programming for ImageOut, Rochester’s premier LGBTQ+ film festival. A dedicated film enthusiast and longtime program committee member, he has played a key role in shaping the festival’s lineup for over a decade. Beyond programming, Stephen has served on ImageOut’s Board of Directors, including six years as Board Chair. By day, he works as a social worker, bringing a deep commitment to community advocacy and storytelling that uplifts diverse voices.
