Andy Krysiak (he/they) is an independent filmmaker based in Chicago. He has written, directed, and produced a whole bunch of short films and music videos, and is currently working on his first feature-length project to be produced this summer. Likes include sparkling water, fuzzy bass tones, and big trees. Dislikes include food waste, leg day, and driving on Chicago highways. 

Luke Socie (they/them) is a filmmaker, film lover, proud Midwesterner, and shameless iPhone photographer. When they are not taking photos of trash, puddles, and buildings, they can be found writing films or writing about films. As a graduate of DePaul University’s School of Cinematic Arts, they are excited to help connect and inspire the greater independent film community in Chicago.

Vante Duong (she/her) is a professional movie watcher and amateur filmmaker. She loves everything cinema and long walks on the beach. She's super excited to help promote amateur filmmakers and to show their films to a big audience. 

Sydney Krey (she/her) is a cinematographer and graduate of DePaul University, where she studied Film & Television Production and Public Relations/Advertising. Sydney was most recently a programmer for the 2025 CineYouth Film Festival, where she had the pleasure of reviewing hundreds of films from young filmmakers around the world. Outside of programming, Sydney aspires to document the world through thoughtful visuals while connecting with others through the shared love of cinema. She is so excited to continue her programming career with such an incredible team and with a brand-new festival whose values closely align with her own. 

Carter Wallenius (he/him) is a Chicago-based filmmaker, musician, radio producer, and overall creative. He loves candles, a beat-up dollar record bin, and outsider art. He hates generative AI, styrofoam, and sandwich bread.