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MEET OUR JURYSENSEI FilmFest emerged from a diverse, globally dispersed team passionate about blending Japanese aesthetics with Western culture. Leveraging remote collaboration, they broke geographical and cultural barriers to create a unique film festival. Aimed at fostering cultural exchange and artistic showcase, SENSEI has become an online platform celebrating diverse cinematic traditions and inviting global filmmakers to contribute to this extraordinary narrative.
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EUGENE LEUNG
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A true polymath in the creative arts, Eugene is the founder of INJURY, an avant-garde fashion label, and an award-winning CG filmmaker. Professionally trained as an Architect, Eugene has been a trailblazer in the fashion world since launching INJURY in 2004. Alongside his long-term partner, Dan Tse, the label has graced international runways from Paris to Beijing and is featured in over 80 select stores globally.
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HSUN-CHUN CHUANG
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As last year's winner for his groundbreaking animation MOLOKA, Chuang brings unparalleled expertise in the realm of animation. A freelance 3D Artist, Chuang has an impressive track record that speaks for itself. His first original animation, "The Magical Eyeball," earned numerous awards across 11 countries. His second piece, "Switch Man," garnered an astounding 206 international film festival awards and official selections. Chuang's eye for detail and storytelling prowess make him an invaluable addition to our panel of judges.
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JACH CHOW
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A multi-talented actor and director, Chow won last year for his groundbreaking film, Electric Goddess; and brings a unique blend of cinematic vision and musical sensibility to the table. His directorial style is heavily influenced by his own experiences as a musician, a journey that has led him to explore complex themes like cultural identification and the transformative power of art. Chow's work engages with past, present, and future, offering a fresh and invigorating perspective that makes him an invaluable addition to our judging panel.
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LYUWEI CHEN
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Armed with a master's degree in News and Documentary from New York University and a profound dedication to non-fiction storytelling, Lyuwei brings an insightful lens to the festival's judging process. Her body of work, which focuses on social issues, family dynamics, and personal narratives, is not just visually compelling but also emotionally resonant. Her award-winning short documentary Praying Mantis is currently making waves on the festival circuit, cementing her reputation as a filmmaker committed to showcasing impactful stories.
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HENRIK PILERUD
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Last year's winner for his evocative film, Call of the Unseen, Henrik is a Swedish director with a flair for imaginative storytelling. His work combines stunning visuals with emotional depth, often pushing the boundaries of conventional filmmaking. With a keen eye for design, informed by his background in photography and graphic design, he adds layers of richness to his cinematic worlds. His directorial approach, described as a journey into the "unknown," enriches our panel with a perspective that values both visual spectacle and thoughtful narrative.
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JODY XIONG
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With a multifaceted background that spans advertising, digital technology, and visual art, Jody is a creative powerhouse. As the Founder and Creative Director of The Nine Shanghai, and Digital Director for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony, he has made significant contributions to both brand campaigns and large-scale events. His innovative approach to blending contemporary art with advertising has garnered him over 300 awards, making him one of China's most decorated creatives. Jody's rich expertise in meaningful and beautiful design promises to bring a unique and invaluable perspective to this year's festival.
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ERIK BORNER
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A versatile talent in the world of cinema, Erik has experience both in front of and behind the camera, crafting diverse films and documentaries. His strong passion for filmmaking has led him to numerous accolades, including the Award of Excellence for his thought-provoking Arthouse film Silence. His films invite audiences to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the moment, a perspective that promises to enrich the depth and quality of this year's festival evaluations. With his unique vision that bridges social commentary and cinematic art, Erik adds invaluable expertise to our judging panel.
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ALAN CHUNG-AN, OU
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A groundbreaking director and screenwriter from Taiwan, Alan specializes in crafting low-cost, high-impact humanity thrillers that delve into the darker corners of human emotion. His films skillfully weave elements of fantasy and the supernatural, creating immersive and unsettling atmospheres. With a track record of international accolades, including multiple awards for his 2019 short film "Repent," Alan brings a unique perspective to our festival that promises to elevate the standards of our judging process. His commitment to exploring the complexities of the human psyche through horror assures that our festival entries will be evaluated with a keen eye for depth and originality.
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KAZUYOSHI HAYASHI
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Born in Nagoya, Japan, and now residing in China, Hayashi brings a wealth of experience that transcends borders. Inspired from a young age by cinematic icons like Godzilla and Bruce Lee, he has been involved in all facets of filmmaking—be it scriptwriting, directing, editing, or even acting. Notably self-taught, Hayashi's films have garnered multiple awards, including a Grand Prix at the 10th Indie Movie Festival for his feature film "Nuke, Warhead." His expertise isn’t limited to the big screen; he also teaches film production at the Aichi Institute of Technology and has designed special film merchandise. His multi-faceted involvement in the industry promises a nuanced and insightful judging process for our festival.
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VICTOR VERHAEGHE
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With a career that spans stage and screen, Victor brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique comedic perspective to our judging panel. Initially turning heads with his hyper-expressive acting in the award-winning film COP-DOC, which he also wrote, Victor has continued to impress with a range of roles across various mediums. Notably, he has appeared alongside Jennifer Lawrence in "No Hard Feelings" and holds a recurring role in Amazon's hit series, "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel." He's also graced the screens in Steven Spielberg’s "Bridge of Spies" and HBO’s "The Night Of," among other high-profile projects. A talent both in front of the camera and behind the pen, he has written and starred in three musical comedies for the NY International Fringe Festival and continues to contribute his unconventional voice to the industry.
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