Meet our Team 2024
Advisory Board
Maxine Simmons
Maxine Simmons is an actor, choreographer, singer, filmmaker, and community arts and culture director. She has degrees in Business, Event Management & Project Management. Trained as an actor at Sydney Acting School, she is passionate about screen culture among culturally diverse communities in Australia and abroad. Maxine is a pioneer in showbiz with 30 years of experience working with most Bollywood celebrities. Since 2003, she has made various short films and her latest works from 2018-2019 include “A Silent Voice,” “Nightmare of 26 Months,” “Blind,” “Empower,” and “Diary of Tears.” She produced the award-winning film “EMAAN,” an Afghan film that combines love and war. In 2018, she appeared in many TV commercials in Australia and ended the year with a challenging role in the American TV series “Deadly Women.”
Maxine is a founder Director of internationally well known film festival IFEFA (International Film & Entertainment Festival Australia). An annually hosts ifefa In Australia and internationally (destination) film festival. Maxine is also the founder Director of Road2Bollywood Australia in 2010 , International Punjabi film festival Australia, Page3 events desi Swag Night club . SHE. Organisation Working with disadvantage women and kids is also founded by Maxine .
She has directed and produced music videos “Aye Subha yeh Bata” with over a million views, “JuGNI” for a Pakistani artist, and also music videos directed and produced for Bollywood actor Dilzan Wadia in Australia. Maxine’s other passion is encouraging people from all walks of life into the fashion world. Some of the most unique fashion and glamour events organized and founded in Australia are by her. Maxine started Road2Bollywood in 2010 to contribute drama & art to the Australian land. Her Road2Bollywood is well-known in Australia and globally, including events such as Bollywood Queen & King Pageant, Curves & Curls International 2019 & 2020 which empowered and encouraged plus-size women from different walks of life worldwide to showcase that they are bold & beautiful. Maxine is also the founder of TAG (Transgender & Gay International Pageant), BSM (Beautiful Sweet Mom & Granny Pageant International), and DIA (Disabled is Able International Pageant).
Ren Thackham
Ren Thackham studied at Raindance Film School in London while working in the comedy industry and moonlighting as a magician to pay tuition expenses. Upon returning to Australia, she studied at New York Film Academy in Sydney where her graduation film ‘Lady Luck’ won the New York Film Academy Best Film award for that year. With a string of successful short films, including “Brainless Killers” which has won top prizes in film festivals worldwide, she is currently gaining momentum for her debut feature film ‘Domino Boys’ and honing her craft with short film projects, music videos, and client productions through her boutique production office ‘Action Creative’ in Manly.
José A. Carvalho
José A. Carvalho attended VITIZ – Sofia Higher Institute of Cinema and Theatre in Bulgaria, studying film and television production.
1997/1998 – Also attended the journalism course at the Faculty of Letters of the University of Coimbra – Portugal.
He taught audiovisual techniques classes and did thematic photographic exhibitions.
At the moment, he is active in the production of short films focusing on human documentation. Some of these films include “The Family Tree,” “When,” “I Love You So Much,” “174517,” “For All Mankind,” and “Oradour-sur-Glane.”
He lives in the city of Viseu in Portugal.
Robert J. Morgalo
Robert J. Morgalo is a multi-award-winning director, producer, screenwriter, and actor. Based in the United States, Robert is the CEO of Outhouse Production Films and Tamaqua Film Studios. He is the grandson of renowned Cuban actor and poet Jorge Raul Guerrero. Robert is a retired and disabled U.S. Army combat veteran who served in the Iraq war from 2003 to 2004. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Middle Eastern Studies and a master’s degree in Diplomacy. Robert has written and produced nine film projects and has several original projects in various stages of development.
Board Member
Saji Manoj
Saji Manoj holds a degree in science and is currently working with NSW Health. Beyond the confines of the professional realm, she is a multifaceted individual with a passion for dancing and modeling. She is committed to bringing excellence and cultural representation to a global stage.
From a young age, she has been an active participant in various cultural programs, showcasing prowess in drama, dance, singing, and sports. In the year 2023, she not only graced the stage as a finalist but also secured the prestigious title of Best Cultural Award in the Curves & Curls International beauty pageant. She has emceed for various community organizations and musical shows. Additionally, she has demonstrated her talents as a fashion show choreographer in events such as the OZ India extravaganza and the Mateship Fair 2023 organized by the Sydney Community Group INC.
A firm believer in giving back, she volunteers her time for various community programs, supporting organizations such as the FOIA, Clean Up Australia, and the Hindu Council of Australia. She actively participates in charity fundraising for the McGrath Foundation and Cancer Council NSW. She contributes to meaningful causes, reflecting her deep commitment to making a positive impact on the community.
Natasha Rehman
Natasha is a powerhouse, and over the last few years, she has developed considerable skills to overcome all challenges.
Her life is encapsulated by the quote from Archimedes, “Give me a place to stand and I will move the earth.”
Natasha is a confident leader who is able to manage multiple tasks at once. Her robust understanding of business concepts has enabled her to think on her feet. Natasha works as the manager of her own fish and chips restaurant and as a teaching assistant at the University of Sydney. These roles, along with her education, have allowed her to manage projects under pressure and meet strict deadlines. She always insists on achieving the best and works tirelessly to help her employers achieve their commercial goals.
Natasha Is always ready in seeking guidance in her career, a dose of motivation for personal growth, or simply a reminder that no dream is too big to chase.
Sana Murab
Sana Murab a multitalented personality has a several feathers in her cap, professionally from a fashion background; Sana completed her masters in International Fashion Marketing from the mecca of Fashion Paris. Having explored different fields and honed the multi-dimensional facets of her personality as an Designer, actress, & Author of the book “21 flavours of Confidence with Curves” & a Social worker , now she is adjudged as Marketing Honcho-Leader in the Beauty & Wellness Space with her beauty Pageant Platform “Ms Exclusive & Extraordinary.
– I AM THE WORLD” with the motto of “Human Connections & One World” believing that beauty will change the world & bring peace. The only Pageant Platform in India for the women Age 40 Plus “MS Classic Beauty 40 Plus”& “Ms Extraordinary Plus Size”. The platform Has already launched their 1st International in April 2019 and are coming up with another in Sept 2019.
I AM THE WORLD works beneath the surface of the distance between “where you are” and “where you want to be” in your life and profession for all the participants of the platform.With the passion of living an authentic, integrated and fulfilled life, and assisting and guiding others to do the same with a sense of gratitude.
Neelam Berry
Neelam Berry is a multifaceted individual with an impressive career spanning various domains. Here’s a breakdown of her accomplishments:
Media and Television Experience
She boasts over 25 years of diverse experience in the media and television industry worldwide. Her extensive background likely includes roles in production, content creation, and broadcasting.
– As a seasoned professional, she has likely contributed significantly to the growth and success of various media projects.
Emmy Awards Jury Member:
She has had the honor of serving as a jury member for the prestigious Emmy Awards in the United States. This role involves evaluating and recognizing outstanding achievements in television programming.
– Her expertise and discernment would have played a crucial role in selecting deserving winners across different categories.
Accredited Film Festival Member
She is an accredited member of several film festivals globally. These festivals provide a platform for filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals to showcase their work and celebrate cinematic excellence.
– Her involvement likely includes attending screenings, participating in panel discussions, and appreciating the artistry of filmmakers from around the world.
Renowned Writer and Speaker
She is recognized as a renowned writer and a captivating public speaker. Her eloquence and ability to communicate effectively have likely inspired audiences.
– As a writer, she may have penned articles, essays, or even authored books on topics related to media, culture, or personal experiences.
– Her speaking engagements could cover a wide range of subjects, including media trends, storytelling, and empowerment.
Fashion and Creative Fields
Her accomplishments extend beyond media. She has likely made significant contributions to the fashion industry as well.
– As a juror for multiple fashion shows, she would have evaluated designs, creativity, and runway presentations. Her discerning eye would have influenced fashion trends and emerging designers.
– Her creative vision and hands-on approach make her a natural leader in the industry. Whether it’s curating fashion events or collaborating with designers, Neelam Berry’s influence is felt.
Project Leadership
Her track record as a hands-on leader speaks to her ability to guide projects from inception to completion. Her creative vision likely aligns with successful outcomes.
– Whether in media, fashion, or other ventures, her leadership style emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and achieving results.
In summary, Neelam Berry’s journey is one of versatility, creativity, and impact. Her contributions to media, fashion, and public discourse have left a lasting impression on those who have had the privilege of experiencing her work
Jury
Harry Josh
‘Harry Josh’ is a model and Bollywood and Punjabi film actor, popularly known for doing villainous and comic roles. He also worked in several South Indian films and has done international stints such as commercials and television shows for Hollywood and France. Recently, his short film entitled Shatika: The Undraped has won the Honourable Mention Award at the 2017 Women’s Only Entertainment Film Festival.
Harry is part of the 2013 Hindi action romantic comedy-drama film, Ramaiya Vastavaiya. In 2014, Harry was cast in Amrik Gill’s very popular Punjabi film, Kirpaan: The Sword of Honour. The same year, he appeared in Indra Kumar’s Indian drama film, Super Nani, which stars Rekha and Sharman Joshi in the lead roles. The following year, he starred in the Punjabi film, Sikka. Other films he worked on include Mumbai (2013), Boss (2013), Desi Ketty(2014), All Is well Well (2015), and Singh is Bliing (2015). Veery ki Wedding (2018) Dabaang 2 (2012) , welcome Back
Major Mohammed Ali Shah
Major Mohammed Ali Shah served in the Indian Army as a short service commissioned officer, he was one of the youngest Major’s in the Indian army at one point of time. He was awarded with a commendation card for exceptional and meritorious service while serving in the Army in 2007 on India’s Independance day. On the Indian Republic day he was selected to lead the Assam Rifles marching contingent before H.E. The President of India at Rajpath, New Delhi. He was also awarded with a commendation card by Maharashtra State Police in 2014. He is an alumnus of the Prestigious IIM Calcutta and was a young CEO of a company before he moved to Mumbai to take up acting as a career. He won his first “ Best actor” award way back in his school in 1996. He was crowned Mr. Pune ‘ Talent” in 1996 and had his stint with modelling in his college days there. He has worked closely with The Film and Television Institute of India, Pune and the Symbiosis Institute of Mass Communication, Pune and has a certificate from there as well. He has trained and done professional Theatre with his uncle, Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan Mr. Naseer Uddin Shah and Padmashri Tom Alter. He has acted in Vishal Bhardwaj’s cult film – “ Haider”, which won 5 National awards, in FTII alumnus Shriram Raghavan’s – “ Agent Vinod”, was a part of the team of “ Bajrangi Bhaijaan” and has recently completed shooting for National award film maker Tigmanshu Dhulia’s latest film – “ Yaara”. His recent solo play – The “ Major” Actor’s Assorted Monologues has been making waves in India and the Gulf. He has received a lot of critical acclaim and recognition for his dedication and commitment towards his craft. The year 2016 saw Major Shah receiving several coveted awards at various International platforms, just to name a few :
ACCOLADES
-The coveted “Best actor” at the Prestigious Delhi International Film Festival.
– “Best actor“ at the International film festival of Prayag, Allahabad as well as a special mention
by Jury and Critique’s for outstanding performance.
–”Best actor” at the Aligarh International Film Festival – Film Saaz.
– “Best actor” in the state capital of Kerala.
– Two coveted awards as “ Best actor” and a Special Jury award at the International Film and
Entertainment Festival of Australia – IFEFA.
Also an International TEDx speaker and the leading motivational speaker of India.
Shishir Sharma
SHISHIR Sharma – Bollywood Actor
Shishir started his acting career in theatre way back in 1974 with a play titled “Sambhog Se Sanyas Tak,” written and directed by Pandit Satyadev Dubey.
It was during his years in theatre that he did his first daily soap called “Swabhimaan,” which aired on DD1 and went on to become an iconic show.
It was only after the advent of satellite channels that things opened up, after which he did his first show called “Kanyadan” for Balaji Telefilms with Kirron Kher.
Since then, he has worked in the Indian television industry for about 23 years.
His first foray into films happened with Ram Gopal Varma’s “Satya” in 2002, a film that is still remembered. Since then, he has been a part of the Indian film industry with films like:
FILMS
SARKAR RAJ
OM JAI JAGDISH
BOMBAY BOYS
MARY KOM
DANGAL
TALVAR
RAAZI
URI
CHICHORE
COBALT BLUE
CODE NAME TIRANGA
MISSION MAJNU
GASLIGHT
MISSION RANIGANJ
KUCH SAPNEY APNE
PUNE HIGHWAY
PARABLE
WEB SERIES
BARD OF BLOOD
WHAT THE FOLKS
PERMANENT ROOMMATES
ASMRA DIARIES
NO. OF NOTABLE WORKS
23 Theatre Plays
56 Television Serials
49 Films
24 Commercials
15 Voice Overs
22 Short Films
Charles Thomson
Charles Thomson from Australia spent his teenage years in India. In 2014 he played the central character in Marathi language film ‘1909’. Then numerous appearances in Bollywood TV serials and movies in Hindi language, whilst living in Mumbai. Then in Delhi he had his own tv shows covering numerous state elections all over India in both Hindi & English.
His an anchor and co produces of 11 part series on Doordarshan, India national broadcaster on various cuisines and cultures in India. Helped grow Josh Talks, India’s equivalent to TED Talks with the release of several regional languages.
For several years he has now been juror and co host at Rajasthan International Film Festival as well as co hosting for the last two years a Sanskrit Film Festival in Rajasthan. Regularly participates as guest juror and both film and literature festivals across India. In 2023/2024 in India has been jury member of Ayodhya Film Festival, Saran Film Festival and Azamgarh Film Festival. Later in the year will also be jury member LifeAfterOil, Sardinia, Italy.
Jadrien Morales
Jadrien Morales is a young filmmaker pursuing film at the University of the Philippines – Diliman. With an affinity for creating content that aims to spark conversation, he established Vision Media Productions at the age of 15 to create and promote avenues of growth for passionate young visionaries. Together with his group, he continues to produce documentaries and short films in hopes of expanding its network of possibilities and upholding its vision of amplifying the voices of the youth in today’s society. Their works have garnered recognition from several institutions, with passion and integrity at the forefront of their lenses
Gabriela Espinosa Hormazábal
Gabriela Espinosa Hormazábal is an interdisciplinary stage crew member in America. She graduated as an actress from the Catholic University of Chile and later specialized internationally in public space, politics, performance, pedagogy of the oppressed, applied arts in education, and community cultural management. Her artistic and pedagogical practice includes expressions of theater, performance, Afro-Latin American dance, singing, and audiovisual language. She has developed a creative and activist career linked to socio-political themes and actions in both art and education. Currently, she is on a scholarship studying the Master’s in Visual Arts and Education: a constructionist approach at the University of Barcelona, Spain.
Abida Malik
Abida Malik is an Actor, Mother of four, qualified Business Analyst, Lead Facilitator, Bookworm, Chai lover and Activist based in Western Sydney.
She works in the government sector, responding to high level correspondence on behalf of the Agency, for the most vulnerable customer cohorts.
Abida is a Lead Facilitator for Multiculturalism: Our Stories, a training program creating awareness on the challenges and barriers faced by CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) communities, encouraging participants to be upstanders, applying anti-racism techniques.
As a creative for Dramatic Arts, she starred in the 2019 hit play Curry Kings of Parramatta for Nautanki Theatre, directed by the acclaimed Kristine Landon-Smith (East is East, Balti Kings). And recently performed the role of Gori B in Urdu language play, Mughal Bachcha at National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA), directed by Saba Zaidi Abdi of Adakar Theatre.
Abida is President of Book Club – For the Love of Reading, former Vice President & Art & Culture Director for AusPak Women Association, she is a keynote speaker, community spokesperson for SBS Urdu and has lead multiple forums.
She works as cross cultural consultant and is passionate about diversity, representation and story-telling.
You can follow her on Twitter @abbie786
Amit Singh Saini
Amit Singh Saini is an Australia based actor and model who works in over 100 international and national projects which includes
FILM WORKS
MUSIC VIDEO- Care ni Karda (Miss Pooja- Punjabi Song, T series- 10 million hits in two weeks)
Chann jiha -2021
TERE LAK DI KASAM (Rahul)
MAIN HUN YAHAN(Rahul)
WHITE DISCO (Sammi Palinkas) White limousine (Client Liaison) Brent Duncan -BURNING THROUGH
TV- Blind Date(Channel 10 )
NEIGHBOURS (AUSTRRALIAN TV SERIES) as Extra.
KUCH KHATTA KUCH METTHA (INDIAN TV COOKING SHOW)- Sab rang TV- AS HOST FLAVOURS OF INDIA – COOKING COMPETION – SABRANG TV- HOST
Bling with Singh ( DPTV Australia)
ANCHOR: – Sa Re Ga Ma Indian- Australian Music show. Flavor’s of India Cooking show
Short Film-
Kuch Khatta Kuch Metha EID festival
FFCP
Aakhir Kyu … Why??(A1 Media)
WRONG ROUTE (SHARDA PRODUCTION)
AURAT EK DASTAAN (AMIT SINGH Vlogs)
ROCKSTAR (SHARDA PRODUCTION)
DESI IDOL (SABRANG TV)
LIFE’S MAPPED OUT (AKAL DEMIR)
FATAK KNOCK DOWN (AKAL DEMIR)
JUST A PREFERENCE(SWINBURNE UNIVERSITY, AUSTRALIA PROJECT) UNINVTED – SHORT MOVIE
Western Union(Instagram)
E and E Entertainment Runway Fashion show VICTORIAN FAIR TRADE FESTIVAL
MODELING
HI FI HAIR AND BEAUTY SALON TEA BLOSSOM (TEA COMPANY) THE EYE CREATION(BOUTIQUE)
GEELONG FASHION WEEK
BRIDES OF ASIA (FASHION SHOW) BOHEMIAN MAGAZINE & MARQUIS
FASHION MANAZINE COMMERCIALS: – CROWN MELBOURNE
PROPERTY BUSINESS DEAKIN UNIVERSITY
YES EQUALITY Western Union
PHOTOSHOOTS: – Done many Photoshoots for fashion style, business wear, underwear, charity and body art shoots.
DANCING: – Dance in many private, charity and cooperate functions.
FEATURE FILM- American Movie- Warriors.
THEATER: – Acted in Theater Show called Sidak in Australia.
FASHION STYLIST: – Done styling for many photo and video shoots. CHOREOGRAPHER: – Done choreography for many dance and fashion ramp walks.
MAGAZINES: – World class Kings Magazine India Sun(Australia)
Tamworth Times(IFEFA)
ACCOLADES
1- MR BRITISH EMPIRE WORLD 2018
2- MR MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA 2018
3- MR INTELLIGENT (MR Punjab/Mr. Singh AUSTRALIA 2016)
4- MR HANDOME (MR PUNJAB AUSTRALIA-2016)
5- MR BOLLYWOOD KING 2016- WINNER TITTLE for BOLLYWOOD KING AND QUEEN SHOW 2016. 6- Mr. Public Choice Award 2017(MR Diamond Australia 2017)
7- Mr. Elegance 2017(Mr. Diamond Australia 2017).
8- Runner Up for Mr. Diamond Australia 2017.
9- Star face award in IFEFA (international film festival and Entertainment award)
Event planner and Marketing manager for many national and International firms. BOARD MEMBER OF International Australian Punjabi film festival.
Body member of SHE- Society helping everyone, TAG( transgender and gay ) international beauty pageant.
Global persona (Beauty Pageant)
Curves and curls (beauty pageant)
And many more .
BRAND AMBASSADOR
1- Convergence finance and investment
2- SHE- Society helping everyone
3- ISTAAR
4- IFEFA
5- DON BELLA BEAUTY PAGEANT
6- MIQ MISS AUSTRALIA ASIA BEAUTY PAGEANT
Curves and curls (beauty pageant)
And many more .
Chantelle O’Donohoe
Chantelle enjoys participating in pageantry to raise the voices of the many charity services that she is passionate about dedicating her time to. She is best known in the community for her achievements as the GEQ Ultimate Cover Search Winner and GEQ Charity Queen of the Year 2020, Ms Charity Australia 2019, Charity Queen of the Year 2020 (AGSA) & Humanitarian of the Year 2019 (ABPA). 2021(WOW) wonders of womanhood – Woman of Excellence award Chantelle has a strong passion for raising funds and awareness for Children’s Medical Services as well as Children’s Education and has chosen these as her advocacies.
Being a proud Nukunu & Ngadjuri Aboriginal woman, Chantelle is the Director of a technology education organisation where she can share her knowledge with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities nationally.
Within this position she visits remote and regional communities to teach emerging technology skills such as Drones and 3D Printing – in an aim to bridge the educational gap and digital divide between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
To further excel within her company Chantelle is currently undertaking study in her Master of Education and Bachelor of Science at the University of Technology Sydney.
Outside of her career and study commitments, Chantelle is a mother who donates a majority of her free time to volunteering with Australian charities, raising awareness for social issues and injustices and is an advocate for many organisations and programs.
Chantelle volunteers her time at events and programs for over 26 Australian charities and has donated over 2300 hours to volunteering in the past 3 years. Her favourite of these commitments is being a member of the State Emergency Services where she volunteers as a member of the Storm Emergency Operations team and her commitment as a volunteer within the Westmead Children’s Hospital. She also regularly organises fundraising and awareness opportunities so that she can maximize the potential of assistance that she gives back.
She was awarded as one of the Top 25 Australians to contribute to positive social impact throughout 2019/2020 with an !mpact 25 award.
Saloni Sareen
IFEFA 2024 Youth Ambassador
This is Saloni Sareen having experience in comedy, acting, hosting, dubbing, anchoring, voice overs. She is a great influencer and TV artist with more than 20 years experience.
Finalist of punjabi comedy show ‘Laughter Da Master 2’ show of channel ‘Ptc Punjabi’.
Short listed in top 10 by channel ‘Sony entertainment’ for ‘comedy circus ke mahabali’.
Did d pilot shoot of ‘laughter challenge 5 ‘ for channel ‘Star Plus’.
Done shows with ‘PTC Punjabi’ channel, ‘Doordarshan’ channel .
Did punjabi feature movies, short movies,you tube projects & Tv shows.
Got selected in ‘India’s best cinestar ki khoj’ by ‘Zee entertainment’.
Short listed in top 10 for the show ‘Chai Pe Chutkule’ by channel ‘Sab Tv’.
Hosted shows of international Punjabi channels, telecasted in America and Canada – Global punjab TV, Channel Punjabi.
Runner up of ‘hasane ka mukhiya kaun?’ Comedy Show of Dd Kisan channel.
Runner up of ‘ katra hasya pratiyogita 2017’.
Done punjabi/Hindi stage dramas and plays in India and Australia.
Worked as voice over artist in movies and advertisements.
Worked with Bollywood actors in punjabi movie ‘dramebaaz kalakar’ in India and another Punjabi movie ‘Yaariyan Dildariyan’ in Australia.
Hosted the events organised by Hindu Council Of Australia in Sydney, other events like curry festival, Karvachauth celebration, Diwali celebration, New year celebration, Holi celebration, talent shows, live concerts, private parties/events (birthday parties, anniversaries , baby showers, reception parties, corporate parties), Celebrity’s meet and greet.
Radio Jockey in Radio Chahat.
Awarded as Best Actor Female by IFEFA 2020 for short movie and many more awards for her talent and skills.
Emcee of 3000+ live shows.
Sahil Multy Khan
Festival Coordinator
Nagma Khan
Master class Coordinator
IFEFA Executive Team (International)
Nagma Khan
- Mr Shahdab Mirza –BOLLYWOOD Director & Writer
- Mr Guru Sharma- Bolywood Music Director /Producer
- Azad Jung- Shaaz media entertainment (BOLLYWOOD )Media
- Naghma Hashmi – BOLLYWOOD Production house
- Subhash Chander – PUNJABI Direction/Production
- Rinesh Prasad – Fiji Multi Media
Coordination & Production Team Australia
Nagma Khan
- Mr Neil Chand -Event Coordinator
- Ms Agnes -Choreographer
- Ms Stephanie S- Stage Manager
- Ms Kamaldeep Kaur– DOP
- Mr Mashal Yousufi – Videography