Ciera Thompson, born and raised in North Carolina, is a director and writer whose work centers on LGBTQ narratives and the power of underrepresented voices. Now based in Atlanta, Ciera's filmmaking spans indie films, branded content, and music videos. Through her writing, she aims to reflect the complexities of identity and love, emphasizing creating characters who feel real, grounded, and multifaceted. Ciera draws inspiration from writers like Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Dan Fogelman, and Shonda Rhimes—whose sharp wit, emotional storytelling, and commitment to complex characters push her to challenge norms and break boundaries in her own work. She believes in narrative's power to entertain and inspire change by crafting stories that speak to the heart of the human experience.

Colombian-American director Kim Caicedo brings over a decade of experience in New York advertising and production to her films. She holds a master's degree in film directing from the American Film Institute. Kim's work has been recognized by the ARC Awards, Creativity International, The Webby Awards, and Fast Company's Innovation By Design Awards. Her films have been showcased at festivals worldwide, including the New York Latino Film Festival, LA Shorts International Film Festival, Woodstock Film Festival, Bogota International, and the GuadaLAjara Film Festival. Her latest film “Francis” won the DGA Student Film Jury Prize in the ­­­Latino category. Kim is dedicated to preserving the art of film and often works with 16mm and 35mm processes, which lend a distinctive specificity and texture to her work.

Ebony Blanding is a writer and director with deep Southern roots and a passion for telling the stories of Black people navigating the world and internal discoveries. She explores the complexities and possibilities of Blackness and female relationships on screen through narrative, experimental and documentary film. Winner of The Level Forward Impact Award at the 2022 SeriesFest, her short film "Jordan '', received a development deal for its demonstration and commitment to creative excellence and using storytelling as a means of leveling the playing field for underrepresented people and alternatively abled voices. Blanding has written and directed branded content for Times Magazine, Rolling Stone, documentaries for major artists, and multiple award-winning short films, including Levitate Levitate Levitate, streamed at Atlanta International Airport. Her commissioned period piece, Georgia Voting Rights, is playing in the state's capitol. Co-founder of art film house, House of June, Blanding has presented films at educational institutions including Spelman College, Emory University and John H. Hopkins University. Her work has screened at Atlanta Film Society, Cape Town International Film Festival, SXSW, among others. Recipient of the 2024 Emerging Creative Residency Program Fellowship with Trilith Institute, Blanding assumes the role of the institute's first Emerging Creative in Residence. Her upcoming project, "A Mess of Memories," marks her directorial debut feature film and serves as Trilith Institute Productions' inaugural major undertaking. Additionally, her commitment to her craft has garnered her positions in esteemed fellowships, including the 2021 Blackmagic Collective Future Directors of Studio Features Fellowship, and involvement in the Atlanta Film Society’s Filmmaker-In-Residence Program from 2017 to 2019.