JUDGES
Sarah Gambles is a Los Angeles-based writer and director known for creating emotionally charged, diverse dramas and dramedies. Most recently, she contributed to the series finale of POWER Book IV: Force and is developing a mystery crime pilot at BET Studios. Born into a multiracial family in Hawaii, she later moved to Alabama, where she faced racial division. After 15 years as an educator, Sarah entered Florida State University’s MFA program as a Wilson-Auzenne Diversity Fellow. Sarah’s film, Fairydust, was awarded the highly coveted 2022 DGA East Grand Prize for Best African American student film and the prestigious Strickland Pathfinder Award for visionary storytelling. Her feature documentary Armor: Biracial in the Deep South played in festivals from New York to Auckland.
Writer and Director
Justin Burt has accrued professional experience in the film, television and animation industries. His credits led him to assume various roles such as Production Supervisor, VFX Producer, and Production Coordinator across a diverse range of projects, most notably Marvel Studios' first Emmy-winning series, WandaVision. This journey began after he graduated from Florida State University with a BFA in Motion Picture Arts. Justin has also written and directed several short films, including the biographical documentary Plantado, which captures the miraculous rescue of a Cuban political prisoner after 25 years of wrongful imprisonment. Justin's unwavering dedication to the art of storytelling and visual effects innovation continue to define his pursuit of excellence in the industry.
VFX Producer
Yalan Hu is a Los Angeles-based film director and producer with a decade of experience in both narrative and documentary storytelling. With an international background in directing news documentaries and reality shows across China, Australia, and South Asia, she frequently addresses common social issues in her work. Hu's portfolio includes three award-winning short films showcased in festivals worldwide, including HollyShorts Film Festival (Oscar qualifying) and Norwich Film Festival (BAFTA qualifying). Her recent documentary series “Chinese Stories in Museums” is streaming on NBC Universal's Jubao TV. Hu is also an active producer supporting indie narrative and documentary features, often with a focus on social injustice and underrepresented communities.
Producer & Director
Ian O'ccur, formerly known as Michael Hesser, brings a rich tapestry of experience and expertise to the realm of filmmaking. Born in Los Angeles, CA, Ian has left an his mark on both mainstream and indie productions alike. With a career spanning various prestigious networks and studios including Warner Bros, The CW, Fox, Netflix, and FX Network, Ian has contributed to an impressive array of projects. His portfolio boasts a diverse range of titles as Production Coordination , Post Production Coordinator, and Supervising Sound Editor. As a seasoned industry professional, Ian O'ccur brings not only a wealth of experience but also a deep passion for storytelling and cinematic artistry.
Post-Production Specialist
Vy Nguyen is a partner and co-founder of Orange Video—an active production company based in Florida. He has directed and produced branded films, tv spots, and more, for large clients, such as Visit Florida, Florida Chamber of Commerce, Florida State University, and more. His work ethic is driven by following the creative process while leaving enough room for spontaneity. As a logistics and spreadsheet nerd, Vy enjoys the producing side of filmmaking by unifying each piece of the puzzle to bring a project to life from ideation to completion. He loves working with clients to ensure that their vision is met.
Producer & Director
How it began
Sister’s unite!
As a high school educator, Vyky was inspired by how her students didn’t let their circumstances define them. After seven years, she left to pursue her MFA in film production at Florida State University. Her directed films have earned recognition in festivals across the country and in various categories, such as Jury Winner for emerging Hispanic directors by the DGA, Best in Show, and Best Female Director. She continues to write & direct, but she hasn’t lost sight of wanting to help others foster their most valuable tool—their voice. And what better place to start with than her home state of Florida.
Co-Founder
Writer & Director
Co-Founder
Talent Development
Diana has always loved reading but fell in love with movies in 1997 after watching Titanic in theaters—multiple times. This led her to frequent Blockbuster every Friday, which became her new library. After graduating from the University of Florida, she spent over a decade building her professional profile in leadership development, career services, and non-profit organizations. When not working, Diana still enjoys stepping into a new world through books and films. Exploring ways to give back to her community and taking on a new challenge, Diana is excited to launch 100 Voices of Florida.
Co-Founder
Digital Marketing
Emily has always lived with her head constantly in a book (having the bruises to prove it), but began her appreciation for film with adaptations. After watching film adaptations such as Hunger Games, Divergent, Maze Runner, and more, Emily experienced those words she read turn into a world so much larger than imagined. When she started her own small business, she saw the impact content creation can have on branding, products, and organizations as a whole. Emily is excited to join this journey with 100 Voices of Florida and share with the world just how special it is.
