The Jury Panel
Guiding the festivalβs awards with artistic integrity, industry insight, and international perspective.
The Golden Louts International Short Film Days jury brings together an exceptional panel of celebrated filmmakers, visionary directors, seasoned screenwriters, distinguished film critics, and industry leaders from across the globe. Each jury member is meticulously selected for their outstanding contributions to world cinema, commitment to artistic excellence, and dedication to fostering independent short film creation.
Our jury evaluates official selection entries across multiple competitive categories, considering narrative depth, directorial vision, cinematic craftsmanship, technical mastery, and original voice. Through collaborative deliberation, they uphold the highest standards of international film festival judging to crown the winners of the coveted Golden Louts awards.
Amine Belkacem 
An award-winning Algerian film director and producer whose feature and short films have premiered at Cannes, Berlin, and Venice. With over two decades of experience in global cinema, Amine brings a visionary perspective and deep dedication to championing independent short film storytellers.
Elena Rostova 
Senior film critic for leading international cinematic publications and a respected member of FIPRESCI. Elena has served on international festival juries across Europe and North Africa, specializing in contemporary visual narrative and cinematic innovation.
Tariq Al-Mansoor 
Acclaimed short filmmaker and visual auteur renowned for poetic realism and character-driven storytelling. His works have garnered prestigious awards worldwide, exploring themes of memory, heritage, and human resilience.
Sophie Laurent 
A celebrated screenwriter and script consultant who has penned numerous award-winning feature scripts and acclaimed short films. Sophie regularly conducts screenwriting workshops and script labs for emerging global filmmakers.
Mateo Benitez 
Renowned Director of Photography whose distinctive lighting style and dynamic camera framing have shaped celebrated short films and documentaries. Mateo is an active member of the European Federation of Cinematographers (IMAGO).
Nadia Mansouri 
A prominent independent film producer focused on international co-productions and emerging Mediterranean talent. Nadia has produced over 15 short films that achieved global distribution and prestigious festival accolades.