Chef Martin Yan is a globally renowned culinary icon with a career spanning over four decades. Host of more than 3,500 culinary and travel TV shows, including the award-winning Yan Can Cook, and author of over 30 cookbooks, Chef Yan has introduced generations to Chinese and Asian cuisines. He is a recipient of numerous accolades, including the 2022 James Beard Lifetime Achievement Award, and serves as an international food and cultural ambassador. Passionate about promoting food as a tool for connection, Chef Yan is also an advocate for social causes, believing that food brings people together and breaks down barriers.

Film Programming Experience:

• Vero Beach Film Festival– 2023 – Present, Director of Programming – film selection, Q&A’s with guest filmmakers,
• Long Beach International Film Festival– 2023 – Present, Interim Festival Director & Programmer – Budgeting, fundraising, film selection film hosting,
• Mendocino Film Festival – 2022 – 2023, Director of Programming – Film selection, Q&A’s, and Panels,
• Film Fest Tucson – 2016 – Present, Founder, programmer, and director of a destination film festival highlighting independent films from around the, world with an emphasis on emerging voices, historic films of the region, and collaborative screenings with other, arts and cultural entities of the region. Responsible for all fundraising, marketing, and community partnerships/outreach. Established durable relationships with leading studios including A24, Magnolia, Sony, and Netflix for content annually.
• Tucson Festival of Films – 2015, Co-founder and co-producer of this unique film fest that brought together eight different Tucson film festivals under one banner, one weekend at one venue as a destination for lead partner Visit Tucson.
• Napa Valley Film Festival – 2013-2015, 2020 -2021. Program Director for the festival which takes place each November in four Napa Valley communities (Napa, Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga) at 10+ venues over 4 days. Oversaw artist-in-residence program with guest filmmakers, all programming, and special events including Q&As, awards ceremonies, pitch competitions, and panels.
• Arizona International Film Festival – Film Scouting, 2011 – 2013, Scouting and researching films at the Sundance Film Festival for inclusion in the Arizona International Film, Festival, which takes place in April, in Tucson, Arizona.
• Cactus Drive-In Theatre – Film Series Management and Programming, 2011 – 2012. Programmed a series of “pop-up” drive-in theatre events to build audience and awareness for the rebirth of a Tucson Drive-In Theatre. Screenings included classics, children’s fare and contemporary favorites at different locations around Tucson, Arizona.
• Film Programming Consultation – Various Historic Theatres, 2008 – Present. As part of my consulting business, Historic Theatre Consultants, I have worked with theatres from coast to coast on their film programming. Working to maximize their attendance, income and customer satisfaction, I also created, and manage an annual industry-wide survey of historic theatres which garnered results from 94 different theatres in 36 states most recently, which tracked their programming, (including film programming specifics) business practices and financial demographics.
• Fox Tucson Theatre – Film Series Management and Programming, 2006-2010, 2019. Curated and managed a “Classic Film Series” and “Summer Movie Series” for the Fox Tucson Theatre with 170+ screenings over nearly five years. Returning in 2019 to curate special film programs with classic titles and on-stage Q&A’s with visiting talent.
• “Puro Mexicano: Tucson Film Festival” Founder and Producer, 2005-2008. Co-created and managed international film festival, the first festival of its kind, highlighting Mexican films in the United States. This $100,000+ festival was a 3-day event in partnership with the Fox Tucson Theatre, Metropolitan Tucson Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and the Tucson Film Office.
• FilmHunting.com Creator of Online Blog and Website Devoted to Independent Film, 2009 – 2011 Developed an online business highlighting the best films from the best film festivals curated from international film festivals

A seasoned business builder and entrepreneur with a rich background spanning tech startups, the restaurant industry, and real estate development. He began his career in Silicon Valley, where he played a key role in various tech startups. His entrepreneurial journey then led him into the restaurant and corporate catering sector, where he owns and operates restaurants in Santa Clara.

While expanding his business into real estate, he became a partner in Signature Living, a leading care home enterprise in Sacramento, after working on various elderly care home developments. His passion for innovation and growth also extends to his role as an advisor and investor in cutting-edge industries like new healthcare technologies, AI, and VR, including Volygon, a prominent volumetric video company.

With a diverse skill set and a wealth of experience across multiple industries, John plays a crucial role in shaping the Northwest360 brand. His expertise in tech, design, hospitality, real estate, and investment uniquely positions him to bring together diverse elements, ensuring the festival is both innovative and deeply rooted in community values.

Responsible for setting short and long-term goals. Managing budgets and ensuring that all departments meet their goals. A Vietnamese American jewelry designer renowned for her exquisite creations and impeccable craftsmanship. With a background as a Wall Street Investment Banker, Rosalina made a bold career transition to pursue her passion for jewelry, establishing her couture line, Jewelry by Rosalina, in 2002. Born into a family of Jewelers, Rosalina’s talent and unique designs quickly gained recognition, and her collections became sought-after pieces sold in prestigious stores like Neiman Marcus. She was also selected as one of the official jewelers for the Academy Awards, solidifying her position as a prominent figure in the jewelry industry. In 2008, Rosalina’s exceptional creativity and attention to detail led her to design the crown for the Miss Universe competition, making it the only Miss Universe crown adorned with multi-colored precious and semi-precious stones.

Rosalina also acted as a preliminary judge to the 2008 and 2009 Miss Universe competitions. Beyond her success as a designer, her contributions to the fashion industry were recognized in 2007 when she received the Pacific Asian American Woman Bay Area Coalition’s Achievement in Fashion Award. Rosalina was nominated by apl.de.ap for Asian American Pacific Islander History in 2021: The GMA Inspiration List. Rosalina’s talent has captured the attention of numerous celebrities worldwide, including Paris Hilton, Tom Hanks, Selena Gomez, Jessica Alba, Orlando Bloom, Elton John, Fergie, Usher, Nelly, Demi Lovato, Adrien Brody, Samuel L. Jackson, among others. Rosalina dressed Parker Posey with Jewelry by Rosalina creations for the film “Superman Returns” in 2006. In recent years, Rosalina has expanded her endeavors, venturing into the world of media production as a Co- Executive producer for the docuseries TV show ‘House of Ho’ which premiered on HBOmax in December 2020. Season 2 of ‘House of Ho’ dropped on August 25th, 2022. She has joined Volygon, a live holographic entertainment technology company as an Executive Media Producer in 2023. Additionally, Rosalina served as a judge for 2022 Viet Film Festival, showcasing her expertise and influence in the industry.

Marshall Silverman is a seasoned executive with decades of experience as a production executive, production attorney, and business affairs leader at major movie studios in Los Angeles, New York, and London. Over his extensive career, he has been deeply involved in the development and production of more than 40 feature films. Notably, he spent 23 years at Warner Bros., where he served as Vice President and Senior Motion Picture Production Counsel. During his tenure, Marshall played a pivotal role in launching and managing some of the most successful movie franchises, including Batman, Harry Potter, Wonder Woman, Lethal Weapon, and Ocean’s Eleven. Today, he continues to shape the entertainment industry as the Co-CEO of Worldwide Entertainment Studios.

Freida Lee Mock – an academy award winning doc filmmaker

Eric Grilly was named Senior Vice President of the Resident Shows Division for Cirque du Soleil in November 2019 and later became President in December 2021. He oversaw strategy and execution for profitability, productivity, and efficiency across the Division’s operations, while maximizing business opportunities for its partners.

Grilly managed six core Cirque du Soleil productions in Las Vegas, including Mystère, “O,” The Beatles LOVE, KÀ, Michael Jackson ONE, and Mad Apple, as well as the Cirque du Soleil-Disney collaboration, Drawn to Life, in Orlando. In February 2020, his responsibilities expanded to include affiliate companies like Blue Man Group and VStar Entertainment.
Before this, Grilly was CEO of VStar Entertainment Group, leading its growth as the premier, global live entertainment touring partner for Nickelodeon. His leadership facilitated the strategic acquisition of Cirque Dreams and a partnership with NBCUniversal.

Earlier, as President of Alli Sports, a division of NBC Sports Group, Grilly managed a portfolio of premier action and adventure sports events. In his prior role as Executive Vice President and Chief Digital Officer for NBC Sports Regional Networks, he handled all digital operations, including strategy, content, and new business development.

Grilly is the Managing Partner and CEO of Velona Ventures, an advisory and strategic consultancy for private equity portfolio companies, specializing in strategic growth, leadership development, and organizational optimization.

Matt Dearborn – Matt has developed and sold original pilot ideas to every major network in Hollywood including Netflix, Sony, Amazon, FOX, HBO, NBC and CBS. He has garnered 3 Emmy nominations and a BAFTA Award for Outstanding International Series for creating Even Stevens (Disney.) Other accolades include the NAACP Image Award and the prestigious Environment Media Award. Matt is directing The Game Plan (Netflix) beginning in March 2025.

Cinqué Lee, the youngest of five children, was born in Brooklyn and attended St. Ann’s before finishing high school at the School of Art & Design.

Cinqué has collaborated with notable creators such as Jim Jarmusch, Nick Cave, William H. Macy, Spike Lee, Matthew Barney, Iggy Pop, Joe Strummer, Screaming Jay Hawkins, and Patty McAloon.
In Japan, he directed commercials, music videos, modeled, and acted.

Cinqué has traveled with his feature films ‘Nowhere Fast’, ‘UR4 Given,’ and ‘Window on Your Present’ on the film festival circuit to events such as Festival du Nouveau in Montreal, Rome Independent Film, Sao Paulo Film Festival, Cine Pobre Cuban Festival, Mannheim-Heidelberg Film Festival, Mostra Internazionale del Cinema di Pesaro, Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, Rotterdam Film Festival, Munich Film Festival, Urbanworld Film Festival, Slam Dance Film Festival, and more. Variety Review: ‘UR4 Given’ – “At once hilarious and horrific, helmer Cinqué Lee has fashioned a directorial alter-ego who embodies all the most questionable practices of documentary filmmaking—the homegrown absurdity of the pic’s psychotic, achingly earnest self-help concept.” – Ronnie Scheib Trashwire.com Review: “Window On Your Present” – “Cinqué Lee has crafted a wonderfully enjoyable little film that relies on skill and technique rather than special effects and loud noises to keep the audience engaged, maintaining an interesting beautiful look, relying on imagery combined with narration set to a score.” – Chris Coffel
His recent feature, “A Rare Grand Alignment,” won Best Picture at the UK Film Festival in London.

Chris McGurk Was CFO and President of DisneyPictures. President Of Universal Pictures, CEOof MGM Studios/United Artist sold it to Sony and is now Chairman and CEO of Cineverse and Advisory Board Member of Worldwide Entertainment Studios

Alison Foreman – a writer for Indiewire.

Entertainment Industry executive who brings insights on the cutting edge of innovation and disruption in a fun and disarming fashion. He brings a unique spin on technology and its relation to humanity and is a Variety Hall of Fame Member.

Sonia D Zachow is an experienced restaurateur with over three decades of expertise in Italian cuisine, owning and operating a cherished restaurant in Anaconda/Butte, Montana for 10 years. Prior to her venture in Montana, she served as a Chief Operating Officer for non-urgent care medical centers for 24 years. Sonia’s cultural heritage has significantly shaped her life; she spent 25 years in Italy, immersing herself in language, rich culinary traditions and vibrant culture. Her profound connection to Italian culture shines through in each dish at her restaurant, offering a taste of Italy in Montana. Committed to authenticity and quality, Sonia’s restaurant has become a staple in the local dining scene. Before establishing her restaurant, she explored various Italian eateries across Montana, seeking a unique culinary perspective. This journey inspired her to blend Montana’s wild game with traditional Italian recipes, a novel approach that has garnered widespread acclaim. Her dedication to authenticity, coupled with this innovative fusion, has solidified her restaurant’s reputation. Sonia’s dishes not only mirror her Italian heritage but also pay homage to Montana’s flavorful offerings. She continues to share her passion for Italian cuisine with the Butte community, crafting unforgettable dining experiences that honor both her cultural roots and Montana’s local produce.

Michael Polish is an accomplished American film director, writer, and producer, born on October 30, 1970, in El Centro, California to an immigrant Mexican mother. He started his career in the film industry by directing a powerful short about Mexican boxing called BAJO DEL PERRO in the 1990s, paving the way for his feature film directorial debut in 1999 with TWIN FALLS IDAHO (Sundance Premiere 1998), and was hailed by Roger Ebert as “one of the best films of1999.”

Michael continued to collaborate with his brother to co-write and direct an eclectic series of profoundly rich feature films, including the visually poetic NORTHFORK (Sundance Premiere 2003) starring Nick Nolte and James Woods, and THE ASTRONAUT FARMER starring Billy Bob Thornton and Virginia Madsen. He made BIG SUR (Sundance Premiere 2013), his mesmerizing adaptation of the iconic Jack Kerouac novel, among many other highly regarded, visionary cinematic statements. This film garnered much critical acclaim and The New York Times gave a major stamp of approval, “Big Sur Cracks The Code” – how to adapt a novel to screen.

Michael created the ten-episode series drama BRING ON THE DANCING HORSES: a
modern-day western drama. The show was self-financed and took the relatively rare step of filming all 10 episodes before lining up a buyer. Bring on the Dancing Horses tells the story of a hitwoman who is out to complete her list of targets and exact her own brand of poetic justice.

In addition to his contributions to cinema, Michael is a prolific writer, having published several books, including “The Declaration of Independent Filmmaking,” co-written with his brother. He places a strong emphasis on independent filmmaking, creating projects that show independent freedom and original storytelling process.
Michael Polish is a renowned director, writer, producer, and photographer. His dedication to independent cinema, storytelling, and nurturing emerging talent has earned him critical acclaim and established him as a leading voice in contemporary American cinema.

Dr William Zachow is an experienced physician & surgeon residing and practicing medicine in Butte Montana. He is an active community supporter. Happily married with three wonderful children and 3 beautiful grand children. Enjoys boating, fishing, camping, hunting, basically ‘Everything Montana’. Most of all, Loves spending time with his family!

Benny Luo (Executive Producer) is the founder of NextShark.com, a global media destination that connects and celebrates the diverse experiences of Asians around the world. Under his leadership, NextShark reaches about 15 million people weekly on various social platforms, providing news, business, politics, entertainment, and culture. Recognized by major outlets such as The New York Times, Business Insider, The Washington Post, Forbes, BBC, CNN, and Fox, NextShark is a leader in shaping a multifaceted narrative about Asian life and achievements.
Before launching NextShark, Luo founded NewMediaRockstars.com, a digital entertainment media company that was acquired in 2013. His innovative approach to media earned him a spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in Media in 2018. Luo continues to lead NextShark toward becoming a cultural institution, creating a universe where Asian stories thrive and resonate globally.

Shera Konen is a proud Montana native who began her career selling resort real estate in Big Sky, Montana. Through this experience, she met a diverse array of fascinating individuals from around the world and learned the value of networking. One of her real estate clients, who later started a production company, recognized Shera’s talents and offered her a position within the company. Impressed by his instincts and respect for him, Shera embarked on a new career journey in the film and television industry. Starting in casting and development, Shera served as a Casting Director at Warm Springs Production for nearly a decade.

During her time there, she played a pivotal role in developing and casting numerous well-known projects, including the hit series “Mountain Men” on the History Channel and various series for HGTV. In 2018, Shera decided to venture into freelance production work, a move that has kept her actively engaged in the industry ever since. Throughout her career, Shera has had the privilege of collaborating with top industry professionals and contributing to successful projects, such as the acclaimed production “1923.” Her work has taken her across the country, allowing her to partake in and make meaningful contributions to large-scale events and productions. Shera Konen’s dedication, talent, and passion for the entertainment industry have solidified her reputation as a respected and accomplished professional in the field.

Kim B. Ngo is an actress and a filmmaker.

Born with a passion for storytelling, Kim pursued her dreams and honed her craft, quickly rising to prominence through her dedication and versatility. Her breakthrough came with her role in the critically acclaimed movie “The Brilliant Darkness,” where her compelling performance earned her the prestigious accolade of “Best Supporting Actress” at the ASEAN International Film Festival & Awards in 2023. The film, which is available for streaming on Amazon Prime.

Beyond her on-screen success, Kim B. Ngo has made significant contributions behind the scenes in film production. She has been an integral part of several notable American and Vietnamese film projects, as well as TV Commercials showcasing her multifaceted skills and deep understanding of the cinematic art form. Her work includes contributions to major productions such as “Da 5 Bloods,” “Kong: Skull Island,” and “A Tourist Guide to Love,…” where she has played various pivotal roles in bringing these stories to life. Kim’s dedication to her craft, both in front of and behind the camera, underscores her commitment to excellence in filmmaking and her enduring impact on the industry.

Don was the Technical Director of the Portland Film Festival. The Technical Director is responsible for ensuring that the films are screened properly, and that sound and lighting are of high quality, projection and screening management, technical rehearsals, technical staff supervisions, equipment maintenance, venue coordination, quality control, technical specifications, scheduling and logistics, live events and contingencies, technical budget management, communication with film makers, post-festival evaluation.

Gina Wade is a well-known and respected leader in the world of special events, sales & marketing. An expert in event design, concepts & production, she is known for her creative ideas, client relationships & attention to detail. Gina’s enthusiasm and caring demeanor immediately puts her clients at ease while she brings their vision to life. 

Gina officially opened her own business in 2007, appropriately named Gina Wade Creative, and instantly attracted an impressive list of clients. Gina Wade Creative is a full-service, multi-faceted company with expertise in the areas of Event Production, Entertainment & Brand Marketing, Venue Sales, and Consulting. With over 15 years of experience planning everything from intimate cocktail parties to large scale galas, Gina Wade and her team are dedicated to creating the most unique and memorable events in town. Having built long-lasting relationships representing some of Los Angeles’ best venues, Gina Wade Creative offers their clients premium locations and an array of unique services and opportunities. With unsurpassed creativity and attention to detail, every event is guaranteed to be a success. From 5-star luxury hotels to Hollywood’s hottest nightclubs, the GWC team works with the most respected vendors and experts to provide the perfect combination of décor and extravagance. Regardless of the theme or budget, Gina Wade Creative can transform any space into a lifelong memory.

Gina and her team have designed, produced and managed events for Vanity Fair (including the Vanity Fair Oscar Party), Netflix, Hulu, InStyle Magazine, Fox Searchlight, Tom Ford, Rachel Zoe, Bravo, Givenchy Beauty, Fresh, the Telluride Film Festival, the International Documentary Association, and many more. She has been a contributor to 944 Magazine and has been featured in LA Confidential, Hollywood Life, US Magazine, and Harper’s Bazaar. Gina has appeared on “Good Day LA” and “My 13 News” as an expert in event production, trends, and entertainment marketing. She was also a regular on Style Network’s “The Big Party Plan Off” and was featured on Entertainment Tonight for her work on the “Dancing With the Stars” Finale Event. Gina was featured on XM Radio’s channel 24 as the resident event and lifestyle expert. Her website, blog and social media outlets are dedicated to event tips, entertaining advice, and some of her favorite products. Her dedication to her work and her commitment to her clients are just two of the features that make Gina Wade a true standout to her colleagues and clients alike. Gina lives in Los Angeles with her husband, two children and two pugs.