iNiM Jury

Sajad Nattika, a dedicated healthcare professional and community leader, brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to his role as Preliminary Jury Chairman for iNiM Short Movie Fest 2024. Currently serving at the Ministry of Health & Prevention in the UAQ, United Arab Emirates, Sajad is deeply committed to public health and community service.

In addition to his professional achievements, Sajad holds prominent leadership roles as the President of the Indian Association Umm Al Quwain and the Nattika Expatriates Association (NEXAS). He also a member of the Loka Kerala Sabha, further demonstrating his dedication to fostering connections and development within his community.

Beyond his professional career, Sajad is a passionate community developer, providing opportunities and venues for artistic expression to people of all ages, from children to adults. His unwavering support for the arts has allowed countless individuals to showcase their talents across various forms of creative media, further contributing to the cultural vibrancy of his community.

Sajad’s academic foundation in healthcare, gained from the prestigious Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, complements his deep passion for the arts, particularly film and storytelling. His analytical skills, attention to detail, and appreciation for narratives that explore social issues enable him to evaluate films not only for their artistic excellence but also for their ability to resonate with audiences on a deeper level.

A champion of cultural initiatives and emerging talents, Sajad is committed to supporting creative expression that uplifts and inspires. His leadership as Preliminary Jury Chairman ensures a thoughtful and comprehensive evaluation process, celebrating films that marry artistic merit with meaningful societal impact.

Rinoj Pookodan is a gifted writer and director with a profound passion for creative literature, cinema, and the exploration of traditional arts. Over the years, Rinoj has demonstrated his storytelling brilliance, earning accolades for his work, including winning the prestigious Kannur University Arts Festival screenplay feature film writing competitions in 2004 and 2006. These achievements solidified his reputation as an exceptional storyteller.

A true artist at heart, Rinoj is also a dedicated researcher of traditional arts, drawing inspiration from his cultural heritage to enrich his creative works. At the same time, he embraces modernity through his commitment to futuristic storytelling, utilizing platforms like podcasts to craft innovative narratives and connect with diverse audiences.

Rinoj has brought his creative vision to life as a scriptwriter and director through numerous projects, including album songs and short films. Each of his works reflects his innate ability to craft compelling and impactful stories that resonate deeply with audiences.

Beyond his artistic pursuits, Rinoj has spent the past 13 years in Dubai, where he has built a career in the chemical industry as a water treatment specialist and formulator. This unique professional experience complements his creative endeavors, offering him diverse perspectives that add depth and nuance to his storytelling.

As a jury member for the iNiM Short Movie Fest 2024, Rinoj combines his rich experience, deep appreciation for traditional arts, and innovative approach to storytelling. His dedication to the craft of filmmaking and his ability to identify narratives that leave a lasting impression make him an invaluable member of the jury panel.

Gopan, widely known as G K Mavelikara, is a Dubai based artist who has been residing in the UAE for the past three decades. Alongside his thriving professional career as a technical director in a leading property management company, Gopan has cultivated a deep seated passion for the arts, establishing himself as a multifaceted talent in the creative world of cinema and drama.

His artistic journey began as a drama artist, gracing numerous professional and amateur stages. Gopan’s talent extends to dubbing, where his voice has brought life and emotion into various projects. As a lyricist, he has crafted songs for music albums, showcasing his poetic finesse and storytelling ability. He is also a skilled scriptwriter, bringing compelling narratives to life for dramas and short films.

Gopan’s passion for cinema reached in his debut in the Malayalam film industry, where he has contributed significantly across multiple disciplines, including acting. His vast experience and in-depth understanding of the creative process make him an invaluable addition to the iNiM Short Movie Fest 2024 jury panel.

A dedicated advocate for nurturing talent and celebrating artistic expression, Gopan’s wealth of knowledge and unique perspective promise to elevate the festival experience, ensuring every film is assessed with keen insight and respect for the art form.

Shamina Mohamed, hailing from Thrissur, brings a wealth of experience and passion for storytelling to the iNiM Short Movie Fest 2024 jury panel. A former employee of Malayala Manorama in Thrissur, Shamina’s professional background is enriched by her academic journey in Journalism and Scriptwriting under Calicut University. Shamina’s love for storytelling extends beyond academics. As a scriptwriter and actor in various college dramas, she honed her skills in weaving narratives that captivate audiences.

Her hands-on experience in creating short films has provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the filmmaking process, from production to completion. This depth of knowledge makes her a valuable judge, capable of evaluating the technical and creative aspects of film projects.

In addition to her artistic achievements, Shamina is an ardent organizer, with a special focus on women’s development in the arts and culture. She has dedicated herself to empowering women through creative platforms, providing opportunities for them to showcase their talents and contribute to the cultural landscape. Her efforts have created meaningful spaces for women to express themselves through storytelling, music, and performance, and she continues to advocate for greater representation and visibility of women in the arts.

With prior experience serving on judging panels for short film festivals and cultural events, Shamina is well-versed in identifying and appreciating emerging talent. Her Diploma in Psychology and Counselling further enriches her perspective, allowing her to delve into the emotional and social dimensions of storytelling.

Robin Augustin is a multifaceted writer, organizer, and skillful leader with over 20 years of experience in the banking industry. Beyond his professional achievements, Robin has been a passionate advocate for the arts and literature, dedicating his time to fostering creative expression and nurturing talent.

In an era before the widespread adoption of digital tools, Robin demonstrated his commitment to the literary arts by providing platforms for handwritten books, curating collections that showcased the talents of aspiring writers. His dedication to preserving and promoting creativity has left a lasting impact on the artistic community.

Robin’s leadership and organizational skills have also been instrumental in managing cultural events and initiatives, further establishing him as a well known organiser. Over the years, he has served on numerous judging panels across the UAE, offering his keen insights and literary sensibility to evaluate works with thoughtfulness and integrity.

As a jury member for iNiM Short Move Fest 2024, Robin brings a unique blend of professional expertise, literary acumen, and artistic passion. His experience and dedication to celebrating creativity ensure a valuable contribution to the festival’s mission of recognizing and rewarding exceptional talent.

Shyam Gopinath brings a unique blend of artistic talent and professional expertise to the jury panel of iNiM Short Move Fest 2024. A multifaceted personality, Shyam is a seasoned stage performer, accomplished actor, and talented scriptwriter. His creative journey is deeply rooted in storytelling, where he effortlessly merges his passion for the arts with his rich life experiences.

Born and brought up in the UAE, Shyam has been deeply influenced by the region's cultural diversity, which reflects in his dynamic performances and thought-provoking scripts. Alongside his artistic pursuits, Shyam has built a successful career in the aviation industry, showcasing his ability to balance creativity and professionalism seamlessly.

With years of experience in acting, scriptwriting, and performing on stage, Shyam has a deep appreciation for the craft of filmmaking and the power of short films to convey impactful stories. His dedication to nurturing creative expression makes him a valuable addition to this year’s jury, where his insights will help spotlight emerging talent and innovative narratives.

Shyam’s commitment to storytelling and his passion for fostering artistic excellence are sure to inspire and elevate the festival’s celebration of cinema.

Nihas Abdul Vahid is a multifaceted entrepreneur with a diverse background spanning hospitality, technology, and business management. As Co-Founder and Producer of multiple thriving restaurant ventures, Nihas has showcased his expertise in creativity, brand development, and customer engagement. In addition to his entrepreneurial achievements, he serves as the Managing Director at a leading Technical Services company in the UAE, where he excels in driving business growth and managing technical services.

Nihas’s creative pursuits extend further as the Creative Director for Cloud Nine, a branding agency that focuses on innovative branding processes. This role highlights his ability to merge creativity with strategy, making him a standout leader in crafting compelling brand narratives.

While his professional expertise lies in technical and business domains, Nihas is equally passionate about storytelling and creative expression. He has also served as an associate director for short films, where he gained valuable experience in the intricacies of film direction and storytelling. His involvement in film projects has deepened his understanding of the cinematic process and strengthened his appreciation for the art of filmmaking.

Nihas’s capability in recognizing the transformative power of storytelling to foster community engagement and drive cultural education aligns with his vision of nurturing emerging talent and celebrating impactful narratives.

As a jury member for the iNiM Short Movie Fest 2024, Nihas brings a unique perspective that blends business acumen, creative innovation, and a deep appreciation for meaningful storytelling.

Naseer CK is a dynamic cultural leader and a highly skilled organizer with a remarkable track record of fostering artistic and cultural growth within the community. Residing in the UAE, he has held key positions in various social and cultural organizations, where his visionary leadership has been instrumental in organizing and executing numerous successful events.

As the head of several programs, Naseer has brought together diverse talents and audiences, creating platforms for cultural exchange and artistic expression. His passion for music and innate talent as a singer have further enriched his contributions to the arts. Naseer has lent his voice to album songs, showcasing his artistic versatility and deep connection to the world of music.

Naseer’s expertise as a cultural program organizer is complemented by his commitment to nurturing talent and promoting creativity. His dedication to empowering the community through the arts makes him an invaluable asset to the iNiM Short Movie Fest 2024 jury panel.

As a jury member, Naseer brings his extensive experience in event management, his deep understanding of cultural dynamics, and his passion for artistic expression. His keen eye for films that resonate both artistically and socially ensures a thoughtful and impactful contribution to the festival, inspiring both creators and audiences alike

Jaheer is a multifaceted entrepreneur and creative enthusiast with a diverse background in business, printing and design. Known for his dynamic approach to creativity, he combines his professional expertise with a deep passion for the arts and cultural expression.

A music lover and skilled singer, Jaheer’s artistic sensibilities reflect his appreciation for storytelling and emotional resonance. His passion extends to the food as an art, where he enjoys crafting innovative recipes that showcase his creativity and imagination. These creative pursuits highlight his ability to connect with people and bring joy through his talents.

Jaheer is also a seasoned organizer of events and festivals, where his leadership and vision have contributed to memorable experiences for audiences. His expertise in planning and executing events adds a valuable perspective enabling him to evaluate creative works with an understanding of audience engagement and impact.

As a jury member for the iNiM Short Movie Fest 2024, Jaheer brings his entrepreneurial spirit, artistic sensibility, and event management expertise to the table. His comprehensive understanding of audience engagement, creative storytelling, and artistic impact makes him an invaluable asset to the jury panel.

Jaheer’s dedication to fostering creativity, celebrating talent, and supporting emerging filmmakers underscores his integral role in the festival's mission to honor artistic excellence.

Nishad is a dedicated cultural program expert and accomplished organizer known for his exceptional leadership in fostering artistic and cultural development within the community. Based in the UAE, he has successfully led numerous events as the head of programs, showcasing his ability to conceptualize and execute impactful stage programs and cultural festivals.

Nishad’s unwavering commitment to promoting the arts is evident in his efforts to encourage artists and emerging talents, providing them with opportunities to step into the spotlight and showcase their creativity. As an organizer, he is deeply passionate about empowering individuals to reach their potential and fostering a culture of collaboration and inspiration.

With a strong passion for the arts, Nishad devotes his time and energy to promoting creativity and community engagement through various cultural initiatives. His ability to bring together diverse talents and manage events with precision has earned him recognition as a cultural leader who makes a lasting impact.

As a jury member, Nishad’s extensive experience in event management and his deep appreciation for the arts equip him with a unique perspective to evaluate films for their creativity, relevance, and cultural significance. His commitment to nurturing talent and celebrating artistic expression ensures a meaningful contribution to the iNiM Short Movie Fest 2024 jury panel

Vilphi George is a seasoned creative director with couple of decades of experience residing in Dubai. Academically as an architect, Vilphi has seamlessly transitioned his artistic talents into the world of branding and design, becoming a renowned branding artist by profession.

As the owner of a successful advertising firm, Vilphi has established himself as a visionary in design, branding, and event management, delivering innovative solutions that captivate audiences and elevate brands. His academic foundation in architecture enriches his creative approach, allowing him to craft visually compelling and structurally sound narratives that leave a lasting impact.

With a keen eye for aesthetics and storytelling, Vilphi has directed numerous creative projects, blending artistry with strategy to achieve impactful results. His expertise extends beyond advertising to organizing events, where his leadership and meticulous planning have ensured their success.

As a jury member for the iNiM Short Movie Fest 2024, Vilphi brings his wealth of experience in visual design, narrative structure, and audience engagement. His unique perspective as both an architect and branding professional ensures that films are evaluated not only for their artistic excellence but also for their ability to resonate with and inspire audiences.

Vilphi’s dedication to fostering creativity and his proven expertise in the creative industry make him an invaluable asset to the jury panel.

Shafi Quraishy is a Dubai-based artist celebrated for his exceptional contributions to the world of art and storytelling. Renowned for his large-scale, intricate abstract and figurative paintings, Quraishy’s work reflects a profound understanding of emotion, form, and expression. His artistry earned him the prestigious India Youth Icon Award in 2009, recognizing his influence and dedication to creative excellence.

As a visionary artist, Shafi Quraishy represented India in the AEACP Asian Elephant Art & Conservation Project, where his works were showcased at high-profile auctions to support wildlife conservation. His passion for storytelling extends to the world of cinema, where he has been actively involved in film projects both in India and abroad. He has also appeared in MTV’s International Road Rules productions, highlighting his versatility in creative mediums

.While deeply rooted in the arts, Shafi’s innovative spirit has led him to explore the intersection of creativity and science. His patented Gravitational Electric Power Plant (G-PowerPlants) technology and his groundbreaking "Cloud Farming" project, aimed at addressing water scarcity, reflect his commitment to leveraging innovation for societal benefit.

Shafi’s dedication to advancing the arts and his unique ability to merge artistic expression with impactful storytelling make him an invaluable member of the iNiM Short Movie Fest 2024 jury panel. His deep appreciation for cinematic artistry ensures a thoughtful and insightful evaluation of films that push creative boundaries and inspire audiences.