OCTOBER 18th & 19th 2025
CARMEN CAPUANO
Carmen Capuano is a published author, screenwriter and producer and is CEO of Emmeline Productions. She works with a variety of production partners to deliver pitches and scripts across all genres to global broadcasters and streamers. Currently she has a BFI Network supported film in development and a variety of other film and TV projects in pre-production/development with key industry figures.
She has been commissioned to polish Hollywood scripts, develop NHS teaching apps and to write projects for ‘A list’ talent and directors and has recently been an invited panellist for Book Week, Scotland.
To date she has penned 29 novels in every genre from dystopian sci-fi to contemporary realism, reflecting the ills, joys and tribulations of the human condition, as well as dealing sympathetically with issues of transgender, LGBTQ+, autism and Tourette’s and has performed a number of book to screen and screen to book adaptations.
Her book reviews include:
'5 Stars - Brilliant and brutal!'
'5 Stars - … began and finished in one night.Incredibly hooking story and very well written.’
'WOW! Had to sit and read the last few chapters in one go, so gripping, such a different story from the usual, well done.'
'...couldn't put it down until I'd finished it"
"One of the very best modern writers out there."
GARY ROGERS
Gary is a freelance DP/educator and has worked on a multitude of projects that including short films, TV Commercials, music videos and over 20 feature films. Gary has been lucky enough to work alongside some great household names including Jason Flemyng, Bruce Payne, Scott Wright, Mark Wingett , Claire King, and Nicholas Brendon to name but a few. With his short film ’Chestwyrm’ being featured on the BBC3 programme ‘The Fear’ Gary is no stranger to the Horror Genre. Some of his latest work includes the soon to be released feature called 'The Stoic'
Gary-Anthony Rogers: “As a filmmaker and a Horror fan I am privileged to help bring this festival platform to filmmakers as a place to showcase their work and network with other professionals.
LALIT BHUSAL
Lalit Bhusal, a multifaceted filmmaker, writer, director, and producer, has been shaping compelling narratives since 1992 that resonate with audiences worldwide. "Leeches," Lalit's acclaimed work addressing human trafficking, took center stage at the Jakarta Film Festival in 2015. This film, recognized in the presence of Indonesian minister Imam Nahrawi for Youth and Sports Affairs, showcased Lalit's ability to captivate audiences while shedding light on pressing societal challenges.
With a diverse portfolio of film projects under his belt, Lalit's career highlights include the poignant feature film "Crushed Wings" in 2022. This groundbreaking narrative explored the sensitive subject of FGM, uniting a global team of over 200 volunteers to bring the story to life. The film received over 40 awards at international film festivals and is now available on more than 21 OTT platforms.
Currently, Lalit is in pre-production for two international feature film projects, In addition to his filmmaking endeavors, Lalit is the visionary behind the annual film festival "Filmmakers United," launched in 2015, and the enlightening "My Name Is Climate Film Festival" in 2022.
These platforms serve as mediums for showcasing films that advocate for human rights, animal rights, interfaith dialogue, mental health, and climate change, fostering community engagement and dialogue through interactive Q&A sessions.