Ben Charles Edwards

Ben Charles Edwards (Dreamtown Entertainment and CIFF co-founder) is a British filmmaker, writer, producer and artist celebrated for his visually distinctive and emotionally resonant storytelling. Edwards, the co-founder of ‘Cine International Film Festival’ began his film career with his feature film ‘Set the Thames on Fire’ (2015), Upon the release, The British Film Institute remarked that “Charles Edwards’ has crafted distinctive, admirable work that seems to have emerged from the unseen margins of British cinema. “Quant (2021), The award winning documentary, and most recently directed ‘The Wheels of Heaven’, starring academy award nominee Mickey Rourke. Edwards has earned acclaim for his ability to blend striking visuals with original narratives. With a repertoire spanning over 30 films, Edwards has demonstrated remarkable versatility and creativity. His collaborations represent a distinguished roster of industry luminaries and esteemed talents.

Kirsty Bell

Kirsty Bell is a multi-award winning filmmaker, producer and prolific executive producer – having supported and provided finance for over 200 film and TV projects in the 10 years since she founded Goldfinch. This includes the 2023 Best Short Film Oscar and BAFTA winner “An Irish Goodbye”. She is known for her keen eye for compelling storytelling and innovative projects in independent cinema. Bell’s directorial debut, A Bird Flew In (2022), is a testament to her creativity and profound insight into the human condition exploring the impact of isolation during the first lockdown in the COVID-19 pandemic. She received widespread acclaim with over 30 festival selections and a tally of 28 award wins and nominations to date. Bell’s dedication to storytelling and her distinct creative voice continue to make her a significant figure in contemporary filmmaking. Bell is the co-founder of CIFF.