2CIFF 21 - 23 AUG 2026
2CIFF - The team
FESTIVAL DIRECTOR - IAGO MONTGOMERY-JARVIS
Iago Montgomery-Jarvis is an award-winning British actor, writer, and filmmaker.
He Wrote, Directed and acted in Blue Snakes, which has won 49 national and international awards. The film has garnered nominations for Best Actor, Best UK Short, Best Director, Best Cinematography, and Best Edit in competitive festivals. .
His screen work also includes Run Like We (2024) Splinter in the eye (2024), Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023), Sentinel (2025) and Deadbeat (2025) showcasing both indie credibility and blockbuster presence.
Beyond acting, he teaches and performs specialist firearms skills for screen action through SPACTFORFILM offering productions safe, precise, and dynamic action expertise.
He trained under Jim Cartwright in Manchester and is now represented by Take One Agency, Iago is also developing his first feature film, raising funds and aiming to go into production at the end of the 2026.
Our Judging panel will consist of the 2CIFF team and special invited guests.
Our Judges will be announced at the appropriate moment but we have pledged a World renowned Stunt co-ordinator and performer, a Talent agent, two award winning actors, a director and producer with many well known credits, and a couple of festival surprises to be unfurled at the right time.
JUDGES
- iago Montgomery-Jarvis - All entries
- Paul Sultana - All entries
- Reece King - All entries
- Tara Appleton - UK Shorts/Features
- Warren Bouchier - UK and INTERNATIONAL Shorts
- Teymour Tehrani - INTERNATIONAL Short/Feature/Student
- Simone Wiles - Emerging Talent / Student
VIP GUEST JUDGES
- PETER PEDRERO
Aman Dhillon
Meet Aman - Festival Partner and Co-Producer.
About Aman and her company ReelN Ltd
Organisers of leading high quality educational and entertainment events from grassroots to events at BAFTA, BFI, and the House of Lords, with a particular focus on South Asia and inclusive engagement. ReelN have curated and produced events including, the UK Asian Film Festival events and volunteers programme, Royston Arts Festival, Women X Film Festival, South Asian Heritage Month programme at SOAS University, South Asian film programme and audience development for Film Hub North across a number of Northern venues, the DESIblitz Literature Festival, the Filme Shilmy Show, Asian Achievers Awards, the Film Conclave part of Ideas for India Week and talent managed UK programmes for actors such as Taha Shah Badussha.
About Aman Dhillon
Aman Dhillon is the Founding Director of ReelN Ltd, a company specialising in film, arts, and
cultural programming, including festival strategy, production, distribution, talent management, and strategic PR.
Under her leadership, ReelN has worked across diverse sectors, representing talent like award winning actor from Heeramandi fame Taha Shah Badussha and delivering high-profile publicity campaigns such as the Asian Achievers Awards, featured in over 80 media outlets.
Widely recognised for bridging business and the arts, Aman has produced events and programmes at institutions like BAFTA, BFI and the UK Parliament, with a strong focus on South Asian culture. She has collaborated with leading hospitality and lifestyle brands and played a key role in festivals including the UK Asian Film Festival, DESIblitz Literature Festival and South Asian Heritage Month, securing funding and strategic partnerships.
Her consultancy work includes audience development for BFI Film Hubs and EDI strategy for
Letchworth Arts and Leisure Group. She has served on arts funding juries and was a SHE Awards nominee. Most recently, she co-founded the UK–India Film Co-Production Market, Film Conclave, positioning cinema within global economic dialogue and fostering collaboration between creatives, investors, and policymakers from both countries.
About REECE KING
Who is Reece?
Reece and his company have joined 2CIFF as a festival partner he will co-produce and oversee the technical elements of all screenings. Its a pleasure to have Reece in the 2CIFF family. He is also joining the judging panel as a core judge.
Reece is a film and television professional with over a decade of experience working across broadcas
Reece and his company have joined 2CIFF as a festival partner he will co-produce and oversee the technical elements of all screenings. Its a pleasure to have Reece in the 2CIFF family. He is also joining the judging panel as a core judge.
Reece is a film and television professional with over a decade of experience working across broadcast, music video and independent production. His credits include Coldplay's Christmas lights and long running television series such as Red Dwarf, Outnumbered and Phoneshop.
Having worked across camera, lighting, sound and production, he brings a holistic understanding of how creative decisions shape story telling on screen. In 2023 he founded King Productions, a film agency focused on delivering professional filmmaking standards across narrative and commercial work. He continues to work as a camera operator and director of photography, maintaining an active role within the industry.
meet olivia -2ciff- official travel and accomodation partner
Olivia Clayden
Olivia Clayden
Olivia Clayden
Olivia's journey began in Mumbai, India, at the orphanage Bal Asha Trust. Since leaving the orphanage, Olivia has progressed to work with prestigious corporations such as Selfridges, MasterCard, and American Express. It was during her time at American Express that her passion for travel truly took centre stage, fuelling her vision to launch independently under Olivia Arora Travel (ABTA & ATOL Protected).
With Olivia coming on board as the official Travel Partner for the 2CIFF Film Festival, she brings expert industry knowledge and trusted connections — all with no additional booking fees. Whether you are travelling for pleasure or work, this trip is about you.
Please email: Olivia@OliviaAroraTravel.com to book
or visit OliviaAroraTravel.com to arrange.
OLIVIA ARORA TRAVEL
Olivia Clayden
Olivia Clayden
2CIFF is proud to partner with Olivia Arora Travel as our official travel and accommodation provider—bringing a personalised, high-quality service designed to make your festival experience seamless from start to finish.
Built on expertise, care, and attention to detail, Olivia specialises in creating tailored travel arrangements for discerning clients, ensuring every filmmaker’s journey to 2CIFF is as smooth and enjoyable as the event itself. Olivia will be on hand to support and arrange all travel and accommodation requirements for attending filmmakers.
As we build towards this year’s festival, we strongly encourage all filmmakers to plan their accommodation early. Milton Keynes will be exceptionally busy during the festival weekend, with a major concert taking place alongside peak summer demand. This means hotels are expected to fill quickly, and late booking may result in limited or significantly higher-cost options.
We understand that the selection process is still underway, and committing early can feel like a leap—but securing flexible or refundable accommodation now is the best way to ensure you don’t miss out on being part of the festival experience. Even beyond official selection, 2CIFF offers a unique opportunity to connect, network, and immerse yourself in a vibrant community of filmmakers and creatives.
If you’re planning to attend, act early, secure your stay, and make sure you’re ready to be part of an unforgettable weekend of film.
Please email: Olivia@OliviaAroraTravel.com to book
or visit OliviaAroraTravel.com to arrange.
2ciff is delighted to introduce paul sultana as a core judge
Who is Paul?
Paul Sultana is a UK-based actor known for his roles in The Flash (2023), Enola Holmes 2 (2022), and Blue Snakes (2024), with a diverse career in film, television, and theatre.
Biography and Training
Paul Sultana has been a registered actor for several years, performing in numerous productions both in the UK and internationally. He trained at the Florida School for the Performing Arts, where he developed his skills in acting and stage craft. His professional training also includes stage combat, firearms handling, swimming, and powerboat operations, reflecting his versatility as a performer.
Career Highlights
Film & Stand-In Work
Giant (2025) Played the Character Dave
The Flash (2023) – Stand-in role
Enola Holmes 2 (2022) – Sherlock Holmes picture double
Blue Snakes (2024) – Played the character Vince
Other feature films include 800 (Mark Nicoles), Gold (Rogge Lombaert), and Craven (Theodore)
Short Films
Pulmonis – The Doctor (2024)
Craven – Theodore (2024)
Lavender – Fire Officer, part of the award-winning ensemble recognized at the Independent Shorts Awards in July 2020
Television
Such Brave Girls (2023, 2025) – Kidz Cauldron Manager
Fifteen-Love (2023) – Desk Sergeant
The Full Monty (2023) – Paramedic
Theatre
Paul Sultana has extensive theatre experience with roles in productions such as Murder Trial Live, Letters of Note, and Four More Completely Unrelated Plays, performing in both courtroom dramas and complex ensemble pieces
Awards and Recognition
Recipient of the 2020 July Award at Independent Shorts Awards for Best Acting Ensemble for the movie Lavender, 2024 Best actor for the movie Blue Snakes
Additional Notes
Paul Sultana’s filmography showcases a mix of acting, stand-in, and picture double work, highlighting his flexibility in both mainstream and independent productions. His diverse skill set, including stage combat and proficiency in water-based activities, prepares him for a wide range of roles in action, drama, and stagecraft
Welcome to the amazing 2ciff judging panel
JUDGE - Warren Bouchier
JUDGE - Warren Bouchier
JUDGE - Warren Bouchier
Warren Bouchier is a writer, business professional, co-event organiser, and the author of three screenplays: ‘The Little King,’ ‘Seriously Shady Business with People You Can Barely Trust,’ and ‘Sanctuary Island.’ He has also written one TV pilot, "Mount Ascension," and co-authored the short film ‘The Chair’ with Iago Montgomery-Jarvis. H
Warren Bouchier is a writer, business professional, co-event organiser, and the author of three screenplays: ‘The Little King,’ ‘Seriously Shady Business with People You Can Barely Trust,’ and ‘Sanctuary Island.’ He has also written one TV pilot, "Mount Ascension," and co-authored the short film ‘The Chair’ with Iago Montgomery-Jarvis. His work has collectively earned 21 accolades from a multitude of screenwriting contests.
With over 30 years of experience delivering executive-level presentations, sales training, and public speaking, Warren has developed a unique, cheerful, and engaging style, infused with sharp humour and quick, punchy one-liners. This talent translates into clear character identities, purpose, and vibrancy in his writing.
Warren lives in Bedfordshire, UK, and has a passion for films and filmmaking. He is looking to have his first novel published later this year.
JUDGE -Teymour Tehrani
JUDGE - Warren Bouchier
JUDGE - Warren Bouchier
Teymour Tehrani is a German-Iranian director, screenwriter, and producer whose work merges poetic realism with a strong humanistic perspective. His visually rich films delve into the emotional inner lives of characters and their connection to surrounding realities, often inspired by personal experience, migration and intercultural dialog
Teymour Tehrani is a German-Iranian director, screenwriter, and producer whose work merges poetic realism with a strong humanistic perspective. His visually rich films delve into the emotional inner lives of characters and their connection to surrounding realities, often inspired by personal experience, migration and intercultural dialogue.
He earned his MA in Directing with Distinction from the Northern Film School (UK) and expanded his training at FAMU (CZ), Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg (GER) and UCLA (USA).
His award-winning shorts premiered at festivals like the Academy Award qualifying Leeds (LIFF) and the prestigious Tel Aviv (TISFF) and Filmfestival Max Ophüls Preis. He also created the music show PowerCut for ITV Yorkshire and the feminist comedy Fury Girl SmackDown funded by the Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg.
Teymour is a selected member of Bundesverband Regie (BVR), the German association of film director’s.
Based in Berlin, he is currently developing his debut feature film Hungry Hearts (working title).
JUDGE -Simone Wiles
JUDGE - Warren Bouchier
JUDGE -Simone Wiles
Simone is a born-and-bred Milton Keynes-based filmmaker.
Having studied at Nottingham Trent University, Simone found herself a home-away-from-home at Beeston Film Festival. She has worked closely with them over several years as part of their selection team, championing the works of emerging talents.
While Simone continues to love her work
Simone is a born-and-bred Milton Keynes-based filmmaker.
Having studied at Nottingham Trent University, Simone found herself a home-away-from-home at Beeston Film Festival. She has worked closely with them over several years as part of their selection team, championing the works of emerging talents.
While Simone continues to love her work in the midlands, she feels the prospect of bringing independent film to her own backyard is too good to pass up.
Simone joins us as a jury member focusing on emerging talent and will also join in a capacity of 2CIFF festival production assistant, where she will seek to build a long-desired bridge between her hometown and high-quality filmmaking.
THE 2CIFF CREW
ELA WALENDA
LEONARDO RIEGO
LEONARDO RIEGO
OFFICIAL 2CIFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Please check these links to explore my portfolio
https://www.instagram.com/elawalendaphotography/
More info in 2CIFF partners
LEONARDO RIEGO
LEONARDO RIEGO
LEONARDO RIEGO
OFFICIAL 2CIFF BTS VIDEOGRAPHER
I am an aspiring actor & artist, I performed in some theatre productions when I was younger and moved to screen acting in London with NYFA where I acted in my first ever short film “forgotten.” I’m also a photographer and videographer in my spare time, focusing mainly on pet portraits. This 2026 i’ve ventur
OFFICIAL 2CIFF BTS VIDEOGRAPHER
I am an aspiring actor & artist, I performed in some theatre productions when I was younger and moved to screen acting in London with NYFA where I acted in my first ever short film “forgotten.” I’m also a photographer and videographer in my spare time, focusing mainly on pet portraits. This 2026 i’ve ventured into making my own art account where I will be selling some of my own art.
LEONARDO RIEGO
2CIFF CREW
DR AUDREY TANG AND THE BURLESQUE QWEENS
We are delighted to announce that Dr Audrey Tang is supporting the festival in several ways. Iago had the pleaseure of being interviewed for her podcast MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS ( Link will be confirmed 13 AUG).
Dr Tang and her amazing dance group will be performing at the gala and awards ceremony.
Dr Tang has also donated a trilogy of her books as part of the prize for the BEST FILM SUPPORTING MENTAL WELLNESS.
Dr Audrey Tang (AFBPsS) is a Leadership trainer, TEDx Performer/Speaker, Chartered Psychologist and multi award-winning business author with a focus on practical tools for Wellbeing. With 30+ years teaching practical wellbeing tools in person and for the media, along with directing community theatre, she built Wellbeing Media Studio winning awards for its mental health programming, and providing a visibility opportunity, media confidence and a safe space for content creation for academics and practitioners.
As well as delivering mental and emotional fitness building workshops (webinar/in person) and coaching practice, she is the Founder and Chair of Trustees at CLICK Arts Foundation, a legacy fund charity giving grants to grassroots arts projects which build confidence, inclusivity and wellbeing.
She created and hosted podcast Retrain Your Brain for Success (winner: Positive Change Podcast awards); and The Wellbeing Lounge on NLiveRadio (winner: 2nd place Female Presenter of the Year 2022; 2023; with the show shortlisted as Specialist Content Show of the Year at the Community Radio Awards), and provided psychology contribution (on screen and off) to Channel 4's "Don't Diet Lose Weight", and "The Chrissy B Show" (Sky). She continues to give expert comment in the area of wellbeing to published and broadcast media.
Her four books: Be A Great Manager Now; and The Leader's Guide to Mindfulness, The Leader's Guide to Resilience, and The Leader's Guide to Wellbeing, are focused on thriving in the business world and have been translated into multiple languages; and as a Burlesque Instructor, she currently runs regular Confidence building events focused on body diversity, body functionality and body appreciation - through movement addressing topics such as Sexual Wellbeing and Menopause - for which she has been featured in the UN State of the World Population Report 2024.
SASHA MYSTERE
2CIFF have the immense pleasure in welcoming SASHA who will be perfomring a number of songs from the silver screen. She will be perfomring at the Gala and the awards ceremony
Bedford born Drag Queen performing since 2012. Now based in Manchester, Sasha has provided entertainment up and down the country and beyond, singing at events such as Glitterfye, Bedford Fringe Festival and London Student Pride. Now she's returning to MK, to perform a selection of songs from films throughout the age.
SPECIAL GUEST SINGER - TARA APPLETON
One of our 2CIFF team is an excellent performer and will be warming up the attendees prior to our main attraction SASHA MYSTERE