About Borderless Frames

Tannaz Dahandeh is a writer known for her thoughtful, character-driven storytelling and her ability to craft narratives with emotional depth and clarity. Her work spans drama, dramedy, and grounded contemporary stories that explore human relationships, internal conflict, and personal growth. 

Tannaz has collaborated with independent filmmakers and creative teams on a variety of projects, contributing to story development, dialogue, and refining character arcs. Her writing is recognized for its strong voice, nuanced perspective, and commitment to honest, resonant storytelling.

As a judge for Borderless Frames, Tannaz brings a sharp eye for structure, tone, and authenticity, along with a genuine passion for championing emerging creative voices.

Farzan M. Deljou is an actor, writer, and director who has become a recognized figure in Iranian cinema. His artistic journey began at just thirteen years old with the publication of his first mystery novel, marking the start of a lifelong dedication to storytelling across both film and literature.

As an actor, Farzan has starred in numerous films and television projects, known for his powerful screen presence and ability to portray layered, emotionally complex characters. His work as a writer and director reflects his interest in suspense, human psychology, and character-driven narratives, shaped by decades of experience in the industry.

Farzan brings a seasoned, insightful voice to the Borderless Frames judging panel. His depth of experience and commitment to discovering and uplifting new storytellers make him a valued part of our team.

Clarisse Félix is a Portuguese actress and model whose work spans television, fashion, and digital media. Raised on a small island in the Atlantic before moving to London, Clarisse began performing at a young age, re-creating monologues and building her early presence online through YouTube. Her passion for acting quickly grew as she explored character work and on-camera performance throughout her childhood.

Clarisse has modeled for several campaigns, including appearing on the front cover of Dolce & Gabbana Magazine in 2024 at age seventeen. At sixteen, she made her screen debut with a role in the acclaimed series The Boys, marking the beginning of her transition from online performance to professional acting.

As a rising talent with a strong sense of discipline and ambition, Clarisse continues to build her career across both acting and modeling. Her perspective as a young performer and her dedication to her craft make her a dynamic addition to the Borderless Frames judging panel.

Ethan Avilla joined the Borderless Frames judging panel after his film The Last Night won Best Short Film in the previous round of competition, making him the newest member of our panel.

Ethan is a filmmaker known for his atmospheric approach to visual storytelling, blending suspense, mood, and emotional restraint. His award-winning short The Last Night was praised for its striking cinematography, careful pacing, and cinematic tension, establishing him as a standout emerging director.

His work often explores themes of solitude, uncertainty, and human vulnerability, shaped through intentional framing and a strong command of tone. As part of the Borderless Frames judging team, Ethan brings thoughtful insight, firsthand experience as a past winner, and a genuine passion for supporting new voices in independent filmmaking.

Maria Sanchez is an acting coach with a deep background in theatre performance and training. She has worked extensively with stage actors, helping them develop strong, truthful performances through character exploration, emotional grounding, and a disciplined approach to craft. Her coaching emphasizes presence, vocal technique, physicality, and the ability to bring layered characters to life in a live performance setting.

Maria has guided both new and experienced theatre performers, supporting them through script analysis, scene work, and character development. Her workshops and one-on-one coaching are known for creating a supportive yet challenging environment where actors can grow, experiment, and refine their artistic voice.

As a judge for Borderless Frames, Maria brings a theatre-trained perspective to evaluating performance, character authenticity, and emotional depth. Her commitment to nurturing actors and cultivating honest storytelling makes her a valuable part of our panel.

Kiara Bilson is a director known for her visually engaging style and her ability to guide heartfelt, character-focused narratives. Her work spans short films, music videos, and independent features, often blending cinematic intimacy with bold visual storytelling. Kiara’s directing is marked by a sharp eye for emotional nuance, strong performances, and a clear, intentional artistic voice.

Throughout her career, she has collaborated with a wide range of actors, writers, and creatives, shaping stories from early development through final cut. Her projects have screened at independent festivals and have been recognized for their craftsmanship, tone, and authenticity.

As a judge for Borderless Frames, Kiara brings a director’s understanding of performance, pacing, visual language, and story structure. Her commitment to championing new filmmakers and supporting emerging creative voices makes her a valuable member of our panel.