The visionaries behind the creative bridge

Nilesh Makwana is an author, CEO, speaker and entrepreneur based in Perth, Western Australia. A social innovator and ICT advocate, he is an expert at bringing people together to achieve common business goals.

Nilesh is also;

• CEO of illuminance Solutions
• Chair & Founder of West Tech Assemblage
• Project President of Borderless Gandhi
• Lecturer at Edith Cowan University
• Inspirational Speaker
• Author "Terminal 4 - An Entrepreneur's Journey from Bicycle to Business Class"

Ian Hale is a seasoned professional with over 30 years in the Australian film industry, having worked across distribution, logistics, sales, marketing, publicity, promotions, exhibition, executive producing and post-production. From 1993 to 2013 he held senior distribution roles at Paramount Pictures, Transmission Films, Universal Pictures and DreamWorks Animation as State Branch Manager for WA/SA/NT, overseeing sales, marketing, publicity/promotions, cinema chain relations and national strategy implementation.

In 2013 he founded The Backlot Perth, a private cinema and world-class post-production facility, and in 2021 launched HALO Films, a distribution company supporting WA films with cinema partnerships in Perth, Regional WA, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.

As an Executive Producer his credits include the five-time AACTA-nominated feature The Furnace, and he served as Chairman of the Revelation Perth International Film Festival Board from 2013 to 2023, helping grow attendance to 12,000 patrons. His contributions have been recognised with the WA Rotary Volunteer of the Year Award (2015) and WA Cinema Pioneer of the Year Award (2022), alongside 25+ years as a Director of the WA Motion Picture Benevolent Fund supporting industry members in need.

He continues to mentor filmmakers, foster WA’s screen industry, and currently serves as Australian/New Zealand Sales Manager for Netflix, distributing their theatrical releases through Films at 42.

Tim Duffy is an award-winning producer and writer whose work spans film, television, advertising, and documentaries across Australia, the US, and Europe. Over the past 25 years, he has written and produced acclaimed projects including the feature films Drift (2014, starring Sam Worthington), which earned multiple Australian Academy Award (AACTA) nominations, and Let’s Talk About Sex (2010), both of which saw global theatrical and VOD release and continue to stream on platforms such as Netflix Australia, Amazon, and US cable.

He also co-produced Baz Luhrmann’s globally released short film The One That I Want (2015), produced the Olympic sports documentary Come To The Edge for Channel 9 in 2024, and earned a Tribeca nomination for his documentary web series Purpose & Profit (2016).

Based in New York for two decades, Tim has worked on shoots across every continent, specialising in challenging remote environments including oceans, deserts, and mountains, while also producing hundreds of projects in his native Australia.

In addition to his own creative work, he has mentored numerous producers, writers, directors and crew members who have gone on to thriving careers in the industry.

Chris is an artist and film director living in Mumbai, India. Originally from Australia, he has worked in many countries, primarily Europe, the USA, Australia and India.

He has directed numerous TV Commercials, Feature Film productions and award winning short films. The rigour of his professional cinematic experience is evident in his awareness and use of light throughout each composition.

Chris majored in kinetic/robotic sculpture whilst completing his B.A. Fine Art. Shortly thereafter he attained a B.A. Hons 1st, majoring in Media Studies.

Neha is a results-driven professional with extensive experience across India, Ireland, and Australia, excelling in community development, strategic marketing, and campaign management. Her diverse career spans the not-for-profit sector, traditional sales, and SaaS, where she has delivered innovative campaigns, managed brands, and successfully executed impactful events.

An accomplished team leader, Neha has led multidisciplinary teams across data, creative, digital, and marketing communications, demonstrating expertise in managing complex campaigns. Known for her creative flair and solution-oriented approach, she thrives on crafting memorable events and building meaningful connections through networking.

Malav is an experienced Chartered Accountant, with over 22 years experience. He leads business strategy advisory to clients with inbound and outbound transactions including Tax Structuring, Employer Obligations and Due Diligence.

He is a Fellow of Tax Institute and a Chartered Tax Adviser.

Malav’s professional focus is in Business Advisory, Tax Planning with expertise in Structuring and Re-structuring, Succession Planning, Cash Flow Management, Business Valuations and General Taxation Advisory associated with transactions.

Anneke Brown is a respected leader in Western Australia's tourism and hospitality sectors, with decades of experience spanning destination marketing, visitor experience and hospitality operations. As the former Managing Director of Tourism WA, she led the state's efforts to position Western Australia on the world stage, building the partnerships and networks that connect WA's regions, operators and industry bodies with markets across the globe.

Anneke joins WAIFC as a Strategic Advisor at a time when film and tourism are more connected than ever. She understands better than most how a single frame on screen can send travellers searching for a landscape, a coastline or a town, and how Western Australia stands to gain when its story is told well. Her deep experience in international markets, including a strong understanding of India as a source of both visitors and screen production, positions her to help build lasting ties between Western Australia and India's screen industry. Drawing on her extensive relationships across tourism, government and business, she will help WAIFC turn on-screen visibility into enduring value for the state, ensuring the benefits of every production reach far beyond the studio.

Cassandra Jordan is the Chief Executive Officer of CinefestOZ Film Festival and an experienced screen, arts, marketing and events leader. She commenced as CEO in May 2023, returning to an organisation where she had previously spent more than five years in festival events and coordination roles. Her broader career includes nearly three years with Screenwest, primarily across events, sponsorship and partnerships, as well as serving as Partnerships Manager for Western Australian arts and cultural organisation ARTRAGE.

Through her leadership of CinefestOZ, Cassandra works at the intersection of Australian screen content, industry development, regional engagement and audience experience. The festival brings filmmakers, producers, broadcasters, streamers, government, industry partners and communities together while providing a platform for established and emerging Australian screen practitioners. Her experience gives her a practical understanding of the partnerships, networks and industry connections required to build meaningful screen-sector opportunities.

As a Strategic Advisor to WAIFC, Cassandra brings valuable insight into festival leadership, industry engagement, partnerships and the Western Australian screen landscape. Her perspective and networks will assist WAIFC in strengthening relationships between Western Australia and India, identifying opportunities for collaboration and connecting with relevant screen practitioners, organisations and industry stakeholders.

Mat is the Director of the Creative Tech Village (WA Creative Tech Innovation Hub) with the state government to foster collaboration and creative innovation. Over the last 14 years, Mat has focused on the development of the Creative Sectors within the South West with the establishment of the Emergence Creative Festival and the Creative Corner. Mat was integral in the conception and development of festivals such as Strings Attached, Cabin Fever, Margaret River on Tour and the Pinot Picnic. He has worked for 17 years at the South West Development Commission and worked in partnership with Austrade (Australian Trade Commission) since 2005 as the TradeStart Advisor over this period until 2015 when managed the program. Mat has an extensive background in export market development for the wine, food, tourism, creative and innovation sectors. Mat moved to Margaret River after graduating with his Bachelor of Business degree at Edith Cowan University (ECU) in 1995 and in 1996 developed the Margaret River Wine Club. Mat then returned to Perth to study Postgraduate Diploma in Multimedia at ECU and helped his vision become reality of developing a Marketing Agency in Margaret River called CREATIVE JUICES.

Aarti Chabria is a versatile figure, renowned as an actor, filmmaker, entrepreneur, and tech enthusiast. With keen insight into technology’s role in entertainment, she seamlessly blends her talents for a unique impact. Aarti’s journey began in acting, earning acclaim and a devoted fan base. Transitioning to filmmaking, she mastered producing, directing, shooting, and editing her content.

Beyond film, Aarti’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to website design and Victorious Mind Power, a platform where she serves as a visionary spiritual strategist. Her diverse talents and tech savviness make her a true trailblazer, leaving an impression in entertainment, entrepreneurship, and technology.

“Aarti’s guiding principle is to enrich the world through her distinctive skillset and empowered voice, striving to contribute meaningful value to society.”

Chris recently completed a three-and-a-half-year term at Screenwest as Head of Production, overseeing the WA Production Attraction Incentive, PDV, and the Documentary and Digital Games Programs. His role included international market attendance and discussions with many of the global industry’s most influential decision-makers.

During his time at Screenwest Chris was an advocate for Western Australian international relationships that included India, Indonesia and SEA.

Chris has now re-established Veerhuis Pictures as a premier film production company in Western Australia. The company’s mission is to create compelling, powerful films and TV Series that not only captivate local audiences but also resonate on a global scale.

Veerhuis Pictures focuses on authentic storytelling and high production values, the team consistently delivers projects that stand out in the international film landscape. VP is dedicated to bringing unique Australian perspectives and talent to the world stage, solidifying their reputation as innovators in the industry.

Throughout his 15-year career Chris has built an abundance of relationships with producers, production companies and market partners in Australia and globally via his Warner Bros Script Initiative, his Producing and Location Management and throughout his time as HoP at Screenwest.

Suzanne Worner is a highly experienced arts and screen professional with a strong track record across arts management, film production, community engagement and cultural policy in Western Australia. She brings deep sector knowledge developed over three decades working across film, broadcasting, festivals and local government.

Suzanne has produced, associate produced and executive produced numerous Western Australian screen projects, including Frank and Frank, Black Cockatoo Crisis, Honeymoon and Green: The Fight for Rock and Roll, with responsibilities spanning funding acquisition, mentoring emerging practitioners and overseeing publicity campaigns. Through her consultancy Brain Salad, she works with arts organisations and corporate clients in curation, production management, marketing and promotion, and has curated major public-facing programs including the return of outdoor cinema to Camelot.

From 2011 to 2025, Suzanne served as General Manager and Head of Communications for Revelation Perth International Film Festival, where she led the festival’s expansion into a year-round cultural program and managed budgets, staffing and programming. Her earlier career includes almost two decades at the ABC in senior production management roles.

Alongside her professional practice, Suzanne is an elected Councillor at the City of Vincent, Chair of its Arts Advisory Group, and an active board and advisory group member, contributing strategic insight to the ongoing development of WA’s arts and screen sectors.

Deepak Tijori is an internationally recognised Indian actor and filmmaker whose recent work has re-established him as a compelling presence on the global festival circuit.

His latest performance in the short film Echoes of Us has garnered widespread acclaim, earning him multiple Best Actor awards across international film festivals. The film has received over 80 awards and recognitions worldwide, with notable wins and selections across cities such as Berlin, Barcelona (Spain), Los Angeles (USA), Austin (Texas), Florida, and across emerging festival platforms in Africa, including Zimbabwe and Sudan. This global reception reflects Tijori’s ability to deliver deeply internal, emotionally resonant performances that transcend cultural boundaries.

With a career spanning over three decades, Tijori first rose to prominence through iconic roles in landmark Bollywood films such as Aashiqui (1990), Khiladi (1992), Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (1992), Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa (1994), Anjaam (1994), Ghulam (1998), and Baadshah (1999). His lead performance in Pehla Nasha (1993) remains a defining example of his range and screen presence.

Expanding his creative journey, Tijori transitioned into filmmaking, directing films such as Oops! (2003), Tom Dick and Harry (2006), Fox (2009), and Do Lafzon Ki Kahani (2016), reflecting his continued exploration of varied cinematic narratives.

As the Managing Director of Alliance Productions India LLP, Tijori is now focused on developing internationally positioned, festival-driven cinema, with an emphasis on stories that bridge cultures and speak to a global audience.

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Deva Mahalingam is the Founder and CEO of Thirai Flicks, one of the leading distributors of Indian films across Australia and New Zealand, with distribution networks extending into Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and the Pacific region.

He is widely recognised for distributing Baahubali 2 in Australia and New Zealand, which became the highest-grossing Indian film release in the history of those markets, generating more than AUD $4 million at the box office and receiving recognition from industry measurement provider Comscore.

Through Thirai Flicks, Deva has played a significant role in bringing Indian cinema to international audiences, building relationships across film producers, distributors, exhibitors, and diaspora markets. His extensive experience in film distribution, audience development, theatrical releases, and cross-border entertainment partnerships provides valuable industry expertise to the West Australian Indian Film Council's mission of strengthening screen industry collaboration between Western Australia and India.

Daniel is an award-winning cinematographer, with ongoing experience in feature film, music video, short film, corporate and commercial works. He has a love of visual storytelling that centres on the artistic, finding himself at home behind the lens and creating beautiful images.

With over 18 years of experience in the education industry, Daniel brings a seasoned approach to fostering success through collaboration. His extensive background across both government and private sectors—spanning primary, secondary, and internationally recognised tertiary institutions—has honed his communication skills and cultivated a collaborative mindset. This breadth of experience enables him to effectively navigate challenges and drive solutions across all age groups and educational settings.

He has his RePL (Remote Pilot Licence) and is a qualified First Aid trainer.

As the driving force behind "Karla Hart Ent PL" for over 9 years, Karla's journey weaves creative storytelling with a passion for representing Indigenous voices in mainstream media. Her competencies, honed over multiple years of experience, include workshop facilitation and creative writing, which fuel her projects with authenticity and innovation.

Karla's role coordinating the Wardarnji Festival showcases her expertise in event management, ensuring cultural celebrations resonate with diverse audiences. The values of community engagement and cultural preservation guide her team in creating impactful experiences that honour tradition and inspire connection.

Robert Taylor is a proud Nhanda man from the Yamaji nation and one of Australia’s leading advocates for First Nations tourism, cultural experiences and economic participation. He is Chief Executive Officer of the Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council (WAITOC) and currently serves as a Trustee of Western Australia’s Arts and Culture Trust, a member of the Aboriginal Advisory Council of Western Australia, and Chair of the National First Nations Visitor Economy Partnership. Robert also serves on the Board of Ecotourism Australia. Across these roles, he brings more than three decades of experience spanning tourism, hospitality, business development, cultural engagement and community advocacy.

Under Robert’s leadership, WAITOC has played an important role in growing Aboriginal tourism businesses across Western Australia, strengthening Aboriginal-led visitor experiences and creating greater recognition of First Nations culture at state, national and international levels. His work has included contributing to Western Australia’s Jina Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan and building partnerships across government, industry and community that support cultural understanding, sustainable tourism and economic opportunity.

As a member of WAIFC’s First Nations Advisory Circle, Robert brings valuable perspectives at the intersection of culture, storytelling, tourism and place. His experience will help WAIFC approach First Nations engagement respectfully and, where relevant, identify appropriate pathways to Traditional Owners, cultural advisers and Aboriginal tourism operators. This will be particularly valuable for films, documentaries and international screen projects seeking to engage with Western Australian locations, stories and cultural experiences in an authentic and culturally informed way.

Ronak Bhalvani is an Australian screen actor with a growing body of work across film and television, including roles in the upcoming series - Two Birds, The Twelve, Itch, The Heights, and a number of independent short films. Having grown up in India and now based in Australia, he brings a unique cross-cultural perspective to his craft and is a compelling emerging voice in the Australian screen industry, passionate about creating greater opportunities for artists of South Asian background within Australian and international screen productions.

Jagaveer is an Australian and Indian actor who lived in Australia for over 15 years. Dedicated to strengthening creative partnerships between the Australian and Indian screen industries, he is passionate about storytelling with global appeal and actively supports cross-border collaboration, talent exchange and international screen initiatives.

Jagaveer made his lead acting debut in the Indian film industry (Tamil) with 2K Love Story, which continues to stream on leading platforms including Amazon Prime Video and Aha. He is currently playing lead roles in two upcoming feature films, with one scheduled for release by the end of this year and the other in early next year.

Drawing on his deep understanding of both Australian and Indian cultures, Jagaveer is committed to fostering creative excellence, cultural exchange and meaningful industry partnerships that connect the screen industries of both nations.