International
Indie Filmmakers
Hall of Fame

Class of 2026 Mike Suglio is a Cleveland filmmaker and founder of Short. Sweet. Film Fest, with work in documentaries, short films, teaching, and film community leadership.

Class of 2026 Dustin Lee is a Cleveland-based filmmaker with 20+ years of experience creating award-winning shorts and documentaries. His latest film, First Time, won Audience Choice for Best Comedy at Sedona and Cleveland.

Class of 2026 Stacey Malone is an award-winning actress, director, producer, and screenwriter whose work and leadership have helped shape independent film and women’s representation in media.

Class of 2026 Vernard “Vern” Adams has been active in Cleveland film since 2010 as an actor, writer, director, producer, and judge. In 2025, he won Best Supporting Actor at the Cleveland 48 Hour Horror Film Project.

Class of 2026 Matthew Mark Hunter is a 26 year old, Award Winning Filmmaker with over 270 Horror films created since 2017. As the Puppet Master, he has brought many things to life from Dolls and Toys to common kitchen appliances and has created numerous creatures and monsters in his fantasy-realm mind. Alongside the movies, Matthew has worked with over 300 actors since starting out including offering roles to individuals with various physical and mental disabilities and working with actors rang

Class of 2026 Pauline Nowakowski is a Cleveland-born actress, producer, writer, and director with 50+ acting credits and a long career in film, theater, and festival work.

Class of 2025 Special FX Makeup Artist. Specializes in: Blood and gore effects Horror makeup Artistic makeup designs Passionate about bringing imagination to life through makeup artistry. Known for a fusion of creativity, precision, and innovation. Delivers visually stunning and captivating work. Leaves a lasting impression on every project.

Class of 2025 Award-winning director, producer, and independent filmmaker. Founder of Russem Productions (since 2002). Grew up in both Japan and the US; graduate of USC Cinema-Television. Known for directing: P.J. (2007) Chasing the Green (2009) The Legends of Nethiah (2012) Occupants (2015) Wisper (2020) Staycation (2024) Worked with acclaimed actors like John Heard, Robert Picardo, and Marina Sirtis. Won multiple film festival awards and recognized for work across genres.

Class of 2025 Award-winning filmmaker, producer, and founder of Four by Three. Produced: Over a dozen feature films 65 comedy specials 50 television show episodes Most recent film: The Quiet Maid Debuted at #1 on Netflix Executive Produced by Steven Soderbergh Named to Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2024. Continues to lead the way in creator-led studios.

Class of 2025 Owner of HobbsStyle Casting & Production (since 2011). Casts films, web series, commercials, and TV programs. Credits include Swing Lowe, Sweet Chariotte, Hey Mr. Postman, A State of Mind, Grace and Mercy, and The Deadly Type. Creator of “The Schmooze” – annual networking event for Ohio’s film community. Film & Media instructor at Cuyahoga Community College. Advocate for the growth of Ohio’s independent film market.

Class of 2025 Producer, Event Producer, and Casting Director for TV and independent films. Casted #1 hit show for Chef Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares. President & Owner of Smarter Move Talent. NFT holder and producer of Calladita — the first European film funded by NFTs, now streaming on Netflix Spain. Produced multiple award-winning indie films featured in film festivals. Created films for Tubi Originals that have ranked in the platform’s top films

Class of 2025 Thomas Moore is an award-winning filmmaker, screenwriter, and educator dedicated to independent storytelling. Founder of the Southern Oasis Film Festival and Gritty Glow Films, his MFA and teaching experience have helped mentor emerging filmmakers. His festival supports storytellers from students to veterans, making a significant impact on both the film industry and creative community.