Matthew Keisoglu is a multi-award-winning Armenian Australian filmmaker whose work explores the intersection of horror, cultural memory, and sociocultural trauma. He holds a Bachelor’s and Honours degree in Film and Television from Deakin University and is completing a Master of Arts alongside his latest short film, When Dogs Bark. His films have screened internationally in Istanbul, Los Angeles, New York, London, and Florida, as well as in numerous online festivals. Matthew is the founder and Festival Director of the Multicultural Mental Health Film Festival, organised by the Mental Health Foundation Australia, where he leads initiatives that champion mental health, diversity, and cross-cultural storytelling. He is proud to run the festival alongside an esteemed judging panel of filmmakers, mental health advocates, and cultural leaders. He has served as a jury member for the Brightlight International Film Festival and has appeared on SBS Armenian, 3CR, AGBU Melbourne, and SWIFF’s Film Sessions podcast. He has a cat named Sherlock.

Ramin Iranfar is a filmmaker with a strong foundation in editing, producing, and screenwriting. Born in Iran and raised across the UK, UAE, US, and Australia, he brings a rich multicultural perspective to his work. He began studying Psychology before shifting his focus to film and storytelling, later earning a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Television from Deakin University. Over the past six years, he’s worked across short films, documentaries, music videos, corporate content, and live sports broadcasts. Ramin is particularly interested in themes of culture, identity, and lived experience, and is committed to supporting stories that reflect and elevate underrepresented voices.

Mojdeh Kashani is a Melbourne-based journalist at SBS and a passionate multicultural storyteller. With over a decade working across different fields of storytelling—including journalism, film, and live performance—she focuses on the lived experiences of migrant communities, mental health, identity, and inclusion. Formerly an international tour guide, Mojdeh brings a deep understanding of people and cultures into her work. As an actor, she has appeared in feature films and theatre productions, continuing to explore human stories through performance. She is also a co-writer of A Guide to Australia, a book designed to help newcomers navigate life in a new country. To learn more about Mojdeh: https://www.instagram.com/mojdeh.kash?igsh=MnQ1dzlyazQ3MWcy

IT & Marketing Lead, Mental Health Foundation Australia

Nithya has played a pivotal role as one of the co-organisers of the festival and works at the Mental Health Foundation Australia, leading the digital and creative vision for the festival. With a strong focus on digital communication and engagement, she led the development of the festival's online presence through the Foundation’s mediums including the design and management of the official website and promotions through social media. She gathered a talented team from the digital media students from various universities to bring innovative ideas to life. Her work is driven by a deep passion for creative expression as a means to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental health, through the power of films in the digital space. With an academic background in Information Technology and professional experience in IT administration and marketing initiatives, she bridges the gap between technical expertise and creative storytelling. Her approach continues to shape the festival’s evolving digital identity and mental health advocacy.

Mental Health Foundation Australia

Vy joined the Mental Health Foundation Australia as a Social Media Coordinator to contribute to various marketing initiatives and media productions, enhancing her practical skills alongside academic studies. She recently graduated with a double degree in Business and Media & Communications from Swinburne University. Vy brings fresh perspective and strategic thinking to her role as Social Media Coordinator for the festival. She manages the organisation’s social media communications, ensuring that each message is thoughtfully crafted to engage, inform, and inspire. Her creative contributions have played a vital role in shaping the festival’s voice across digital platforms helping to extend its reach, build meaningful connections, and drive awareness around mental health. With a passion for impactful storytelling and digital engagement, she continues to make a difference in how the festival connects with its audience.

Mental Health Foundation Australia

As the lead Concept & Creative Designer for the festival over the past two years, Linh has played a key role in shaping and realising the festival’s creative vision. Her work has brought the festival’s identity to life across both print and digital platforms ensuring a strong, cohesive visual presence that resonates with audiences. Her designs have elevated the way the festival communicates its message around mental health awareness. Linh holds a Bachelor’s degree in Media & Communications, majoring in Advertising, which supports her unique blend of creativity and strategic visual thinking.

Wendy recently joined the festival team as a Design Intern, contributing her skills in graphic design to support the development of the festival’s branding and visual content. Her fresh perspective and hands-on design experience have added valuable creative depth to the team during this year’s production. Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Design and Innovation Technology at RMIT University, Wendy brings a progressive approach to her work helping to shape the festival’s visual identity across platforms while aligning with its mission to promote mental health awareness through digital media.