Reema Khan is one of Pakistan’s most celebrated actresses, with a career spanning over three decades and more than 200 films to her name. Since her 1990 début, she has earned acclaim for her remarkable talent and versatility. Honored with the 2019 Pride of Performance Award, she continues to be a defining figure of Pakistani cinema. As a Jury Member at HIFF-DC, she brings unmatched experience and a legacy of excellence to the festival.

Mushtaq Khan is a veteran Indian actor and comedian with a career spanning over three decades. Known for his memorable roles in numerous Hindi films and television, he continues to be celebrated for his impeccable comic timing and versatile performances. As a Jury Member at HIFF-DC, he brings experience, charm, and a deep understanding of cinematic storytelling.

Kamran Shaikh is a versatile Pakistani-American actor whose career has quickly gained momentum in both film and television. After his breakout appearance in Marvel’s Captain America: Civil War, he went on to secure major roles in acclaimed series and films including FBI International, Law & Order: Organized Crime, Outer Banks, Cobra Kai, Ozark, NCIS, The Resident, and The Haunted Mansion. With a growing body of impactful performances, Kamran brings fresh perspective, global experience, and a passion for storytelling to his role as a Jury Member at HIFF-DC.

Jawed Sheikh is a legendary actor and director with a career spanning five decades across Pakistan, India, and beyond. Known for iconic roles in films like Na Maloom Afraad, Om Shanti Om, and Na Maloom Afraad 2, he remains a symbol of versatility and cinematic excellence. As the senior-most Jury Member at HIFF-DC, he brings unmatched experience and wisdom to honor the true spirit of cinema.

Ghulam Ali is considered to be one of the best ghazal singers of his era. His style and variations in singing Ghazals has been noted as unique, as he blends Hindustani classical music with ghazals, unlike any other ghazal singer.

Faisal Qureshi is a prominent media professional with 28 years of experience as an actor, writer, director, and producer. He founded GAMEOVER PRODUCTIONS and is known for his innovative UFONE ads and his directorial debut with "Money Back Guarantee." Faisal continues to bring creativity and innovation to the media industry.

Noor Naghmi is an accomplished actor, director, and producer, and a member of SAG-AFTRA in Hollywood. His latest film, Angels Within, was a contender for the Oscars, and it brought to light the powerful stories of Pakistani-American doctors serving rural communities in the U.S. Noor’s commitment to impactful storytelling and cultural narratives perfectly aligns with HiFF-DC’s values, and we are honored to have him as part of our family.

Naseer Haider Siddiqui is an award-winning Director, Producer, and VFX Artist with over two decades of experience across Hollywood, Bollywood, and the Middle East. As Founder & CEO of Black Bird Motion Media, he has led groundbreaking projects in film, post-production, and visual effects. His acclaimed short film Exfil earned multiple international awards in 2025, cementing his reputation as a visionary storyteller. As a Jury Member at HIFF-DC, Naseer brings global expertise and passion for innovation to honor films that push boundaries and inspire audiences worldwide.

Rida Bilal is an award-winning writer with a passion for crafting stories that break stereotypes and inspire change. Her work has gained critical acclaim, and she continues to be a leading voice in creating powerful scripts for television and digital media. As a Brand Ambassador and Jury Member, Rida is committed to uplifting diverse narratives and ensuring that underrepresented voices have a platform through HiFF-DC.

Kelly Goldberg is a Cultural Storytelling Pioneer in Film and Media. With an intuitive mastery of light, composition, and emotion in visual storytelling, Kelly’s work evokes deep responses from audiences. Her passion for mentoring emerging artists and elevating underrepresented voices aligns perfectly with HiFF’s mission. As a Brand Ambassador and Jury Member, Kelly brings her vision to help guide our festival towards new heights of global cinema.

Muhammad Ashar Asghar is a Visionary Director in Pakistani Television and Film. With a sharp instinct for narrative structure and emotional pacing, his work blends realism with social relevance, engaging audiences deeply. His transition from tech to storytelling reflects his unique blend of logic and creativity. As a mentor to young creatives and a bold voice in socially conscious content, Ashar aligns with platforms that champion purposeful storytelling. His impact on drama and short films continues to shape Pakistan’s evolving media landscape.

Tabassum Saleem, based in Paris, serves as the Head of the Association Department at Zonta Club Paris Port-Royal Concorde. She has made her mark in media, politics, and social advocacy. As a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and equality, Tabassum brings her leadership and dedication to HiFF-DC, representing the festival’s mission of amplifying voices and creating meaningful change through cinema.

Warda Butt is an accomplished entrepreneur, podcast anchor, social activist, and certified photojournalist. Her work supports orphanages, senior care facilities, and marginalized communities, raising awareness for the rights of people with disabilities and transgender individuals. As a Brand Ambassador and Social Impact Advocate, Warda uses her platform to amplify the voices of those who often go unheard, aligning her mission with HiFF-DC’s vision of using cinema as a tool for social change.