A Creative Crew

Meet The Team

The Visionaries Behind HiFF-DC

At the Hollywood International Film Festival (HiFF-DC), we are proud to have a dedicated and passionate team of professionals from diverse backgrounds. Our team consists of filmmakers, media experts, and global leaders, all committed to elevating the art of cinema and amplifying voices worldwide. Guided by visionary leadership, we work together to bring creative stories to the forefront of international film culture.

Together, we are making HiFF-DC a global platform for independent filmmakers and fostering cultural understanding through the power of cinema.

Creative maestro: Executive Producer, Filmmaker, and devout Muslim.

Umar (John) Farooq
President and Founder
Jasdip Singh Jesse

Jasdip Singh Jesse is an Indian-American businessman and community leader, known for his advocacy and service within the Sikh community in the United States. As the founder and chairman of Sikhs of America Inc., he is dedicated to promoting Sikh contributions to American society. Jesse serves as a key advisor on the board of the Hollywood International Film Festival, bringing his leadership and experience to support the festival’s vision.

Dr. Jasdip Singh Jesse Ph.D.
Advisory Board
Sajid Tarar

Sajid Tarar is a Pakistani American businessman and CEO of the non-profit organization Center for Social Change. He is an influential social media figure, commentator, and analyst, specializing in South Asian affairs. With extensive experience in leadership and community engagement, Sajid plays a vital role as an advisor on the board of the Hollywood International Film Festival.

Dr. Sajid Tarar Ph.D.
Advisory Board
Hasan Sheikh

Hasan Sheikh is the Executive Director, Middle East, at the Hollywood International Film Festival. With over 24 years of experience in the media and IT industries, Hasan has been a pioneer in introducing innovative IT solutions for media. He operates from both the UAE and Pakistan, driving cutting-edge advancements in the field.

Hasan Sheikh
Executive Director, Middle East
Rahul Khan

Rahul Khan is a talented Indian filmmaker, director, producer, and actor in the Hindi film industry. As the founder of Lulumolu Entertainment, he has gained recognition for his unique storytelling and has been honored with prestigious awards, including the Dadasaheb Phalke Indian Television Award. His films often tackle social issues, making a lasting impact on audiences and the industry alike.

Rahul Khan
Executive Director, India
Umme Hani Najeeb
Lead Programmer
Saleha Kashif
Saleha Kashif
Programmer, Designer
Hiffaaz Amir
Hiffaaz Amir
Programmer, Social Media Manager

Our Brand Ambassadors

We are proud to introduce our Brand Ambassadors, a group of dynamic individuals who embody the spirit and vision of the Hollywood International Film Festival (HiFF-DC). These leaders and innovators come from diverse fields, united by their passion for storytelling and their commitment to using the power of cinema to inspire change. Our ambassadors work closely with HiFF-DC to amplify voices across the globe, helping to create a platform for filmmakers, artists, and creators to share their stories with the world.

Noor Naghmi

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.

Noor Naghmi
Jury Member and Brand Ambassador
Kelly Goldberg – Jury Member and Brand Ambassador

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.

Kelly Goldberg
Jury Member and Brand Ambassador
Saman Abid – Brand Ambassador (Middle East)

Saman Abid is the CEO of SA Group of Companies and a well-respected business consultant and entrepreneur. Representing the Middle East, Saman is an advocate for women’s empowerment and a leader in promoting creativity across industries. Her involvement with HiFF-DC is driven by her passion for storytelling and elevating voices from diverse cultures and communities.

Saman Abid
Brand Ambassador (Middle East)
Tabassum Saleem – Brand Ambassador (Paris, France)

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.

Tabassum Saleem
Brand Ambassador (Paris, France)
Rida Bilal

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.

Rida Bilal
Jury Member and Brand Ambassador
Warda Butt – Brand Ambassador and Social Impact Advocate

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.

Warda Butt
Brand Ambassador and Social Impact Advocate
Movie, TV Show, Filmmakers and Film Studio

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