Golden Dunes Dubai Film Festival Awards
- Best Feature Film
- Best Short Film
- Best Documentary
- Best Animation
- Best AI-Short film
- Best AI-Commercial
- Best AI-Music Video
- Best Experimental
- Best Student Film
- Best Arab Film
- Best Director
- Best Actor & Actress
- Best Cinematography
- Best Editing
- Best Sound Design
Meet the Jury
ALI ZAMANI
Ali is a film director and founder of AZ Filmz, known for his visually striking films and music videos. He has directed over 300 music videos for artists like Snoop Dogg and Enrique Iglesias and worked on commercials for major brands. Zamani has directed eight feature films, including Opus of an Angel and Angels Fallen: Warriors of Peace (starring Cuba Gooding Jr.), which became a #1 hit on Amazon Prime in 2024. He continues to push creative boundaries in film and media.
ZEUS ZAMANI
Zeus Zamani is an industry veteran with over 15 years of experience and more than 50 international film and television projects to his credit, including producing the U.S. Unit of Netflix’s global hit Squid Game Season 3 and the action/sci-fi success Angels Fallen: Warriors of Peace, which reached #1 on Amazon Prime Video in 2024. His diverse body of work spans premium series such as Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale, Netflix’s Jinn, the superhero drama Jupiter’s Legacy, and Roku’s first exclusive original, Cypher, as well as a longstanding slate of features for Lionsgate, including Invitation to a Murder and its 2024 sequel Murder at the Embassy. Beyond scripted entertainment, Zamani oversees a global commercial division producing major campaigns for brands like Kia, Hyundai, LG, Samsung, and Starbucks, with productions shot across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America.
Dr. Rashed Mohammed Zubair Al Farooq
Dr. Rashed Mohammed Zubair Al Farooq is the Co-Founder and Group CEO of Speedy Comics Group, a leading UAE pop-culture powerhouse uniting comics, collectibles, and entertainment through brands like Speedy Comics, PopCon ME, and HIT Grading & Authentication. A visionary entrepreneur, he has redefined the Middle East’s pop-culture scene and built global connections between East and West. Named CEO of the Year 2025 by CEO Monthly and listed by Rolling Stone MENA among the “Top 10 Most Influential Entrepreneurs,” he continues to set new standards for the industry. Beyond business, Dr. Rashed is a philanthropist dedicated to empowering youth through the Biz Kidz Initiative and supporting the Rashed Center for People of Determination, leaving a lasting legacy of innovation and cultural impact.
PHILLIP B. GOLDFINE
Phillip B. Goldfine is an American film and television producer known for his extensive work across independent and studio productions, with a career spanning over 100 film and TV projects. He has produced a wide range of content across genres, often focusing on character-driven and socially relevant storytelling, and has collaborated with major studios and networks throughout Hollywood. Goldfine is an Academy Award winner, having executive produced the Oscar-winning documentary The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life, and is also an Emmy Award winner for his work as a writer on the variety series El Vacilón. In addition to his wins, he has received industry recognition through nominations such as a Tony Award nomination for Best Musical for Tootsie, reflecting his contributions across both film and theatrical production.
LEVON DAVIS
Levon Davis is a seasoned producer and creative executive with over 15 years of experience spanning documentary, commercial, and narrative filmmaking. As VP of Documentaries at Unanimous Media, he leads the development and production of content grounded in family, faith, and sports—pillars that guide the company’s mission to inspire through storytelling.
Throughout his career, Levon has collaborated with top-tier platforms and studios including Netflix, Amazon, ESPN, and Apple, producing content that resonates with global audiences. His work ranges from branded campaigns and feature films to critically acclaimed documentaries.
SCOTT CARLSON
Scott, two-time Emmy winner, comes from an industry family. He is a second generation Hollywood executive, with an extensive background as a producer and manager with experience to take a project from its infancy to the screen. For more 20 years, Scott has been a talent manager, involved with over 150 clients during that span, and involved in 300+ projects including TV, Film and Music. His industry focus is not only representing experienced talent in front and behind the camera, but also giving opportunities to rising talent, who lean on his expertise to navigate the industry.
ARTHUR GUBIN
Arthur is an award-winning cinematographer and author based in Los Angeles, specializing in commercials, music videos, and narrative films. He has shot numerous campaigns for top brands like Samsung, Toyota, Meta, Levi’s, and VOGUE, while also collaborating on music videos with leading American artists. His narrative and documentary work includes projects featuring talents such as Emma Myers, Denis Richard, Oliver Stone, and Eric Roberts, showcasing his versatility and cinematic vision.
GREG McKARUS
Greg is an award-winning Editor from Los Angeles, CA, with a passion for storytelling through editing and color grading. With three Telly Awards to his name, he has worked on television shows, short-form documentaries, and films, creating powerful visuals that bring meaning to every story. As the founder of Locked Cut Studios, Inc., Greg is committed to delivering exceptional, visually compelling work that continues to inspire audiences around the world.
ADELLE NAZARIAN
Adelle Nazarian is a globally recognized journalist, documentary filmmaker, geopolitical consultant and entrepreneur with an extensive international career spanning broadcast, print, and digital platforms. She has appeared on major networks including CNN, Fox News, Newsmax, and OANN, covering geopolitics, national security, human rights, and technology. Adelle has interviewed world leaders and reported from global hotspots, gaining a reputation for delivering high-impact stories with insight and integrity. She recently launched The Other View Podcast. Her work bridges East and West, and she continues to shape conversations at the intersection of media, politics, and innovation on a global scale.
PETE GOLDFINGER
Pete Goldfinger is an American screenwriter and producer best known for his work in the horror and thriller genres. He frequently collaborates with writing partner Josh Stolberg, and together they have written several films, most notably entries in the Saw franchise, including Jigsaw and Spiral: From the Book of Saw. The duo is known for crafting twist-heavy narratives and psychological tension, often blending mystery with horror elements. In addition to their work on Saw, Goldfinger has contributed to other film and television projects, building a reputation within genre filmmaking for suspense-driven storytelling and inventive plot structures.
Meet the Jury
ALI ZAMANI
Ali is a film director and founder of AZ Filmz, known for his visually striking films and music videos. He has directed over 300 music videos for artists like Snoop Dogg and Enrique Iglesias and worked on commercials for major brands. Zamani has directed eight feature films, including Opus of an Angel and Angels Fallen: Warriors of Peace (starring Cuba Gooding Jr.), which became a #1 hit on Amazon Prime in 2024. He continues to push creative boundaries in film and media.
ZEUS ZAMANI
Zeus Zamani is an industry veteran with over 15 years of experience and more than 50 international film and television projects to his credit, including producing the U.S. Unit of Netflix’s global hit Squid Game Season 3 and the action/sci-fi success Angels Fallen: Warriors of Peace, which reached #1 on Amazon Prime Video in 2024. His diverse body of work spans premium series such as Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale, Netflix’s Jinn, the superhero drama Jupiter’s Legacy, and Roku’s first exclusive original, Cypher, as well as a longstanding slate of features for Lionsgate, including Invitation to a Murder and its 2024 sequel Murder at the Embassy. Beyond scripted entertainment, Zamani oversees a global commercial division producing major campaigns for brands like Kia, Hyundai, LG, Samsung, and Starbucks, with productions shot across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America.
Dr. Rashed Mohammed Zubair Al Farooq
Dr. Rashed Mohammed Zubair Al Farooq is the Co-Founder and Group CEO of Speedy Comics Group, a leading UAE pop-culture powerhouse uniting comics, collectibles, and entertainment through brands like Speedy Comics, PopCon ME, and HIT Grading & Authentication. A visionary entrepreneur, he has redefined the Middle East’s pop-culture scene and built global connections between East and West. Named CEO of the Year 2025 by CEO Monthly and listed by Rolling Stone MENA among the “Top 10 Most Influential Entrepreneurs,” he continues to set new standards for the industry. Beyond business, Dr. Rashed is a philanthropist dedicated to empowering youth through the Biz Kidz Initiative and supporting the Rashed Center for People of Determination, leaving a lasting legacy of innovation and cultural impact.
Phillip B. Goldfine
Phillip B. Goldfine is an American film and television producer known for his extensive work across independent and studio productions, with a career spanning over 100 film and TV projects. He has produced a wide range of content across genres, often focusing on character-driven and socially relevant storytelling, and has collaborated with major studios and networks throughout Hollywood. Goldfine is an Academy Award winner, having executive produced the Oscar-winning documentary The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life, and is also an Emmy Award winner for his work as a writer on the variety series El Vacilón. In addition to his wins, he has received industry recognition through nominations such as a Tony Award nomination for Best Musical for Tootsie, reflecting his contributions across both film and theatrical production.
LEVON DAVIS
Levon Davis is a seasoned producer and creative executive with over 15 years of experience spanning documentary, commercial, and narrative filmmaking. As VP of Documentaries at Unanimous Media, he leads the development and production of content grounded in family, faith, and sports—pillars that guide the company’s mission to inspire through storytelling.
Throughout his career, Levon has collaborated with top-tier platforms and studios including Netflix, Amazon, ESPN, and Apple, producing content that resonates with global audiences. His work ranges from branded campaigns and feature films to critically acclaimed documentaries.
SCOTT CARLSON
Scott, two-time Emmy winner, comes from an industry family. He is a second generation Hollywood executive, with an extensive background as a producer and manager with experience to take a project from its infancy to the screen. For more 20 years, Scott has been a talent manager, involved with over 150 clients during that span, and involved in 300+ projects including TV, Film and Music. His industry focus is not only representing experienced talent in front and behind the camera, but also giving opportunities to rising talent, who lean on his expertise to navigate the industry.
ARTHUR GUBIN
Arthur is an award-winning cinematographer and author based in Los Angeles, specializing in commercials, music videos, and narrative films. He has shot numerous campaigns for top brands like Samsung, Toyota, Meta, Levi’s, and VOGUE, while also collaborating on music videos with leading American artists. His narrative and documentary work includes projects featuring talents such as Emma Myers, Denis Richard, Oliver Stone, and Eric Roberts, showcasing his versatility and cinematic vision.
GREG McKARUS
Greg is an award-winning Editor from Los Angeles, CA, with a passion for storytelling through editing and color grading. With three Telly Awards to his name, he has worked on television shows, short-form documentaries, and films, creating powerful visuals that bring meaning to every story. As the founder of Locked Cut Studios, Inc., Greg is committed to delivering exceptional, visually compelling work that continues to inspire audiences around the world.
ADELLE NAZARIAN
Adelle Nazarian is a globally recognized journalist, documentary filmmaker, geopolitical consultant and entrepreneur with an extensive international career spanning broadcast, print, and digital platforms. She has appeared on major networks including CNN, Fox News, Newsmax, and OANN, covering geopolitics, national security, human rights, and technology. Adelle has interviewed world leaders and reported from global hotspots, gaining a reputation for delivering high-impact stories with insight and integrity. She recently launched The Other View Podcast. Her work bridges East and West, and she continues to shape conversations at the intersection of media, politics, and innovation on a global scale.
Pete Goldfinger
Pete Goldfinger is an American screenwriter and producer best known for his work in the horror and thriller genres. He frequently collaborates with writing partner Josh Stolberg, and together they have written several films, most notably entries in the Saw franchise, including Jigsaw and Spiral: From the Book of Saw. The duo is known for crafting twist-heavy narratives and psychological tension, often blending mystery with horror elements. In addition to their work on Saw, Goldfinger has contributed to other film and television projects, building a reputation within genre filmmaking for suspense-driven storytelling and inventive plot structures.