Meet Our Judges

Assistant Professor of Animation

Webster University, St. Louis, MO

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Michael Long is an award-winning 2D animator and filmmaker whose independent works have been shown at film festivals and cultural venues across the United States and abroad. A native St. Louisan, he has taught animation and film courses for many years at Webster University. He is a board member of ASIFA-Central, a chapter of the Association Internationale du Film d’Animation, the world’s oldest international animation society, and a member of the Society of American Magicians—because animation is form of magic, you know.

Facilitator of the Scriptwriting Program at Webster University

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Peter Hanrahan received his MFA in Playwriting from Rutgers University and BA in English from Washington University in St. Louis (Phi Beta Kappa). His play “Prize Inside” was published in The Best Ten-Minute Plays of 2007 (S&K), and his screenplay The Lowlands has actors John Leguizamo and Alfred Molina and director Alfredo de Villa attached. He works as a Story Analyst for UTA and Village Roadshow, writes for Script Magazine, and serves on the Advisory Board of ScriptHop. He currently lives with his wife and two daughters in Saint Louis, Missouri, where he facilitates the Scriptwriting Program at Webster University.

Founder

St. Louis Youth Film Festival

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Thomasina Clarke began St Louis Youth Film Festival (STLYFF) to fill a void for creative youth, ages 13-25, who are great at storytelling but need assistance showcasing their stories. STLYFF is content-driven, meaning we are more interested in the original, creative story. That being said, youth can use the assistance of peers, adults, and professionals to bring their story to the big screen. Thomasina is a retired Middle School Drama Instructor.

Journalist, Screenwriter, and Author

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Edward Gehlert is an award-winning journalist, screenwriter, and author passionate about compelling narratives. With over twenty years of experience in writing and publishing, he has crafted more than ten million words across journalism, fiction, and screenwriting. His screenplay 5th Floor Francis was a finalist in the Lift-Off Austin Screenplay Competition, showcasing his talent for gripping storytelling and character-driven drama.

A represented screenwriter with TANDM Management in Los Angeles, Edward has been involved in several motion media projects, including film, and has worked alongside Oscar and Emmy-winning talent. His expertise in narrative structure and character development brings depth to every project he undertakes. Beyond the page, he has experience in talent management, booking entertainment professionals for media events, and overseeing creative projects from concept to completion. His work in journalism has earned him multiple Missouri Press Association awards, highlighting his ability to uncover the truth and tell stories that resonate.

Whether crafting a screenplay, producing motion media, or evaluating the next generation of filmmakers, Edward brings a sharp eye for storytelling and a deep appreciation for the art of cinema. Quirky and approachable, Edward is always open to discussing the magic of cinema and the impact art has on our lives.

Host of Geek To Me Radio, a LIVE radio show covering pop culture

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​A fan of Movies, TV, Video Games, and Comic Books from a very early age, James’ entire life has prepared him to do exactly what it is he finds himself currently doing! Born and raised in St. Louis playing with Transformers & G.I. Joe toys while watching Thundercats and Voltron on the television, he (eventually) grew up and went on to double major in Political Science and Psychology getting his Bachelor Degrees from Westminster College before going on to graduate from Broadcast Center. The love of movies never left him from the time his older siblings took him to see 'E.T.' and 'Inner Space' on the big screen. One of his happiest places is sitting in a dark movie theater consuming his body weight in popcorn. Now, he talks about movies and more on Geek To Me Radio can now be heard every Sunday night at 9pm Central on The Big 550 KTRS.