ABOUT US
Ali Alkhafaji
Festival Director
Ali is the Festival Director for "LA Under the Stars". He currently hosts a similar festival called "Austin Under the Stars" in Austin, Texas.
Both festivals donate a portion of all proceeds to Autism Society of America.
After the strong turnout & reception of the Austin event, Ali has decided to bring his festival concept to the center of the film industry - Los Angeles!
Leila Scott
Judge/Red Carpet MC
With over 7+ years of experience as an actor, Leila's judging insights have been crucial to the selection process. Leila is currently working in commercial & narrative films.
Madison Moreland
Marketing Director
As a graduate of the University of Texas, Madison handles daily outreach & promotion within the student community both locally with the Department of Radio-Television-Film & nationally.
Michael Schuermann
Graphic Designer
With an exceptional background in communications & visual arts, Michael has been instrumental in creating the LA Under the Stars brand.
Michael now works as a motion designer & animator in video production.
TJ Faraizi
Judge/Programmer
Shafayet Faraizi is an award-winning international producer, actor, voiceover artist, public speaker, host, and proud programmer/judge of LA Under the Stars. He is the first Bangladeshi-American to work in major productions both through Hollywood and Bangladesh. A devoted human rights activist, Mr. Faraizi has created and will continue to produce media that will bring aid and awareness to social injustices and worthy causes all around the world.
Derrick Edmond
Social Media Analyst
A US Army veteran & former intelligence contractor, Derrick now works as a Cinematographer & Camera Operator for Inspiran Studios. Although most credits to his name are behind the camera, he has also acted in multiple roles including National Geographic’s “The Long Road Home”. Derrick looks to change the stereotypes of combat veterans in film.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tracy Morse
Board of Directors
As President of Images, Inc., Tracy Morse developed a business that filled a need for strategic communication and public outreach across a variety of industries. Morse is breaking ground by reshaping the way outreach is done in the transportation industry.
Janie Gallagher
Board of Directors
Head of the PR Foundation for Broden Company, an independent record label in Los Angeles. Personal Assistant at Red Light Management Los Angeles. Personal Assistant to Fernando Giaccardi, manager of award winning singer-songwriter Enrique Iglesias. Served as an Administrative Assistant for Red Light Nashville working with clients ranging from: Alabama Shakes, Amos Lee, Taj Mahal, Rayland Baxter, String Cheese Incident, & many more.
