Meet The Jury Committee...
As AEFA, we're honored to introduce a distinguished group of industry leaders and creative visionaries who make up our jury committee. Each member brings a wealth of expertise, insight, and passion, embodying the diversity and brilliance of international filmmaking and screenwriting.
As they come together to review and select the finest achievements in both cinema and screenplay, we are grateful for their dedication to championing the art of storytelling.
Meet the esteemed jury of the Ardélion Awards Gala 2025...
Tobias Vees
Tobias is a screenwriter from Austria. He studied screenwriting at the London Film School, and ever since worked as a ghostwriter & script doctor on award-winning feature films produced in the UK. Beyond his work as a writer, Tobias is an active board member of the HEAR US MOVE collective, a European initiative dedicated to developing genre stories that combine compelling entertainment with layered social and cultural themes. He also shares his expertise and insights as the host of The Filmmaker’s Podcast, where he engages in conversations about filmmaking, industry trends, and the creative journey. In addition, Tobias is the founder and organizer of the ClimateShorts Film Festival in Baden, which highlights innovative short films addressing urgent environmental issues through artistic storytelling.
Nikolaus Stadler
Nikolaus is a screenwriter and director from New York, currently based in Vienna, Austria. He studied Film Directing at the Warsaw Film School in Poland, where he developed his passion for visual storytelling and character-driven narratives. His films have screened internationally and received multiple awards, most recently at the International Film Festival of Wales. In addition to his creative work, Nikolaus is an active member of the Austrian Directors’ Association, continuing to contribute to the local film community while developing new projects for the international silver screen.
Inès Khannoussi
Inès is a documentary director and producer from Austria with a strong focus on stories that highlight humanity, migration, and intercultural exchange. Her most recent
work, A Normal Life, premiered last year at the International Human Rights Film Festival, where it received critical attention for its intimate storytelling and social relevance. The film continued its journey in August 2025 with a screening at the Freistadt Filmfestival in Austria, further establishing her as a filmmaker dedicated to meaningful, socially engaged storytelling.
Thomas Nauw
Thomas is a filmmaker and director from the Netherlands with a strong background in both creative and entrepreneurial work. He is a board member of the AFAS Young Business Award and co-founder of film production company CFX. His recent feature film, Betrayal, brought him international recognition when it won Best Feature Film at the Ardélion Awards Gala 2024, held last year in Glasgow. With his work, Thomas continues to build a reputation for delivering impactful films while also playing an active role in fostering innovation and talent within the creative industries.
Peter Nillesen
Peter is a screenwriter and actor from the Netherlands. Over the years, he has been recognized with multiple international awards, earning distinctions that range from Best Actor to Best Writer for his contributions to film. His most recent success came with the feature film Betrayal, where he played the lead role, winning Best Feature Film at the Ardélion Awards Gala 2024 in Glasgow, a recognition he shares with director and current jury member Thomas Nauw.