MEET THE TEAM
Meet the team
We are proud to showcase a group of experienced industry professionals dedicated to making this festival a success. Our esteemed panel of judges brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and expertise. They ensure the films selected represent the best in creativity, storytelling, and innovation.
Meet Founder & Visionary – anna daal
Creative Arts producer | Model | Actress
Anna Daal, is a fashion model and creative art director, as well as the founder of the Russian Film Festival South Africa International. She holds a diploma in the Michael Chekhov acting technique, a psychophysical approach to performance developed by Russian actor and director Michael Chekhov, a student of Konstantin Stanislavski. Her passion for cinema and the vibrant atmosphere of international festivals inspired her dream of launching her own event. That dream became a reality with the establishment of the Russian Film Festival South Africa International in 2025.
Creative Journey
Anna’s career spans modeling, acting, and creative direction. It took off after she won a prestigious local pageant in Europe. Since then, she has been based in Cape Town. There, she excelled as a sought-after model in commercial, print, and editorial campaigns. Moreover, she has worked with both local and international brands.
Artistic Vision
Beyond being in front of the camera, Anna has made her mark as a Creative Arts Producer. Specifically, she curates projects that blend artistic vision with compelling storytelling.
Film Festival Inspiration
Anna loves film festivals and International cinema. This passion fuels her creative journey. Therefore, she established the Russian Film Festival South Africa International 2025. The festival brings together filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences worldwide. It celebrates diverse storytelling and artistic expression.
For media inquiries, interviews, or festival partnership opportunities, please contact us
Meet Presenter & Judge – Natasha Mayet
Presenter | Award-Winning Producer | Industry Mentor
We are thrilled to welcome Natasha Mayet as a Presenter and Judge at the Russian Film Festival South Africa International. As an internationally recognized actor, award-winning producer, acting coach, and film festival founder, Natasha has built a distinguished career across Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Cape Town. Moreover, her dedication to storytelling, mentorship, and industry innovation makes her an invaluable addition to this year’s festival.
Key Highlights of Natasha Career
Natasha Mayet has a dynamic career spanning film, TV, theater, commercials, and voice-over work. Over the past decade, she has worked on many international and local productions. As a result, she gained recognition for her range and depth as a performer.
Recent & Upcoming Projects
UNSEEN on Netflix
Huntington (directed by John Patton Ford)
Memento Mori (directed by Anthony Meindl)
Pony – nominated at the Bronze Lens, Berlin Sci-Fi, and Atlanta Sci-Fi Film Festivals
Last Laughter Guru – earned Natasha a Female Filmmaker of the Year nomination at the 48-Hour Film Project Los Angeles
Acting Coach & AMAW Cape Town
Beyond acting, Natasha mentors other storytellers. In 2020, she brought the Los Angeles-founded acting studio, Anthony Meindl’s Actor Workshop (AMAW), to Cape Town. Since then, AMAW Cape Town has become a prominent acting studio and community for professional actors.
Film Festival Leadership & Industry Advocacy
As co-founder and director of the Cape Town Squad International Film Festival, Natasha championed diverse voices and independent filmmakers over three successful years. In addition, she has served as a judge, recognizing emerging talents in categories like Best Acting. For example, she judged at events such as the AMAW BIPOC/Global Majority Scholarships and the One Minute Film Festival.
Natasha is represented by Pursch Artistes in Cape Town and Contractors Artists in Johannesburg. She continues to work on international productions while mentoring, supporting, and advocating for emerging filmmakers.
Meet Judge – Greg Kriek
actor |International Film & TV Star | Emmy® Contender
We are excited to announce that Greg Kriek will serve as a juror for the Russian Film Festival South Africa International. Greg is a South African-born actor and producer who has made a remarkable impact in Hollywood. With over 95 international screen credits, Greg is now one of South Africa’s most globally recognized actors and producers. His career has been a testament to his talent, dedication, and versatility. We are proud to have him as part of our prestigious panel of jurors.
Key Highlights of Greg Kriek
A career-defining moment came when Greg was in contention for the 2024 Primetime Emmy® Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series/Movie for his role as Karl Stromberg in Die Hart 2: Die Harter. Starring alongside Kevin Hart, John Cena, and Nathalie Emmanuel.
His recent major projects include
The Serengeti Rules – Greg portrayed Dr. Tony Sinclair in the Emmy®-winning feature.
Trust – He won Best Supporting Actor of the Year at the Los Angeles Annual Film Awards for his gripping performance in this Holocaust drama, starring opposite Emily Bader.
Rebel Moon (Netflix, Zack Snyder) – Greg stars as Marcus alongside Sir Anthony Hopkins, Charlie Hunnam, and Djimon Hounsou.
Fly Me to the Moon – He worked under director Greg Berlanti, sharing the screen with Scarlett Johansson, Channing Tatum, and Woody Harrelson.
Greg has shared the screen with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Morgan Freeman, Megan Fox, Dylan O’Brien, Billy Zane, and many others. His previous notable roles include Rogue (Lionsgate), Maze Runner: The Death Cure (20th Century Studios), Inside Man 2 (Universal Studios), and Black Mirror (Netflix, Season 5), to name a few.
Greg Kriek Impact on South African Cinema
In addition to his international success, Greg has made significant contributions to South African cinema with acclaimed films like Born to Win (Netflix), ‘n Man Soos My Pa, and The Recce, the latter earning him Best Actor in a Feature Film (2019).
Greg’s career momentum shows no signs of slowing down, with over seven major releases scheduled for 2025. His experience makes this festival a prime opportunity to engage with industry professionals and celebrate the art of filmmaking.
Meet Judge – Hilton Treves
Filmmaker | Visual Effects Supervisor | Director
We are pleased to announce that Hilton Treves, an accomplished visual effects supervisor with credits including Pulse (2022), London Has Fallen (2016), and Samson (2018), will serve as a juror for the Russian Film Festival South Africa International. Hilton’s expertise in visual effects and filmmaking will bring a unique perspective to the jury panel.
A Passion for Visual Innovation
Hilton Treves is an experienced filmmaker with a robust background in visual effects and direction. With years of experience working on high-profile productions, Hilton has been involved in various aspects of filmmaking, ranging from visual effects to second-unit direction.
Notable Film and Television Credits
Hilton’s career is marked by his involvement in several notable films and series, where he has worked alongside some of Hollywood’s most celebrated talents. His credits include the action-packed Pulse (2022), the biblical epic Samson (2018), and the critically acclaimed The Giver (2014). Hilton also contributed to major blockbuster productions such as Blended (2014), London Has Fallen (2016), Racheltjie DeBeer (2019), and the historical drama Troy: Fall of a City (2018).
Hilton Treves: Working on Set with Hollywood Legends
Throughout his career, Hilton has had the opportunity to work alongside some of the biggest names in the industry, including Jeff Bridges, Meryl Streep, Adam Sandler, and Greg Kriek. His passion for storytelling and attention to detail has earned him a reputation as a valuable asset in the world of film production and post-production.
A Bright Future Ahead
Hilton’s career shows no signs of slowing down. With his wealth of experience and his commitment to excellence, he continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of filmmaking. As the industry evolves, Hilton remains at the forefront of visual innovation, constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible in both film production and post-production.