Redfish Film Fest is proud to introduce our distinguished group of Headliners. They are all well respected in the film community with years of experience. Click on their image to read each Headliner’s background.
Chucha Barber
Lex Benedict
Greg Cruser
Anthony J Davis
Scott Harves
Anthony Hemingway
Michael Justice
Brian Leahy
Sarah Moshman
Celene Beth Olsen
William Roebuck
Robyn Roots
Robert Salyer
Cecile Scoon
Valerie Scoon
Tamra Simmons
Rebecca Sirmons
Deborah Lee Smith
Cori Shepherd
James Tralie
Madison Tuttle
Charlie Ward
Rebecca is a Florida native and an Emmy and GLAAD Award winning television executive specializing in original programming and development across multiple genres. She is currently the first director of global streaming platform NASA+. Rebecca was also the VP of Development at Conveyor Media, and prior to that was an executive at Robert Rodriguez’s El Rey Network, where she oversaw original programming, creative initiatives, and discovered diverse talent. Example credits include:
A member in good standing with the Producers Guild of America, filmmaker Chucha Barber has been creating documentary films for more than 30 years on topics as diverse as art, paleontology, high-profile murders and auto racing. She has produced more than 30 documentaries in partnership with network-owned stations including NBC, CBS, ABC, Univision and Telemundo.
Executive Producer of UNFILTERED: The Truth About Oysters, Chucha’s film has been screened at more than 30 festivals, including Redfish, world-wide earning awards at 11 festivals. It has been honored with 2 Suncoast Emmys and the Robert Stewart Environmental Film Award.
Past chair and founder of the Tallahassee Film Festival, Chucha owns and operates Chucha Barber Productions, which creates television programs and documentary films. Chucha’s work as a producer has earned eight Suncoast Emmy Awards, a Silver Circle Award for 25 years of television production excellence, and two Gracie Awards from the Alliance for Women in Media.
Chucha’s influence and interest extends beyond filmmaking. Appointed by a former Florida governor as a Commissioner of Volunteer Florida, Chucha is a past chair of the Volunteer Florida Foundation. She has served as a board member of the Leon County Tourist Development Council, instructed students as a guest lecturer at Florida State University, co-chaired the Tallahassee Heart Ball, and founded the Florida Wine Festival.
Cori is an Academy Award-nominated and Emmy-winning producer. She produced the hit Amazon docuseries LuLaRich and Wall Street Journal podcast Bad Bets: The Unraveling of Trevor Milton. Her latest work, Shiny Happy People, is the #1 doc-series on Amazon Prime.
Her other projects include Warm Bodies, a $116m global box office hit for Lionsgate; and Open Heart, a 2013 Oscar-nominated documentary that premiered on HBO. Her feature documentary Bending the Arc, which premiered at Sundance and on Netflix, was critically acclaimed as “a stunning documentary…a glorious and uplifting film.”
Additionally, she executive-produced Collisions, a 2016 Emmy winner for Outstanding New Approaches: Documentary, that premiered at Sundance.
Cori began her career as a television development executive and executive producer of scripted, nonfiction, and music programming. Additionally, Cori is a noted story impact and social change strategist who has worked with the Skoll Foundation and the Sundance Documentary Film Program.
As a proud Middle Eastern American, Cori seeks projects that highlight, employ, and move forward people and stories that have been historically unrepresented through the larger narrative.
Valerie is an award-winning producer and filmmaker. Most recently she produced the 2021 Invisible History: Middle Florida’s Hidden Roots which received the Suncoast Regional Emmy Award® and was broadcast nationally with American Public Television in 2021. In 2020, Ms. Scoon produced “Daring Women Doctors: Physicians in the 19thCentury” which also aired nationally on PBS. Previous to this, Ms. Scoon produced the documentary “Grenada: Colonialism and Conflict” which was broadcast in Grenada and has been invited to screen in NY, LA, Philadelphia as well as in countries in Africa and throughout the Caribbean.
As a Creative Executive for Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Films, as a Story Analyst for Creative Artists Agency, and as a Studio Executive for Warner Bros, Ms. Scoon has made a significant contribution to the body of American film culture. Her credits include the Golden Globe-nominated “The Great Debaters” starring Denzel Washington. Ms. Scoon’s credits also include the movies, “Their Eyes Were Watching God” and “The Wedding” both starring Halle Berry. Ms. Scoon was also instrumental in the adaptation of “Beloved” by the Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist, Toni Morrison. In addition, Ms. Scoon in her capacity as Studio Executive at Warner Bros oversaw such films as” Malcolm X” directed by Spike Lee and the children’s classic “The Secret Garden.”
Central to Florida State University’s College of Motion Picture Arts longstanding success, Valerie Scoon has been a member of the faculty since 2003. Ms. Scoon teaches screenwriting, producing, and documentaries. Her work has resulted in many students receiving Student Emmys, Oscar nominations and entry into innumerable film festivals.
Valerie Scoon graduated from Harvard University with a degree in History and Literature of America.
Cecile received a Visual and Environmental Studies undergraduate degree from Harvard in 1981. She is currently a civil rights lawyer in Panama City, Florida.
After graduating from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1984, she spent five years as an active duty Air Force JAG prosecuting in military courts-martial. She retired from the A.F. reserves as a Major in 2005.
Cecile attempts to protect the rights of those wronged at work due to their race, religion, age, disability, place of birth, or unwanted sexual advances.
When not burning the midnight oil drafting lengthy pleadings, Cecile enjoys parenting her three children, as well as running, gardening, painting, and watching soccer matches with her best friend, husband, law partner, and LWV member, Alvin Peters. Cecile currently serves as the President of the LWV of Florida. She is a past president of the League of Women Voters of Bay County. Cecile also previously serves chair of the Florida League’s efforts on Restoration of Rights (including passing Florida’s 2018 Amendment 4) as well as heading up our Health Care Action Team. Cecile is a proud member of the Xi Omicron Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Cecile has been awarded the President of the Florida Bar’s Pro Bono Service Award for the 14th Judicial Circuit in 2021, The Pinnacle Award for Community Service Award for 2018 and the Woman of Distinction Award from Girl Scouts in 2015.
William Roebuck is a filmmaker, writer, and producer in Orlando, Florida. He was an Executive Producer for the feature films “The Breaking Point” (2014) and the award-winning film “The Turnaround” (2017). Roebuck directed and produced comedian Lester Bibbs comedy special “Laughter is the best Medicine” (2017). He also produced, wrote and directed “It Can Be Deadly” (2019) a year before the Covid 19 Global Pandemic. It is ironic because “It Can Be Deadly” was about an epidemic that breaks out in Orlando as city officials fight to distribute limited resources and prevent widespread panic. A year later, It was only natural that Roebuck jumped at the chance to write, produce, and lead the edit for the award- winning feature documentary “2020 Year of the Nurse” (2021).
In Orlando, William is active in the independent film community and he is in the process of setting up a summer program that will teach underprivileged youth how to create short films/documentaries and web series. Roebuck wants to empower young people to tell their stories, control their identities, and effect change in their neighborhoods.
Robert Salyer is the Manager of Outreach and Impact at American Documentary, Inc. | POV, executing national outreach and partnership development for film-specific campaigns, educational resources and other organizational efforts, including leading the “Our America: Documentaries in Dialogue” project, an initiative that empowers PBS stations and local partners to champion civil, civic dialogue about issues that matter to their communities.
Robert has over twenty five years of experience working in documentary film and community media. He was a member of Appalshop, Inc. in Whitesburg, Kentucky for much of his career, directing and producing film projects centered on Appalachian culture, and has also worked on productions by CNBC, Greenpeace, HBO, and Break Thru Films, among others. His work has screened extensively in the U.S. and abroad, and included in exhibitions such as MoMA’s Documentary Fortnight and the Film Festival Dokumenter in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Robert was a long-time instructor with the Appalachian Media Institute, a youth media training program, and was the lead facilitator for an international media exchange project involving emerging Indonesian media makers funded by the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Cultural Affairs. Robert has worked as a community organizer with the Virginia Organizing Project, taught documentary filmmaking at Kentucky State University, and was a mentor for the NYU Tisch School Immersion Program. Recently, Robert was the Producer of Portraits and Dreams, a documentary that aired nationally on PBS.
Internationally-acclaimed executive producer, creative developer, talent director, and entrepreneur, Tamra Simmons is currently the Director of Production and Development at Live Always (LA) Productions based in Atlanta, Georgia. A particular forte in storytelling, her primary role is overseeing the development and production of compelling, original content in television.
Simmons also has mastered the power of pitching and is known for her ability to develop and pitch content in all facets of television. Simmons inhabits entertainment and cultural niches of the industry, prudently creating and approving storyboards, monitoring processes to ensure accuracy in presentation. Emmy nominee, Simmons works in on-set production, leading projects from ideation to execution and final delivery. She is experienced in avidly hiring directors, principal cast members, and production staff.
Tamra Simmons is the creator and executive producer of the ground-breaking Lifetime documentary series, Surviving R. Kelly. Impressively, the docuseries has reached a viewership of 26.8 million since its debut in 2019, followed by two additional seasons.
Tamra is most recently acclaimed for her EP role in Peacock’s Casey Anthony documentary, which is the network’s number one documentary to date. Prior to producing the widespread docuseries, Simmons’ commencement to television occurred when she helped franchise the WE TV hit reality series, Growing Up Hip Hop. Tamra has orchestrated casting for several key brands, represented talent through outreach initiatives, and contributed to creative planning, using audience data to drive decisions. An ambitious visionary, her work has earned raving reviews by national media outlets including Deadline, CNN, Washington Post, Variety, and many more.
Celene Beth Olsen is a LatinX film/tv/podcast true crime producer based out of Salt Lake City, UT. Celene Beth has produced true crime documentary series for Warner Brothers Investigation Discovery, Hulu, Oxygen, and ABC. Her most notable series include In Pursuit with John Walsh, Phrogging: Hider in my House, and ID’s hit series, The Playboy Murders.
Celene Beth was also a highly recognized podcast host for Conveyor Media’s, The Chosen Ones, which followed the Lori Vallow Daybell investigation in real time. She is currently entering motherhood whilst producing tv series and her directorial debut, Killing Theodore, which explores the ethical coverage of Ted Bundy in the media.
Robyn Roots, a seasoned nurse turned accomplished filmmaker, boasts over 35 years of dedicated service in the field of nursing, with a specialization in kidney health. Throughout her illustrious career, she has held multiple leadership roles and actively participated in numerous organizations, including the National Kidney Foundation, which reflects her commitment to community well-being.
Recognized for her unwavering commitment, Robyn has received several awards for her exceptional service, with the prestigious President Volunteer Service Award among her accolades. Transitioning into the world of filmmaking seven years ago, she has quickly made a mark with 13 award-winning films.
Her magnum opus, “2020: Year of the Nurse,” stands as a testament to her filmmaking prowess, garnering countless awards on both the East and West Coasts. Robyn Roots continues to be a trailblazer, seamlessly blending her extensive nursing expertise with a creative flair that resonates through the lens of her impactful films.
Robyn Roots, a dynamic figure based in Richmond, VA, is a multifaceted professional blending a rich nursing background with an impressive filmmaking career. As the CEO and Founder of Klosa Productions LLC since October 2017, Robyn has excelled as a writer, director, and producer of award-winning films and music.
Simultaneously, she serves as the CEO and Founder of Kidney Keeper LLC since April 2013, focusing on renal strategy and consultation. Her commitment extends to Menopause Navigator LLC, a venture initiated in March 2023, where she shares expertise as a Menopause Expert and consultant.
A sought-after speaker, Robyn has shared her expertise at conferences, on podcasts, and as a keynote speaker for the City of Richmond. Her commitment to empowerment extends to leadership roles in professional committees and organizations, fostering growth and improvement.
BRIAN LEAHY is a Los Angeles-based writer and filmmaker. His most recent short film, 5 STAGES OF GRIEF (writer/editor), was awarded the SHIFT Creative Fund grant and is currently on the festival circuit. Additional credits include: MADE PUBLIC (writer/editor), starring Jeanine Mason (Roswell, New Mexico) and Josh Zuckerman (Oppenheimer), which screened at more than 40 festivals and garnered more than a dozen awards; the award-winning short film WAFFLES (writer/editor), which screened at more than 30 festivals around the world; the short film PROXY (writer), which recently secured distribution with HBO; the web series THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF SUPER HEROES (writer), which premiered at San Diego Comic-Con; and the short film MIA, which premiered at Disney Studios. His latest film, GLITTERBOMB (writer/director) is currently in post-production. He has also scripted two educational series for those suffering with OCD and anxiety: THE NOISE IN YOUR HEAD, and OCD & THE 6-MOMENT GAME. Brian is a graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and the Atlantic Theater Company Acting School. He is also the author of the now-retired THE GROOM SAYS blog, a guide for men in the wedding process. Brian lives in Los Angeles with his partner, filmmaker Deborah Lee Smith, and his two girls.
Scott Harves is a storyteller first and foremost. A journalist, director, producer, and editor. He has worked for ESPN since 1997, producing content across many sports and all of ESPN’s platforms. From short-form TV pieces to feature-length documentaries, Harves enjoys using sports as a vehicle to tell stories about the human spirit or to shine a light on many of society’s important issues and topics from the past and present.
Michael Justice is an Emmy award-winning Producer who has worked at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center since 2009. During that time he has produced live broadcasts featuring the final Space Shuttle missions, NASA science exploration and planetary missions, and the return of astronauts launching to the Space Station from the United States. He has also produced many more original broadcasts and programs, such as the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 moon landing.
Prior to arriving at NASA he spent 13 years in television at a variety of locations and stations across the country. These include stints at FOX Sports and FOX Sports Net in Los Angeles, and multiple local affiliates in Michigan, Nebraska and North Carolina.
Anthony Maurice Hemingway, born in the Bronx, New York, is a Golden Globe, Emmy® and NAACP award-winning producer and director best known for his work on critically acclaimed series: THE PEOPLE V. OJ SIMPSON: AMERICAN CRIME STORY, POWER, POWER BOOK II: GHOST, UNDERGROUND, THE WIRE, SHAMELESS, UNSOLVED: THE MURDERS OF TUPAC AND THE NOTORIOUS B.I.G., GENIUS: ARETHA and his feature debut RED TAILS.
Hemingway is set to produce “Sugar Daddy,” a documentary film with the mission to investigate the disproportionate impact of sugar on the health of the BIPOC community and offer solutions on what can be done to stop the alarming epidemic. Also in the works, Hemingway will produce, co-write, and direct the upcoming feature film, “No Right Way,” an adaptation of Terrence L. Gallman’s book – FINDING ME, a powerful story about a man’s journey from the streets to the boardrooms on Wall Street, where the central theme examines the importance of changing oneself to alter one’s circumstances.
Greg is a Primetime Emmy-Nominated sports and competition show producer from New Orleans. He has produced the hit NBC show “American Ninja Warrior” for the last nine seasons and was the Co-Ep and post-production showrunner on “American Ninja Junior.”
Greg worked on the Titan Games with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as a talent producer and supervising producer and both seasons of Dunk King for TNT with Shaq, Charles Barkley, Dr. J, Nate Robinson, and Kenny Smith, now streaming on Max.
He has conducted in-depth interviews with over 300 elite athletes, ranging from Olympians and celebrities to professionals across major sports leagues like the NBA, NFL, and NASCAR.
Greg will moderate our Art of The Interview Panel at Redfish!
Greg’s IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3895894/
James Tralie is a TV/film producer, animator, and live TV host at NASA. He works at the intersection of science and art to create dreamy, otherworldly scenes, educational explainer videos, documentary productions, and immersive content for all of NASA’s social channels and for television. His latest production, a documentary TV series about humanity’s return to the Moon with the Artemis Mission, will air on Hulu. He is one of the top digital artists in the world and has exhibited worldwide including in Times Square New York, at Shibuya Crossing in Japan, at the Crypto Art Fair in Abu Dhabi, Art Basel Miami, and in Montreal, Canada. He is a member of the Television Academy.
Deborah Lee Smith is an award-winning Los Angeles based actor, producer, writer and founder of Pink Boots Entertainment.
Her most recent film, “Butterfly in the Sky,” is a documentary about Reading Rainbow, which premiered at Tribeca last June before going on to entertain audiences at over 40 festivals.
And we have it for Redfish!
She currently has six features that she produced under her belt including Here Awhile starring Anna Camp, Joe Lo Truglio and Steven Strait that you can find on HULU, and the action/thriller Last Three Days in which she starred opposite Robert Palmer Watkins.
Deborah is also a vocal mental health advocate and founder of “More Than You See,” a non-profit organization and podcast dedicated to sharing stories and resources surrounding the daily struggles of mental health. She is currently in development on many projects with a focus on telling authentic stories about the successes and inner struggles that we all face.
Listed among the most outstanding college athletes in modern history, Charlie, a two-sport athlete, was a stellar quarterback in football and an equally impressive point guard in basketball at Florida State University (FSU). During his senior year, he won over 30 awards, including the Heisman Trophy, and set 19 school and seven Atlantic Coast Conference records, subsequently leading the FSU Seminoles to their first-ever National Championship under legendary Coach Bobby Bowden.
After graduating from FSU with a Bachelor of Arts degree, Charlie was drafted twice by Major League Baseball and was a first-round draft pick of the New York Knicks. He went on to play for the Knicks, helping the team consistently reach the playoffs six consecutive years from 1996 to 2001. He played eleven seasons as a leading point guard in the NBA in New York, San Antonio, and Houston, and served as an assistant coach with the Houston Rockets for two years.
Madison Tuttle is an Emmy-award winning producer, writer and public affairs specialist based at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. For over six years she has supported multiple NASA multimedia projects including documenting NASA’s campaign to return humans to the Moon: Artemis.
Originally from Des Moines, Iowa, she graduated with a degree in public relations from Iowa State University and a Master of Arts in science communication from Johns Hopkins University.
Redfish Film Fest is a documentary film festival in Historic Downtown Panama City, Florida. Our goal is to be the premier event of its kind in the Southeast U.S. and to celebrate the documentary art form!
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