The TUFF Team

Athena is a filmmaker and Senior Lecturer in Film Practice at Queen Mary University of London. She was Acting Festival Director of the 2026 Soho London Independent Film Festival and has developed a series of initiatives to bridge the gap between film education and professional practice. These include Mile End Films, a production unit providing students and graduates with supported professional experience, and an industry-led filmmaking boot camp designed to build practical skills, confidence and access to professional working environments. As an educator and filmmaker Athena is driven by a commitment to broadening access, developing talent and creating pathways into the screen industries.

Billy has been Managing Director of Regent Street Cinema, a subsidiary of the University of Westminster, since March 2020. His career has been primarily focused on the film and TV distribution industry (UK and international), with experience working for the US studio, Sony Pictures and the mini-major, Entertainment One (now absorbed by Lionsgate). Billy’s other roles have included working for the UK Film Council, in business development for production services at Pinewood Studios, and as a producer rights management consultant for Sixteen Films.

Anna is Head of Programming and Communications at Regent Street Cinema, curating independent films and special repertory seasons and filmmaker talks. She also lectures at the University of Westminster, having built an extensive career in the industry working in exhibition. She has mentored within the UNIC Women’s Cinema Leadership Programme and is passionate about championing diverse and inclusive cinematic programming. Her roles have included the Head of Film for independent cinema chain, The Light, and previously as managing specialist programming across the ODEON cinemas group’s 12 territories, including Foreign Language Cinema, sub-brands, back catalogue, alternative content and other special screening opportunities. She has also worked for Vue Entertainment.

Tina’s career has been primarily in UK film industry communications, supporting UK producers, independent distributors, international sales agents, production studios and exhibitors, as well as lead industry organisations. Most recently she was Head of Strategic Communications for the British Film Institute (BFI), was previously Head of Industry Communications at the UK Film Council and has led on communications for the British Film Commission. Tina also worked in corporate communications for PR agency Premier and initially started her career as a trade journalist for Screen International.

Mia is a Creative Project and Events Manager working across music, culture and education. She specialises in live events, creative project management, partnerships, production and programme development, with experience delivering projects with organisations including the University of Westminster, Sofar Sounds, the Ivors Academy and Reclaim The Frame. She brings creative ideas and practical project management together to turn ambitious concepts into memorable live experiences.

Jithya is a recent MA Business of Film graduate from the University of Westminster, and has worked in marketing for live events and cinema. She has planned marketing campaigns, conducted audience outreach and managed social media for a variety of theatre and film projects. She created and managed content for a range of social media platforms at Regent Street Cinema, the London Indian Film Festival and the self-distributed film Cactus Pears which toured the UK in June 2026. She enjoys combining commercial knowledge of the industry with her creative eye, tailoring her work to create engaging content that resonates with the right audiences.