Management

Ben Bahmani, Executive Producer, and Co-founder:

Passion, persistence, and patience. As founder and executive producer of The Universal Film Festival, Mr. Ben Bahmani knows that these are the qualities needed to turn a dream into a reality; and from that, a reality into a success. The love for filmmaking began in 1994 for Mr. Bahmani when he co-produced his first feature film and documentary. Since then, the desire to get behind the scenes and create movies that move us has been his passion; movies that make us think, movies that make us cry, movies that make us laugh, or simply movies from which we can perhaps garner just a small piece of knowledge. This is his vision for the festival.

Holding a strong belief that good, quality independent films are the films of choice for viewers and consumers, Mr. Bahmani is committed to creating and continuing one of the largest independent film festivals in the entire world. He is dedicated to providing the best venue for filmmakers of today who have an abundance of talent, yet no forum with which to showcase their talents.

With a team of motivated and like-minded, passionate professionals, Mr. Bahmani is certain this festival will be a success for years to come.

An industry professional for over 20 years, Mr. Bahmani is the founder and president of American Artist Agency, Inc., a full-service talent agency with offices in Kansas City, Los Angeles, and New York.

Zoran Savic, Chief Operating Officer:

Mr. Zoran Savic joins The Universal Film Festival as a major shareholder and Chief Operations Officer and brings with an extensive operations and general management experience in the related industry of preofessioanl sports. He has recently returned to Kansas city after serving as president of the St. Louis Steamers 2005-06.

Zoran’s passion for filmmaking and the compatibility of his experience in the sports industry was quickly evident. Zoran served as Head Coach for the Kansas City professional indoor soccer franchise for the 11 seasons. He also served as the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the Comets. Since 1997, his duties included running and having authority over the business and soccer operations of the Comets.

Savic came to the United States over 20 years ago from Gornijo Millanovic, Yugoslavia.

"Zoran has a lot of enthusiasm and passion for the sport but he also has a lot of successful business experience which will help lead our organization," said Steamers CEO Michael Hetelson. "The Steamers still face many challenges as we continue with our mission of building a stable franchise in St. Louis that will be successful on and off the field. In the Steamers heyday, they were one of the top indoor teams in America across any sport and a few years ago they were probably the worst. Zoran is the kind of guy that will lead us back to those glory days."

Savic's career began in the Major Indoor Soccer League in 1980 with the Buffalo Stallions and followed with the Kansas City Comets (1981), Los Angeles Lazers, Louisville Thunder and the Kansas City Attack. After numerous seasons as a player, Savic took the role of coach and led the Kansas City Attack to the 1992-93 NPSL Championship in his first year. Savic was the first member of the NPSL to win championships as a player (1987), coach (1993) and general manager (1997).

"I won championships as a player, coach and general manager and I am looking forward to winning one as a president, said Savic." He serves on the MISL Rules and Competition Committee. Zoran and his wife Scottie are parents of a son and daughter

George Thorman, Assistant Director, and Head of Submissions:

Don't let the name fool you, George Thorman is indeed a woman. George is a graduate of the New York Film Academy screenwriting program and is continuing her education in film studies at Avila University. Though she is an award winning documentarian, George decided she'd rather be behind the scenes helping to expose other filmmakers.

Born and raised in Kansas City, George is thrilled to be able to work with film in her hometown. "I'm really excited to be involved with the festival. We have a wonderful team of people who are truly dedicated to promoting independent film not only from Kansas City, but from around the world. I feel very fortunate to have found a group of like-mided people here." This is George's second year with Universal Film Festival. Last year she served as a judge and head of submissions.

Pegi Prescotte, Public Relations Director:

As Director of Public Relations, Pegi brings over 15 years of experience in the entertainment industry to the festival. Born and raised in Southern California, Pegi’s passion for the industry is driven by several generations of film and entertainment talent, dating as far back as the first talking feature film. With vast experience in musical theatre, acting, modeling, and various public relations work, Pegi is a powerful addition to the Universal Film Festival.

Comments, Ideas or Questions?:

E-mail: Ben@UniversalFilmFestival.com