VISION

Be a premier festival that nurtures talent, engages audiences, and cultivates a love for film within the Kansas City community.

MISSION

Provide a platform for independent filmmakers who promote innovative storytelling, while enriching the cultural landscape of community. We look to culturally bridge global and local taste.  

A row of gold statues sitting in front of a black wall.

Board Members

Ben Bahmani: Board Member

Anthony Pryor:  Board Member

Evan Payne: Board Member

Melissa Berger: Board Member

Trace Shapiro: Board Member

Stephen Bahmani: Board Member

Yahya Mohammadyari: Board Member

Larry Sells:  Board Member

Marjan Kia: Board Member

Zoran Savic:  Board Member

Lindsay Rose: Board Member

Milton Jeffrey: Board Member

Team Members

Ben Bahmani: CEO/Founder

Anthony Pryor:  Senior Executive Director 

Bethany Payne: Executive Secretary to CEO

Evan Payne:  Senior Grant Writer

Melissa Berger: Program Manager/Events Manager

Josie Kerns: Board Member/Senior Photographer

Joseph Allen: Board Member/ Senior Videographer

Abby Santana: Head of Ceremony

Amy Baker: Head of Ceremony

Cinema

History of the Festival

Founded in 2007 in Kansas City, Missouri, the Universal Film Festival has grown into an internationally recognized event, attracting filmmakers and audiences from over 130 countries. With over 3000 submissions annually, the festival features 40 screenings over three days in a historic theater making it a key platform for emerging talent. The festival works to spotlight independent artists from all over the globe. Universal Film Festival offers career-changing networking opportunities and exposure to global audiences.