Meet the Team at SEEfest’s 20-Year Milestone

by Cristina Sandu

Each spring, a unique cinematic voice echoes across Los Angeles, far from the glittering lights of Hollywood. That voice belongs to the South East European Film Festival, SEEfest, an annual celebration of storytelling that shines a spotlight on the cinematic culture of Southeast Europe. Now in its 20th year, SEEfest has become a beloved staple in the city’s cultural calendar, known for its diverse programming, global perspectives, and unwavering commitment to cross-cultural dialogue.

Vera Mijojlić by Vlad Braga.

Founded by film curator and Artistic Director Vera Mijojlić, SEEfest was born from a bold idea to bridge continents through the universal language of cinema. Since its grassroots beginnings, the festival has become a dynamic platform for independent voices often missing from mainstream discourse. At its core is a team of cinema enthusiasts who not only keep up with the latest trends in the film festival industry but also nurture its ever-growing community. In a recent conversation with Elisa Iovine, Denise Wakeman, and Allie Rigby, we took a closer look at the people behind SEEfest and what keeps this festival relevant and thriving.

A Dream Realised

“The festival is Vera Mijojlić’s brainchild,” says Elisa Iovine, a long-time SEEfest team member and veteran of the global film industry. Elisa spent the past 15 years at Warner Bros., rising through the ranks to become Vice President of International Advertising. She has worked on some of the biggest film campaigns of the past decade, including blockbusters like “Wonder Woman.” Her passion for SEEfest is personal and professional, which is a way to return to storytelling’s cultural roots. “From the beginning, SEEfest was more than just a film festival,” she says. “It is a space for connection, for people to come together through the lens of Southeast Europe.”

Elisa Iovine, personal archive.

Who Shows Up? Everyone.

When asked about the kind of audience SEEfest attracts, both Elisa Iovine and Denise Wakeman, the festival’s Director of Digital Marketing, light up. Denise Wakeman is a digital strategist and one of the early adopters of AI in digital marketing. She is constantly innovating how the festival reaches global and local audiences, and you can find more about her work at denisewakeman.com.

“We see everyone from curious film students to seasoned industry professionals, along with members of the Southeast European community and local cinephiles who simply love discovering new perspectives,” Elisa says. “It’s a wonderfully varied crowd, united by their love of storytelling and cultural exchange.”

Denise agrees that “It’s a smart, curious, open-minded audience. They’re eager to discover new stories and connect with voices they don’t usually hear from. It’s what makes SEEfest so special.”

Denise Wakeman, personal archive.

A Milestone Year

2025 marks a major milestone: 20 years of SEEfest. And this anniversary brings not only reflection but also celebration. “Two decades of Southeast European cinema in L.A., that’s no small feat,” says Elisa. “This year, we’re honoring the journey while still pushing forward.”

That push forward includes new programming and broader access. SEEfest is showcasing six short film programs online, allowing audiences across the U.S. to participate in the festival from anywhere. As Denise puts it, “Those who aren’t in L.A. or can’t get to a cinema can discover these films and stories anytime during the festival, anywhere in the U.S. It’s a great way to keep the conversation going and bring more people into the SEEfest community.”

Stories That Matter, Especially Now

In a time of cultural division and political polarisation, SEEfest’s mission feels more urgent than ever. “Festivals like SEEfest are antidotes to isolationism,” Elisa says. “They remind us of our shared humanity through humour, history, and resilience, especially in places like the Balkans, where those stories are so richly layered.”

Denise adds, “I think SEEfest plays an important role right now because it allows us to slow down and connect through stories that don’t usually get much attention.”

SEEfest Review: Where Culture and Cinema Converge

Beyond the screen, SEEfest continues the dialogue through its online publication, The SEEfest Review, a platform curated with care and creativity by Allie Rigby. A poet, editor, and art enthusiast, Allie brings her literary sensibility and cultural insight to every issue. When she’s not curating content for SEEfest, she follows the international art scene and shares her creative work via allierigby.com.

“We’re trying to tell a larger story about Southeast Europe, and one that is relatable to anyone living in a nation where borders of all kinds exist, for better or worse, and usually, worse,” Allie says. At The SEEfest Review, she seeks passionate voices, angles that feel urgent, and topics that promote cross-cultural dialogue.

Allie Rigby, personal archive.

Community at the Core

One theme emerges again and again in our conversation: community. SEEfest thrives because of its people: the volunteers, the local partners, the audiences, and the filmmakers. “SEEfest has always been community-driven,” Elisa says. “From the start, SEEfest has relied on the passion and dedication of volunteers, community leaders, and local businesses who believed in the importance of showcasing Southeast European cinema and culture.”

Changing Perceptions

Asked what she’d most like to change about how Americans view European cinema, Elisa doesn’t hesitate. “That it’s not for them. This opinion often stems from misconceptions that European cinema, particularly from Southeast Europe, is either too ‘art house,’ too serious, or somehow disconnected from American viewers’ experiences.”

Denise adds, “More people are realizing European film isn’t just French or Italian cinema. There’s so much happening in places like Bosnia, Romania, Ukraine, and Serbia, and SEEfest is helping open those doors.”

Looking Ahead: Bigger Platforms, Wider Impact

What’s next for SEEfest? A dream collaboration with a major festival like Sundance or TIFF is high on the wishlist. “Sundance would be a perfect fit,” Elisa says. “I believe the Sundance Film Festival would be an ideal partner for several strategic reasons. Sundance’s commitment to independent voices and emerging filmmakers aligns perfectly with SEEfest’s mission of discovering and elevating new talent from Southeast Europe.”

As Denise notes, the goal isn’t just recognition. “It’s about people coming together, watching something powerful, and then sticking around to talk about it. That kind of shared experience helps build connections with fellow cinephiles and expands the festival’s reach into diverse neighbourhoods.”

Final Cut: SEEfest Is More Than a Festival

In the end, SEEfest is about so much more than films. It’s about community. It’s about cross-cultural curiosity. And most of all, it’s about the belief that stories told with heart, humour, and honesty can bring us closer in a world that often feels too far apart.

As SEEfest enters its third decade, its team continues to shine a light on the voices of Southeast Europe, one film at a time, while proving that when it comes to cinema.

SEEfest 2025 is taking place from April 30 to May 7 in Los Angeles, with online access available nationwide. Explore this year’s program at seefilmla.org.