RED BANK – The Count Basie Center for the Arts is excited to announce that Michelle Hurd, celebrated actress and National Board Member of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), will serve as a judge for the 10th annual Breakthrough Filmmaker Festival, taking place in March of 2025. The festival is one of the premiere programs produced by the Basie Center’s Turner Academy of the Arts.

“Storytelling is a sacred art form and we need to encourage young artists to be brave and share their voices, “ says Hurd. “I am thrilled to be a part of Basie Center’s Breakthrough Filmmaker Festival and I look forward to seeing the diversity of talent, perspectives and creativity on the big screen.”

Hurd’s career spans more than three decades and includes roles in television, films and theatre. She is best known for her work in Star Trek: Picard, Blindspot, The Glades and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Hurd was an important voice in the negotiations that ended the SAG-AFTRA strike in 2024, while serving as Vice President for the union. Focusing on fair compensation for work on streaming platforms and considerations for the impact of artificial intelligence on the entertainment industry, Hurd consistently made the case for the better treatment of working-class creators. She currently serves on the National Board of SAG-AFTRA and is Chair of the National Sexual Harassment Prevention Committee and a member of several others including the Diversity and Equity Committee and the Women’s Committee. Hurd is the recipient of the prestigious SAG-AFTRA President’s Award for her distinguished work on behalf of the union.

“Michelle’s distinguished career as an actress, as well as her leadership in the industry through SAG-AFTRA, makes her an incredible addition to this festival,” says Adam Philipson, President and CEO, Count Basie Center for the Arts. “We are honored to have Michelle as a judge and look forward to the insight, expertise and inspiration she will give to our young filmmakers.”

In addition to showcasing the work of emerging filmmakers, the festival gives young people a chance to learn about potential career opportunities in the film industry – both on and off screen.

“Michelle represents what’s possible for young people who want to pursue careers in the film industry,” says Samantha Giustiniani, Vice President, Education and Outreach, Count Basie Center for the Arts. “Her presence as a judge brings a gravitas to our panel of judges and to our festival. We are thrilled to have her participation.”

Hurd will be one of a distinguished panel of judges which includes: Tom Bernard, Co-Founder, Co-President, Sony Pictures Classics; Stephanie Dawson / Producer, WNET; and Ramon Nazario, Founder, Director, Board Member, Newark Latino Film Festival.

Submissions to the festival are being accepted now through February 10, 2025. Film requirements and additional information is available at more www.thebasie.org/filmfest/.