The Yucca Valley Film Festival is proud to announce the jury members of the 2026 Yucca Valley Film Festival.
The first names announced include Academy Award Member Kate Chamuris, Hollywoood executive Ashla Soter, prolific producer and director Shane Stanley, and award wining journalist Gary Daigneault.
More names to be announced.
KATE CHAMURIS
Kate Chamuris is a Los Angeles based producer and director whose award winning films have screened at major festivals including Sundance and SXSW.
Her work also received major recognition ranging from a Gold Student Academy Award and Student BAFTA win to multiple Oscar qualifying placements across projects she has produced and directed.
Alongside her independent film work, Kate has built extensive production experience in visual effects, serving as a client side VFX coordinator on GHOSTBUSTERS: FROZEN EMPIRE, Lucasfilm’s THE MANDALORIAN and THE BOOK OF BOBA FETT. She is currently a Senior VFX Coordinator on Disney’s MOANA live action feature.
Kate has served as a mentor for SXSW and Palm Springs International ShortFest. She also works as a film festival and distribution strategy consultant, helping independent filmmakers navigate their next steps toward sustainable careers.
ASHLA SOTER
Ashla Soter is a Los Angeles based production executive and independent producer with more than a decade of experience in film and television.
She was the first production hire for Tubi Originals and, during more than three years at the streamer, oversaw production on more than 150 scripted and unscripted titles.
In September 2026, she joined Digital Sword as Executive Producer and SVP of Production, where she oversees production across the company’s slate for studios, brands and agencies. She also continues to produce select projects independently.
SHANE STANLEY
Shane Stanley is a multi Emmy Award winning filmmaker, producer, director and best selling author whose career spans more than four decades in film and television.
He produced Sony Pictures’ Gridiron Gang, starring Dwayne Johnson, and directed and produced the Netflix #1 global hit Double Threat and Hulu #1 hit Night Train.
His work has earned numerous Emmy, Telly and international film festival awards. He is also the author of What You Don’t Learn in Film School, a widely recognized guide to filmmaking.
Shane was a featured Masterclass speaker at the 2024 Yucca Valley Film Festival.
GARY DAIGNEAULT
Gary Daigneault is the founder of radio station Z107.7 and a retired Associated Press Hall of Fame journalist.
A decades long stakeholder in the Hi-Desert, Gary has been hands on in helping build the communities we know today.
Still the host of the Up Close show every Friday on Z107.7 FM in Joshua Tree, he now spends more time directing musicals at Theatre 29, where he served as the Board President for 18 years.
Photo Credits: Kate C. for Imdb Studio at Sundance, Ashla S., Shane S., Gary D.: DR.