JURY
EXPERIENCING THE CULTURE, SHARING THE VISION
At Hip Hop Cinefest, we believe that to judge a story about the culture, you must first understand its rhythm, its struggles, and its language. Our international jury is a unique blend of visionary filmmakers, academic researchers, and active practitioners from across the globe.
From pioneering B-girls and graffiti writers to award-winning directors and scholars, each member brings a lifetime of dedication to the four disciplines. They are the gatekeepers of authenticity, bridging between the street and the screen.
Meet the team dedicated to celebrating Hip Hop as a powerful tool for social change, artistic innovation, and global community.
GIULIA CHIMP GIORGI
A polyhedric force in the scene and a member of the Wild Up B-girl crew, Giulia is a dedicated Hip Hop activist and filmmaker. She has spearheaded numerous international youth exchanges supported by the EU and organized landmark events such as The B-Boy Event. Her filmography includes the acclaimed documentaries 1 World Under a Groove, Break the Siege, and her latest work, Remapping Rome: An Hip Hop Story. She also helmed experimental projects like The Antisexist Manifesto in Italian Rap and Sobreviviente. Co-founder of Baburka Production, Giulia is the Artistic Director and visionary behind HipHopCineFest.org.
FEDERICO GAFETO PEIXOTO
A prominent Costa Rican filmmaker, Federico Peixoto has been a cornerstone of the Hip Hop scene since the 1990s. He founded Gafeto TV, a pioneering platform documenting Central American underground culture and international icons like DJ Muggs and Sean Paul. A versatile artist and DJ, Peixoto directed the acclaimed documentary Tlacuilos, which explores the graffiti movement across Central America. Beyond his creative work, he is the Director of Hip Hop Cinefest Costa Rica, further cementing his role as a key leader in promoting urban cinema and culture on a global scale.
APOLONIA
Born in Caracas, Apolonia was chosen by Hip Hop in the late 80s in Germany. As migrant, she found in Rap a unique identity that set her apart. After studying audiovisual production, she joined the pioneering crew La Corte at 19, becoming Venezuela’s first female rapper. Over the last 25 years, she has evolved into a global creative producer, weaving connections under the flag of Hip Hop as a “symbolic country.” Currently, Apolonia directs MELAH (Movement of Latin American Hip Hop Expressions), serves as a consultant and co-executive producer for the Global Summit for Empowerment and Culture and as active promoter of Hip Hop Cinefest.
RAQUEL DELGADO
Based in Badalona, Raquel Delgado is a multifaceted philologist, poet, and performance artist whose work bridges language and rhythm. A key figure in the international scene, she is a cultural producer and the Deputy Executive Director of the global organization Hip Hop Works. Deeply committed to the cinematic representation of urban culture, she also leads the Hip Hop Cinefest Barcelona as its Director. Her career is dedicated to fostering global connections and elevating the artistic discourse of Hip Hop through education, performance, and international festivals.