
ISFF TEAM
Our team’s goal is to create a safe space for education and creativity. We are focused on helping kids gain access to art and athletics, two areas that are increasingly lacking in public funding. Through our work we will empower the dreamers and inspire the next generation.

Josh Merwin has viewed the world through a camera lens since he was 8 years old. He combined his mom’s passion for photography and his dad’s love of sports and started his career shooting for ESPN Magazine and Sports Illustrated. His passion for storytelling grew and after working on a documentary film for 12 years, he realized the need for a major sports film festival. This led to the creation of the International Sports Film Festival, a place that will help other filmmakers launch their stories and encourage the next generation to follow their dreams.

High school Senior Mikayla Pete has had a passion for drawing from the day she could hold a pencil. She is the lead artist for our animated kids book series. Currently a proud NHS member and Computer Science major and will be a first generation college student. “Though I like to explore a variety of my interests, tech included, drawing and illustration will always be a core part of me.”

Felice Schimmel – Founding Partner & Director of Partnerships
Josh Danziger – Hollywood Advisor
Barry Warner – Houston Radio Legend
HEATHER BESIGNANO – Publicist ICON PR
More coming soon…

The board for our non-profit 501c3 is made up of leaders in their field who care deeply about the education of the next generation and the power of storytelling. More info coming soon.
Terry Merwin
Lisa Simon
Jordan Scheiner
Josh Merwin
Miguel Garcia