Allyson West is the visionary founder and executive director of the Cindependent Film Festival, Cincinnati’s home for bold and fearless independent filmmaking. A champion of creative voices, she has built Cindependent into the region’s largest and most dynamic indie film gathering, sparking connection, community, and cinematic discovery. Beyond the festival, Allyson leads year-round programs that uplift filmmakers, nurture new talent, and prove that stories born in Cincinnati can resonate worldwide. With an unshakable belief in the power of film to transform communities, she continues to expand Cindependent as both a creative force and a cultural movement.
How many years have you been a judge?
This is my first year!
What excited you about judging for the Telly Awards?
What excites me most about judging for the Telly Awards is the chance to experience such a wide spectrum of creative voices and innovative storytelling. I love seeing how filmmakers and creators push boundaries in craft and content, whether it’s a bold visual approach, a surprising narrative choice, or a message that connects deeply with its audience. It’s inspiring to witness the ways artists are redefining how stories are told today—and to play even a small part in celebrating that work.
What project are you most proud to have worked on?
I’m most proud of building the Cindependent Film Festival from the ground up into Cincinnati’s home for independent filmmakers. What began as a grassroots idea has grown into a nationally recognized event that welcomes hundreds of artists, premieres bold new work, and sparks meaningful conversations year after year. Seeing filmmakers leave Cincinnati with new collaborators, new confidence, and a genuine sense of belonging—that’s the project that means the most to me.
What’s the most challenging part about your job and/or the industry?
The most challenging part of my job—and the industry as a whole—is balancing resources with vision. Independent film is powered by passion, but often limited by funding, infrastructure, and time. Every day requires creativity not just in programming but in problem-solving: finding new ways to support filmmakers, grow audiences, and build sustainable opportunities in a field that can feel unpredictable. That challenge can be daunting, but it’s also what makes the work so meaningful.
What do you look for to determine excellence in video?
When I’m determining excellence in video, I look first for a unique point of view—something that feels undeniably the creator’s own. Strong visuals and technical skill are important, but what truly stands out to me is perspective: how a filmmaker’s choices in framing, pacing, and storytelling reveal something fresh, honest, or unexpected. Excellence is when craft and vision come together to leave an impression that lingers long after the screen goes dark.
What are your current roles and responsibilities and what do you love most about your job?
As Founder and Executive Director of the Cindependent Film Festival, I oversee everything from curating programs and building partnerships to leading our year-round initiatives that support filmmakers and film lovers in Cincinnati. My role blends strategy, community building, and creative vision—I’m equally at home pitching to sponsors, shaping events, or sitting in a theater with our audience. What I love most is creating spaces where independent voices feel seen and celebrated, and watching connections spark that can change a filmmaker’s path forever.
What initiatives or projects are you working on now that excite you?
Right now I’m especially excited about expanding the year-round impact of the Cindependent Film Festival through new initiatives like our CindeFan membership program, monthly Spotlight screenings, and Reels on Wheels, our mobile cinema that brings films directly into the community. We’re also developing the Cindependent Film Center, a permanent creative home for filmmakers in Cincinnati, which feels like the next bold step in supporting artists and audiences alike. Each of these projects grows out of the same passion—making sure filmmakers have the resources, platforms, and community they need to keep telling fearless stories.
Do you have any specific practices you lean on to spark creativity?
I spark creativity by surrounding myself with stories—watching films, reading widely, and listening closely to the people in my community. I also make space for play and curiosity, whether that’s exploring a new neighborhood, brainstorming with collaborators, or just jotting down ideas without pressure. For me, creativity flows best when I stay open to surprise and allow connections to emerge between unexpected places.
What inspired you to pursue your career path?
I was inspired to pursue this path because I believe stories have the power to shape how we see ourselves and one another. As a filmmaker and now as the founder of the Cindependent Film Festival, I’ve seen firsthand how independent voices can transform a community, create empathy, and spark change. Building spaces where those voices are not only heard but celebrated felt less like a choice and more like a calling.
In your experience, what is a significant change you are seeing happen in the video, television, and/or film industry, and what insight can you share about how to navigate it?
One of the most significant changes I’m seeing is the way audiences are consuming stories across platforms—short-form video, streaming, festivals, social media—and how that’s reshaping both opportunities and expectations for creators. The boundaries between “traditional” film and “emerging” media are dissolving, which can feel overwhelming but also incredibly freeing. My advice is to stay adaptable: focus on cultivating your authentic voice and point of view, then be fearless in meeting audiences where they are. The creators who thrive are the ones who see change not as a threat, but as an invitation to innovate.
