John Paxton

Chief Executive Officer

From the beginning, John Paxton Jr. has always had big dreams and the courage to pursue them. Born and raised in Atlantic City, New Jersey, he was surrounded by crime, drugs and violence throughout his youth. Like others growing up in an urban environment, he watched his friends and family fall through the cracks of society, adding to the frightening statistics of an Atlantic City which few cared to see in the shadows of the big money casinos. It is impossible to know if it was his mother’s undying optimism, his father’s cool, calm disposition, or the spirit of Atlantic City, where big risks bring big rewards, but John managed to avoid a similar fate of those around him.

After finishing high school, where he excelled in the classroom, John left Atlantic City for Central NJ and Rutgers University. It was then that he was inspired by a great professor who inspired him to tell his story and that of those with similar backgrounds. It was then that he began to pursue a career in filmmaking. In eight years, he earned his bachelor’s in Psychology, and two masters’ degrees – one in Education and a second in Counseling Psychology. He continues to keep close ties with Rutgers University where he is currently an adjunct professor in the Africana Studies Department.

In 2004, John was called to put his talents into practice after talking to several homeless people on the streets of NYC on his way home from a photo shoot. It was then that he was reminded of the words to spoken to him years earlier…tell the stories of those who do not have a voice or a platform of their own. With that, John created his production company and set to work on accomplishing that task. As a writer, teacher and director, John has found his way to reach others—one that allows him to use his talent and passion for writing, music, film & photography. John’s goal in directing and producing narrative films & documentaries is to bring to light the social issues that affect the world today. Through his production company, AmmeAifos, [pronounced Aim E Eye Foos] John unites the arts across different media to tell stories that enlighten people as well as entertain them.

He has written, produced, and directed several films which have garnered him awards, and has also created a graphic novella. John has produced, written, and directed two features, “Rebecca’s Window” shot in Atlantic City, “Sniff shot on location in Brazil, as well as several short films. His current flagship film, 800 Pound Gorilla, is beginning its festival run. He is currently writing the Biography of Ernesto “Ernie” Davino (former Las Vegas Mafioso of “Hole in the Wall” gang) and is working on a feature length Horror/Thriller screenplay, entitled “Mary’s Rise.” Having experienced success in numerous film festivals, John seeks to bring the arts to his home city, Atlantic City.

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies with in us.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Frank Calabrese

Chief Operational Officer

Frank brings over 24 years of successful project management experience and success in a fortune 500 company to the festival leadership. His vast experience in business operations and infrastructure has provided a clear vision for setting the stage for a grand showcase of Independent talent. An avid surfer, Frank found himself frequenting the shores of Costa Rica where he was first introduced to the independent filmmaking efforts of locals and the seed was planted. He returned home and opened a successful surf shop in his hometown and became a major contributing sponsor to the annual surf contest to fight childhood cancer. It was during this time that the seed planted in Costa Rica took root, as he watched many young filmmakers come out and support the cause through filmmaking efforts. Frank began exploring ways to help establish and support the efforts of local independent filmmakers. He has attended and supported numerous festivals throughout New York and New Jersey and was even bitten by a bit of the acting bug, after being discovered in a chance meeting with John Paxton Jr., which has led to several independent rolls on the big screen.

Frank is a Distinguished Vietnam Veteran US Navy and avid supporter of animal rights.

“Music doesn’t lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music.” -Jimi Hendrix

Elaine O. Mesa

Chief Informational Officer

Elaine is an alumna from Rutgers University, the State University of New Jersey, where she graduated with a B.A. in Political Science and Latino and Hispanic Caribbean Studies and took on many leadership roles, including serving as the Female Co-Chair for the Latino Student Council.

A young woman of Dominican heritage, she entered Rutgers College in the fall of 2002 and has since been involved in the Latino Community through various means of public service, particularly in the areas of youth development and artistic expression. Her work experience in the political field has also contributed to much of her insight on community development and programming.

Elaine began exploring her dreams of becoming an actress several years ago and continues in her efforts to perfect her craft, but has also remained committed to her passion of serving as a resource to disadvantaged communities, promoting diversity, and creating change.

It has been this passion that has led her to remain socially conscious and active. A budding actress with several films under her belt including a break out, lead role in production, Elaine strives to promote socially conscious roles and film to flow into the mainstream.

“From the smallest necessity to the highest religious abstraction, from the wheel to the skyscraper, everything we are and everything we have comes from one attribute of man — the function of his reasoning mind.” -Ayn Rand

Esther S. Kuchipudi

Chief Legal Officer

Esther is an attorney, a business owner and brings several years of expertise in both fields to Team ACIFMF. She graduated with a B.A. in English from Tufts University, earned the degree of Juris Doctor from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law and is a member of the New Jersey Bar. She clerked for the Honorable Fred Kieser, Jr., J.S.C. in the Superior Court of New Jersey and pursued a career in family law thereafter. Esther is of Indian origin and has always been very involved in her community. She spoke at the United Nations in 2008 regarding human rights for Christians in India. A classically trained pianist and singer, Esther is passionate about film and music. She is an avid fan of movies, especially films from India, such as Rang De Basanti and Lagaan.

Esther took a break from the practice of law in 2009 to fully devote herself to her youngest child, Jordan, who is on the autistic spectrum. Her choice has proven to be a rewarding experience as she has been afforded the opportunity to witness her daughter’s consistent progress and development. As such, she is extremely passionate about Autism and Autism awareness. Esther brings the same enthusiasm and commitment that she has for her daughter’s program and her own legal career to the ACIFMF.

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I, I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” -Robert Frost

Dr Prosper Godonoo

Educational Arts Director

Dr. Godonoo was born in Kano, Nigeria, and received his degree in Librarianship from the University of Ghana, Lego and has traveled and conducted research in West Africa. Dr. Godonoo attended the University of Alberta, Canada, where he received his B. Ed. and Master of Education before proceeding to obtain his Ph.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles in Comparative International Education.

He taught at the college and secondary school levels in Canada, Ghana, and Nigeria for twenty years. Dr. Godonoo has had extensive experience in African outreach activities in UCLA, University of Illinois and Rutgers and has conducted many workshops on teaching about Africa. He has also developed curriculum units about the continent for American educators. In addition to his role as the director of the Paul Robeson Cultural Center, Dr. Godonoo teaches courses within the Department of Africana Studies at Rutgers, New Brunswick. He joins Team ACIFMF as the Educational Arts Program Director.

“I cannot teach anybody anything, I can only make them think.” -Socrates