Rafi Pitts, born in 1967 in Mashad, Iran, is an accomplished Iranian film director with a rich and diverse career. Having spent his childhood in Tehran, he later moved to England during the Iran-Iraq war. He graduated with a BA (Hons) degree in Film and Photography from the Polytechnic of Central London. Pitts' journey in the film industry began with the presentation of his first short film, "In Exile," at the London International Film Festival in 1991. He then moved to Paris in the 90s and worked on films by renowned directors such as Leos Carax, Jacques Doillon, and Jean-Luc Godard.Pitts' work has garnered international recognition, with his film "The Hunter" being nominated for the Golden Bear at the 60th Berlin International Film Festival in 2010. In 2016, his film "Soy Nero" received the prestigious Best Film award at the 12th Bucharest International Film Festival. Throughout his career, Pitts has received numerous accolades, including the Golden Bear nomination at the Berlin Film Festival in 2006 and the Grand Prix at the Paris Film Festival in 2001. His filmography includes notable works such as "It's Winter," "Season Five," and "60 Seconds of Solitude in Year Zero." Rafi Pitts is an influential figure in the new wave of Iranian cinema, contributing significantly to the industry's global acclaim.

Rafi Escudero, born on December 30, 1945, is a multifaceted Puerto Rican musician, singer, composer, poet, and political activist. Hailing from San Juan, Puerto Rico, his parents recognized his musical talent at a young age and ensured he received a comprehensive education, including classical music training in violin and piano. His university studies immersed him in the works of renowned Puerto Rican poets, influencing his artistic inspiration.Escudero gained acclaim for modernizing classical danzas, with his compositions becoming national hits and contributing to a danza renaissance. His works were recorded by esteemed singers such as Danny Rivera, Marco Antonio Muñiz, and Jose Feliciano, solidifying his place in Puerto Rico's music scene. Additionally, Escudero showcased his poetic prowess through two published books and a unique multimedia presentation combining his writings and music.His contributions to music and culture have earned him prestigious awards, including the Agüeybaná de Oro for composer of the year and induction into the Puerto Rico Music Hall of Fame. Alongside his artistic endeavors, Escudero has been actively involved in Puerto Rican politics, serving on cultural and performing arts boards and maintaining political engagement within the New Progressive Party of Puerto Rico.Rafi Escudero's impactful career spans music, poetry, and political advocacy, leaving an indelible mark on Puerto Rican culture and society.