Dharam
Valia

about the jury

Dharam Valia is a Mumbai-based producer and filmmaker, and the founder of Hungry Films, an advertising film production company based in India. 

His career has unfolded in two chapters. The first: nearly two decades as an advertising executive at some of India’s most respected agencies – SSC&B Lintas (Lowe), McCann, and Ogilvy. The second: founding Hungry Films alongside his partner Vijay Sawant, where he has produced work for brands such as Coca-Cola, Asian Paints, MP Tourism, Cadbury, Adani, and Acko. The company’s films have been recognised at Cannes Lions, D&AD, One Show, Clios, LIA, Spikes Asia, AdFest, Shots APAC, Kyoorius, and Good Ads Matter Awards.

A familiar face on international and local juries, Dharam has judged at Clios, Shots, CreativePool’s The Annual, and Good Ads Matter. He appeared on the inaugural GAM Producer’s Roundtable 2024, and earlier this year was part of GAM’S Ai in Advertising Roundtable 2026 – one of the first industry conversations of its kind in India. 

In recent years, he has moved into long-format storytelling. His debut feature as producer – Ata Thambaycha Naay (Don’t Stop Now), released theatrically in May 2025 – became one of the most celebrated Marathi films of the year. It earned consideration for India’s official Oscar entry, selection at the 56th Indian Panorama (IFFI), and has won multiple accolades at the country’s most prominent regional cinema awards – including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Screenplay amongst others. 

Passionate about film, technology, and travel, he believes a good idea can change everything.