Board of Directors

  • Hon. Janis G. Johnson

    FOUNDER / CHAIRPERSON

  • Devan Towers

    VICE-CHAIR

  • Michelle Aitkenhead

    TREASURER

  • Kendra Towers-Lussier

    SECRETARY

  • Lynn Chalmers

  • Syndi Prokopich

  • Norma Bailey

  • Lila Goodspeed Everett

  • Linda McEwan

  • Terry MacLeod

Staff

  • Teya Zuzek

    Teya Zuzek

    Executive Director
    Teya (at) gimlifilm.com

    Teya Zuzek is an arts manager with over a decade of experience in project management, event operations, and stakeholder engagement in the non-profit sector. She holds a B.A from the University of Toronto in Cinema Studies, History, and English; along with a Post-Graduate from University of Toronto School of Continuing Education in Digital Marketing, and a Post-Graduate from Humber College for Arts Administration & Cultural Management.

    Teya has produced and managed multiple large-scale multidisciplinary events throughout her home province of Ontario, and across Canada. With a focus on creating outreach and implementing high-impact programming, she has been a valued partner on several community and national boards, and a hands-on mentor to emerging and aspiring professionals. A passionate advocate for arts, culture, and sustainability, she creates innovative partnerships and facilitates collaboration towards an organizations' strategic vision.

    When she's not working or volunteering, she cultivates a garden of hobbies. Teya is an avid cyclist, artist, reader, potter, painter, film-goer, boxer, axe-thrower, and yogi.

  • Helene Le Moullec

    Operations Manager
    helene (at) gimlifilm.com

    Hélène Le Moullec is a seasoned artist and arts organizer with over 20 years of experience in performance, production, and festival coordination. As a professional dancer and choreographer, she’s toured across Canada and internationally, sharing her love of movement on stages from Winnipeg to Africa. Hélène has performed nationally and internationally, including tours across Canada, China, and Mozambique.

    Off stage, she’s played key roles behind the scenes in the arts community. She’s helped run everything from large-scale comedy festivals to intimate dance showcases, working in operations, artist coordination, and event management. Her long-time work with the Winnipeg Comedy Festival and the Gas Station Arts Centre has made her a go-to person for getting things done with care and creativity.

    Passionate about supporting artists and making events run smoothly, Hélène brings a wealth of knowledge, calm energy, and a great sense of humour to everything she does.

  • Maya Sharpe

    Box Office Manager
    boxoffice (at) gimlifilm.com

    Hello! My name is Maya Sharpe, I am the Box Office Manager for the Gimli International Film Festival. I am honoured to be back for my third festival and GIFF'S 25th anniversary this year. I am a recent graduate from the University of Winnipeg's film program, earning my Bachelor of arts degree with a major in Film. This spring I got the chance to be a Pre-Screener for GIFF's short films and experience the selection process for all our amazing films in this year's line up. The 25th anniversary will be a special one, and I am excited to be a part of creating those lasting memories people share year after year, as Gimli holds a very special place in my heart. 

    See you in the Box Office!

  • Mia Kirbyson

    Volunteer Coordinator
    volunteer (at) gimlifilm.com

    Hello! My name is Mia Kirbyson and I am excited to be working as the Volunteer Coordinator at GIFF this year. I am currently pursuing my Master's in Social Work at the University of Manitoba, where I've gained an appreciation for community engagement and inclusive program. I grew up spending my summers on the shores of Lake Winnipeg and spent many days visiting Gimli, so it doesn't feel like summer without some time on the beach. I'm looking forward to supporting our amazing team of volunteers in creating a fun and welcoming atmosphere for everyone involved in this year's festival. See you on the beach!

  • Dre Debatista

    Marketing Coordinator
    media (at) gimlifilm.com

    Dre DeBattista is a digital media and communications specialist. He draws on his experience as a photographer, and his love of writing, film and nature for creative inspo. He's most excited about the social justice series at GIFF

  • Claire Venevongsa

    Sponsorship Coordinator
    sponsorship (at) gimlifilm.com

    Hi everyone! My name is Claire Venevongsa, and I’m thrilled to be this year’s Sponsorship Coordinator for the 25th Anniversary of the Gimli International Film Festival! Although I’m currently based in Victoria, BC, I’m always excited to return to my hometown of Winnipeg for this incredible event. This year’s festival is packed with exciting raffle prizes, unforgettable films, and amazing people. I can’t wait to see you all on the beach this summer!

  • Melvin Daligdig

    Operations Coordinator
    operationscoordiantor(at) gimlifilm.com

    Hi my name is Melvin Daligdig, I am the operations coordinator for the Gimli International Film Festival. I am happy to be back for my second festival season and GIFF’s 25th anniversary! When I’m not working at the festival I am writing, directing , and producing my own films or helping other filmmakers create their films. Most recently I had the opportunity to be a part of the Unsung Voices Cohort for the Reel Asian film festival to create my horror short film “Camera Head” that screened in Toronto, Winnipeg and Bali. Looking ahead I am excited to contribute to the festival’s continued success. See you at the beach!

  • Chelsea Howgate

    Special Events & Development Coordinator
    events (at) gimlifilm.com

    As a local musician and filmmaker, Chelsea Howgate understands the unique importance of Winnipeg's art and culture scene. Graduating from the Desautels Faculty of Music in 2021, she spent two years on the Faculty of Music Students' Association as its Events Director, coordinating all kinds of events - from small-scale fundraisers to large-scale dances - for the student body, both before and during the pandemic. She has since moved into the world of film, working to deliver programs while also honing her skills as a writer and artist. She is thrilled to be joining the GIFF team for its 25th anniversary, and even more excited to manage all of the exciting events the festival has to offer!

  • Scott Fitzpatrick

    Technical Producer
    production (at) gimlifilm.com

    Scott Fitzpatrick is a media artist, technician and arts programmer from Winnipeg, MB. His work engages film and video, sound, collage, photography and performance. He's a founder of the Winnipeg Underground Film Festival and a former artistic director of the WNDX Festival of Moving Image. Since 2020 he's done tech work as part of Collective Broadcast Co. He lives in West Broadway with his cats Batty and Wizard.

  • Ellen Reade

    Logistics Coordinator
    logistics (at) gimlifilm.com

    I’m Ellen Reade, a festival worker from Edmonton, based in Toronto, who has worked 50+ festivals across 35 different organizations, including Toronto International Film Festival, BFI London Film Festival, NXNE Music Festival, Sled Island Music Festival, Vancouver International Film Festival, Edmonton Fringe Festival, and more! While I primarily specialize in Volunteer Management, I’m very excited to venture into the world of logistics and enjoy Festival #63 at GIFF!

Programming Team

  • David Knipe

    Lead Programmer

    David Knipe is a film programmer, arts administrator, and occasional creative with over 10 years of experience working for film festivals and cinemas including the Dave Barber Cinematheque and Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Film Festival. After receiving a Cinema Studies Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Manitoba in 2014, David joined the Gimli International Film Festival in 2015 first as a volunteer, then becoming the Logistics Coordinator (2016), and Lead Programmer (2018-current). Currently based in Winnipeg after a two-year stint as the year-round Cinema Programmer at the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema in Toronto, David is excited to be re-joining the GIFF team to bring some of the films from around the world to share with the Manitoba audience. In addition to programming for GIFF, David works as a bookseller at McNally Robinson Booksellers, and plans to obtain his education degree to begin teaching in the next few years. When not watching films or working in the arts, David enjoys playing music and sports (recently broke 80 on the golf course!), reading, and hanging out with his two adorable cats Stanley and Mikey.


  • John Debono

    Documentary Programmer

    Born and raised in Toronto, John Debono is a film programmer with a passion for documentaries, community building, and musicals (Plus whatever combination of the three possible). Having previously worked in youth and mental health support, John is excited to find films that will not only entertain, but inspire and empower audiences.

    John brings nearly ten years of experience in the film sector. He was previously the programming manager for JAYU, as well as worked with the Victoria Film Festival and the TIFFDocs programming teams. He has also worked as an accessibility consultant for Hot Docs and Inside Out, helping to make film festivals a welcoming place for people living with disabilities. In between, you can find John continuing to mentor students. 

    John is thrilled to be part of the GIFF team and celebrate the 25th anniversary with the Gimli film community.


  • Emily Gagne

    Short Film Programmer

    Emily Gagne is a critic and programmer based in Toronto. She is the co-curator of the Revue Cinema's We Really Like Her! screening series, Toronto’s only monthly showcase for movies made by women.

    From 2016 to 2017, Emily produced discussion-based screening series Reel Girl Talk for The MUFF (Monthly Underground Female Film) Society, pairing iconic films like 9 to 5 and Girl, Interrupted with panels on equity in the workplace and mental health. She has also moderated discussions at Fan Expo Canada and the TIFF Lightbox, interviewing a variety of creators including director Atom Egoyan and the craft team behind the What We Do in the Shadows series.

    A lover of final girl fashion who has written for Dread Central, The Mary Sue and TV Guide Canada, Emily currently appears as a recurring expert on Hollywood Suite’s Cinema A to Z and A Year in Film series. Her taste in movies can be defined by what she deems the perfect triple bill:the original Halloween II, My Girl 2, and Magic Mike XXL.

  • Sarah Yellowquill-Simpson

    Programming Advisor

    Sarah is a multi-talented  Anishinaabe, and Eastern European woman born and raised in Treaty 1 Territory. And a member of the Anishinaabe community of Long Plains First Nation.  

    With a passion for storytelling, Sarah has blossomed into an award-winning filmmaker. Her journey in the world of cinema has been nothing short of remarkable, marked by a dedication to her craft. Through her lens, she has crafted numerous short films, each a testament to her vision and skill, gracing screens at esteemed festivals across North America. 

    At the National Screen Institute, Sarah serves as a beacon of inspiration in her role as Manager of Programs and Development. She oversees transformative initiatives such as the CBC New Indigenous Voices program, the TikTok Accelerator for Indigenous Content Creators, and the Intro Into Production for Refugees and Newcomers. Through these endeavors, she nurtures the next generation of storytellers, fostering a landscape where diverse voices thrive. 

  • Alicia Smith

    Programming Advisor

    Alicia Smith is a Producer for the National Film Board of Canada, where she has worked with filmmakers, artists, and communities in the creation of documentary, animation, and interactive projects with strong social-issue components.

    Her award-winning productions have pushed boundaries in form, content, and expression. She produced a range of films that are currently in release, including the feature length hybrid documentary, Wilfred Buck (a co-production between the NFB and Door Number 3), which had its world premiere at CPH:DOX in spring 2024; the short film, Modern Goose, which premiered at TIFF in 2023; the short animated documentary, Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Crying, which will have its world premiere at DOXA in May 2024. Her earlier projects with the NFB have also received accolades: this river won Best Short Documentary Film at the Canadian Screen Awards, and Nowhere Land won Best Short Documentary Film at imagineNATIVE. Celebrated interactive works include Guy Maddin’s genre defying Seances and Webby Award winner, God’s Lake Narrows.

  • Jon Montes

    Programming Advisor

    An award-winning producer and cultural worker committed to social issue storytelling, Jon’s many producing credits include the feature documentary nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up, winner of the 2019 Canadian Screen Award for Best Documentary Film, and the shorts I Pity the Country and June Night. His festival work includes stints at TIFF and the St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival and he is currently chair of the program committee for the Yorkton Film Festival. A transplanted east coaster with British and Spanish roots, Jon holds an MA in Communication & Culture from York and Toronto Metropolitan Universities.