Ruth S. Fernandes
Jason Dos Santos
Jose Pedro Ferreira
Lena Gomes
Maria Pimentel
Miguel Rocha
Natalie Amaral
Nita Costa
Steve Ahmad Salam
Thomas Ferreira
Ruth Santos Fernandes
Founder/ Executive & Artistic Director
Ivana Coleman
Public Relations
Helena Gomes
Event Manager
Shahab Jamali
Sponsorship/ In-house Photographer
Armando Lopes
Marketing & Promotions/ In-House Designer
Cristiana Lopes
Outreach
Pedro Lopes
Outreach
Erika Manata
Outreach
John Ng
Screening & Programming Committee
Cris de Oliveira
Curator/ Marketing & Promotions
Education & Professional Development Committee
Lori Smith
Event Coordinator
Jeff Toste
Public Relations
Linsday Woodford
Executive Assistant / Volunteer Coordinator
Executive Director
Born in Bragança, Portugal Ruth immigrated to Canada with her parents at the age of 10. Ruth S. Fernandes is a graduate of York University with an Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts with specialization in Theatre and Film. During her third year of study she was elected to participate in a one year exchange program with York University’s International Exchange program where she studied at the University of Northumbria in Newcastle, England. Since returning to Canada her efforts have been directed at the arts community in Toronto. She launched a theatre company called Subject to Change, which supported “Fine Dining” in 2003. Also more recently, her work within the Luso-Canadian community has been focused on the promotion of education targeted at Portuguese youth through her volunteer work at Project Diploma. In addition, she volunteers her time to the establishment of the Portuguese Educators Network through the Portuguese Canadian National Congress and sits on the Viva Health! Steeering Committee. Ruth continues to work in film productions as an actor and consults regularly for artists. Her newest endeavour is the development of this original company that will promote Luso-Canadian and Luso-descendat culture through the art of cinema.
Executive Director
Associate Director and entrepreneur Luis Duarte, graduated from Humber College in Toronto with honors in Graphic Design and Advertising in 2002. His interests in arts stimulated his collaboration with local artists and exhibited his work at local art galleries. He has applied his skills in the development of inventive products and creating a clothing label, “Fryed”. In the realm of Portuguese community involvement, he has volunteered his services and expertise in creating designs for the Portuguese cultural club “Casa das Beiras”. At this time in his career he is pursuing acting. More recently, he has been involved in assuming an executive role with the Toronto International Portuguese Film Festival.
Members
Events Co-ordinator
Helena was born in Portugal and moved with her family to Canada settling in Scarborough during her formative years. A graduate of Trent University (B.A. in English Literature) and George Brown College (Event and Meeting Management Certificate), Helena has held a number of publicity/promotions positions with companies as diverse as Buena Vista Pictures Distribution Canada Inc., GGA Communications, CTV and Blue Moon Communications, writing press releases, coordinating press conferences and promotional film screenings, scheduling press interviews and assisting in various duties at events. At the end of 2002, Helena worked as Script Coordinator and all-around gopher on the short Hitman’s Brunch. In September 2006, she sat on the planning committee of the ALS Society of Ontario’s Walk-A-Thon for Etobicoke; for its first year, this route raised approximately $12,000. At the age of four, Helena sang all the way on that first flight from Portugal and hasn’t stopped since; her most recent association is as a member of the Sacred Music Society since 2002. She sat as a Board Member of her condominium corporation for two years and found the experience daunting, bewildering and highly rewarding. In her spare time, Helena watches (far too many) films and reads (far too few) novels. As a Portuguese immigrant, Helena is thrilled to be able to give back to her community and thanks Ruth and Luis for inviting her to be a part of this exciting and ground-breaking venture.
Curator/ Marketing & Promotions
Education & Professional Development Committee
Cris de Oliveira is a young Brazilian artist that arrived in Canada in the beginning of 2008. With an Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication from Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, Cris has a large experience in the communication field, as cinema, animation, photography, advertising, journalism and academic research. Her background includes experiences at large advertising agencies, as DRAFTFCB and Ogilvy, film and animations productions at N.A.D.A. and partnership with National Film Board of Canada, participation as speaker in numerous congresses, acting also as a photographer. As a writer, her other passion, Cris carry some awards, including a tri-lingual publication about solidarity distributed by Unesco in all over the world. Fortunately she always had the chance of being exposed to diversified cultures, knowing places in South and North America, Europe and Asia, which contribute so much for her as an artist, but also for the citizen of the world that she likes to be. For the 2008 edition of the Toronto International Film, Cris de Oliveira is responsible for the acquisition of Brazilian films, documentaries and animations, being also involved in other areas, such as creating the trailer and developing an animation workshop for kids.
Screening & Programming Committee
I am John Ng. I am an actor, writer and director. I love movies the only thing that connect people all over the world. Movies tell stories and educate people about their cultures, languages, religions and politics. I have been to the Toronto International Film Fest the past 12 years. Over the past 10 years I have attended film fests from different countries. I am proud to be a part of the Portuguese film fest programming commitee.
Executive Assistant / Volunteer Coordinator
Lindsay was born in St. John's, Newfoundland and grew up loving performing arts. After 2 years at Memorial University, she moved to Toronto to pursue education in acting. She got accepted to the Toronto Film School where she took an extensive program where she learned acting, film making, voice over, history and directing. She has participated in many community theater productions in and around her hometown and has appeared in a few short films. This is her first time being a part of a film festival and is glad that her first experience is the TIPFFEST!
Public Relations
Ivana Coleman graduated with honours from Father Gabriel Richard High School in Ann Arbor, MI. While in high school she was involved with the Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit. Currently she is attending York University and working towards a theatre degree. Her love of the arts drew her to the Toronto International Portuguese Film Festival. She is also involved in a variety of extracurricular activities including student council and volunteering. She is a returning member for the edition of 2006-2007 of the festival. Coleman plans to pursue a career in public relations.
Curator
Rafael Dias was born in Florianópolis, capital of Holy Catarina, Brasil in 1985. His experience expands more then five years both in film and theatre. At the present time, Rafael is studying Film and Television Production at George Brown. He has appeared as an actor in “The Gleydison Show” and taken up the function of director in some short films as example: “Irene, my life is normal”, “Which Are the last” amongst others. He has participated in some festivals in his country of origin as well as others. Currently he is involved with the Toronto International Portuguese Film Festival and will continue to collaborate until his study period in Canada concludes. For the 2006 inaugural edition of the festival Dias was responsible for the acquisition of O2 Filmes Maids and Speakerphone from the producers of City of God.
Screening Committee Chair
Merle trained at The Arts Educational Schools in London England graduating from the three year degree course in Theatre. While in the U.K. Merle was fortunate enough to perform at The Criterion Theatre in London’s West End, as well as in "On The Town" at Hackney Empire Theatre, she also performed in the short film "Hide" which was a production for BBC Films U.K. Since returning to Toronto, Merle has been continuing her acting career and has worked in productions associated with the CBC, Alliance Atlantis and The Movie Network. Merle has also performed for radio commercials, feature length and short films as well as being a member of ACTRA Toronto. Merle has recently performed in “Upper Westside Story”, a short film in association with The Canadian Film Centre. Merle also volunteers her time to perform in final year projects for film students and is very pleased to be a part of The Toronto International Portuguese Film Festival.
Administrator
Franziska Steiger worked for three years in the publishing sector with the renowned German Reclam publishing house and in bookstores, before attending university in Mannheim and Berlin. Her studies focused on contemporary German and English literature and film, and she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Literature. Beyond her studies, she gained knowledge of festival work while volunteering and working for the Stuttgarter film winter, the International Literature Festival in Berlin and the Mannheim-Heidelberg Film Festival. At the literature festival, she and a colleague were inspired to combine hip-hop and poetry, attracting a younger audience and expanding the festival’s popularity. She also organized the unqiue event “Soundpoeten”, which brought together moderators, poets and rap artists. Participating in the 53rd annual Mannheim Film Festival, she organized film talks to provide an opportunity for attendees to interact with producers and directors. Moreover, she designed time schedules for directors, producers and staff. She also coordinated a large group of moderators, interpreters, drivers and cinema owners, by directing and delegating work and supervision. In September 2005, she went to Canada, joining a Masters program at the Univesity of Waterloo, and graduated in 2006 with an Masters in Literature. After moving to Toronto, the International film festival provided an opportunity not only to gain an insight into Canadian movie landscape, but also to meet people involved in the field. She worked with the groups “European Film Promotion” and “German films” and also met Ruth Fernandes, through whom she learned of the Toronto Portuguese film festival.
Curator
Miriam Sampaio is a photographic and film/video artist currently living in Lisbon, Portugal. As the daughter of political refugees, who fled from this country, she has returned, ‘home’. She has received various grants from Les Conseils des Arts et des Lettres du Quebec and The Canada Council for the Arts for her photographic and film/video work. Her photography and films have been presented in several group exhibitions in Montreal. She recently exhibited a photographic series, The Wounds of Returning at Galeria Monumental as part of the Biennial LisboaPhoto 2005. She is currently finishing her film, The Wounds of Returning and working on a new one entitled Displacement of Metaphors. As an independent curator she has programmed a selection of videos by women for Groupe Intervention Video in Montreal, Quebec (Canada) and VideoLisboa Festival in Portugal. In October of 2005, Miriam was invited to curate two video art programs for a festival in Torino, Italy, entitled VideoEvento, works by Portuguese video artists; one specifically by female artists. In Portugal, she is continuing to work as an independent curator and has presented a program of videos by Portuguese artists in September 2006 at Espace Videographe in Montreal and at Saw Media Centre / Gallery in Ottawa, Canada.
Graphic Designer
Jeff Nam who graduated from advertising and multimedia design at the Hong Ik Universtiy in Korea moved to Canada to further develop his skills as a designer. He was a freelance designer in Korea and Toronto, he is now located in New York doing his apprenticeship after helping with the design of the Toronto International Portuguese Film Festival’s logo. Jeff, is a multi-tasker and believes that everything is interconnected one way or another. His motto is; communication involves integration, interfacing, and intelligence. He feels that great communication solutions involve strong design.
Web Designer
Nick La is a young, fresh, creative and passionate designer. Based in Toronto, Canada, his work has been featured in many design portals and magazines. As an accomplished illustrator, graphic and web designer, Nick has been working professionally since 2002. He has built an impressive portfolio consisting illustration, web, logo, print and Flash design. Nick is very well known as a dedicated vector illustrator who loves to learn and share Adobe Illustrator techniques.
Advisory Member
Carla's career in the arts began in the theatre. Upon graduating from the University of Alberta, she successfully produced and directed numerous plays and also taught drama. She then pursued her studies and practical work in both New York and in the UK. Upon returning to Canada, she honed her skills as an Arts Administrator in the Performing Arts branch of the Alberta Government and was editor of a province wide theatre newspaper. Carla has combined her love of comedy and production expertise in both television and live theatre by co-producing the 2004 Tim Sims Encouragement Fund Award show the "Cream of Comedy" which was broadcast on The Comedy Network. She started the World of Comedy Film Festival in 2003. Most recently, Carla has been part of the development team for The Canadian Film Channel, a proposed new national pay TV channel. Her involvement with arts related organizations include: many years as an active member and Board Member of Women in Film & Television - Toronto (WIFT-Toronto), mentor for Power Flash Forward, former member and chairperson of the Advisory Committee for the Humber College School of Performing Arts and advising for various film festivals.
Advisory Member
Steven has worked on over 25 film projects, primarily as a Line Producer and Assistant Director. In addition to SUPERHEROES, Steven is involved in a number of projects, including the narrative feature film, SWAN LAKE, also by Alan Brown and the animated feature film, JAZZBO, created by Irv Bauer, with animation by Michael Sporn, and music by Dick Hyman. Steven produced MY MOM AND DAD, winner of the Anarchy Award at the 2006 Slamdance Film Festival and line produced RED DOORS, winner of the "Made in New York" Award for Best Narrative Feature at the 2005 Tribeca Film Festival, starring Tzi Ma and Jacquelyn Kim. Steven also worked on POINT & SHOOT, a 2004 Tribeca Film Festival feature film selection, and BOOK OF LOVE, a 2004 Sundance Film Festival Dramatic Competition selection, written and directed by Alan Brown, starring Frances O’Connor, Simon Baker, Gregory Smith, and Bryce Dallas Howard. Steven has recently produced commercials and music videos for major brands and record labels, including Diet Pepsi, Hamilton Watches, Sony Taiwan, and Island Def Jam, and was previously a Senior Marketing Representative for a Fortune 500 company. He received his MBA in Finance from the Leonard N. Stern School of Business at New York University, and currently lives in New York City.
Advisory Member
Jiries Arbid started his career in the music industry in 1994 at age 22 after meeting his present day business partner Enzo Vella. It was at that time they started what is known today as Captain Records and Toronto Freestyle Music an independent dance music label producing and promoting Canadian recording artists to both U.S. and Canadian retail and radio markets. Jiries Arbid continues to be the outgoing entrepreneur fulfilling the marketing needs of clients. Just recently in the spring of 2006 Jiries has participated with a few music industry partners in the opening of the new radio station Energy 105.1 fm the “World Dance Channel” playing the best in dance and club music from around the world. Jiries Arbid’s educational background in marketing and leadership skills comes from extensive experience within the music industry as well holding a specialized certificate from Shulich School of business in Marketing Management. Jiries Arbid also holds many other certifications which include contract negotiations, Business Finance management, copyright and trade marks.