TIDFAF 09

Catherine MacKinnon, Festival Director/Filmmaker

Catherine Mackinnon Catherine was born Deaf but wasn’t diagnosed until she was two and a half years of age. She is fortunate to learn ASL at a young age. Catherine graduated from Ryerson University School of Image Arts with a BFA in Film Studies. Recent film production work includes, the five time award winning short film entitled “I’m Not From Hear” in which she wrote and directed, USC Graduate film “Glee!” in which she produced, and AFI film “Everything in Azure” in which she assisted the production designer. As a performer, Catherine participated in the “Vagina Monologues” with Vanessa Vaughan, Rachel McAdams and Shirley Douglas, as well as provided atmospheric vocals in “Silent Hill” starring Sean Bean, Radha Mitchell and Jodelle Ferland. She’s worked with world-renowned theatre company, The Canadian Stage, providing theatre workshops for Deaf and Hard of Hearing youths. Catherine has also worked with marblemedia in association with their production of deafplanet.com and “SportsVillage,” as well as several other television projects over the years. In her recent acting gig was in a comedy-improv show, “Kenny VS Spenny” previously aired on Showcase. In addition, she's also the co-founder and Festival Director of the Toronto International Deaf Film & Arts Festival. Currently, Catherine is developing a documentary short, “Unheard Voices,” in which she will direct and produce alongside the National Film Board of Canada-Ontario Production Centre as well as a Co Producer of an upcoming Indie feature, “HAMILL”, www.matthamillthemovie.com Catherine divides her time between Toronto and Los Angeles.

Jill Andrew, Director of Media Relations

Jill Andrew BEd, MA, PhD (Cand.) is thrilled to be on board with TIDFAF providing media relations and sponsorship support! Jill is an award-winning journalist, social sciences, equity, media awareness educator and events host. Jill is the producer of Curvy Catwalk Fashion Fundraiser, BITE ME! body image film/arts festival and other creative projects. Jill's TV appearances have included City TV, OMNI, ET Canada with print in Metro, Star, Vervegirl etc. Jill is both the national 2007 Michele Landsberg Media Activism Award and the 2008 Endless Possibilities African-Canadian Women's Awards recipient. She is obsessed with lottery scratch tickets and cats and one day plans to host not only a talk show but to run a million dollar cat sanctuary. She's got too many movies she loves to list a favourite but Dirty Dancing is definitely near the top. "No body puts baby in a corner!" www.jillandrewmedia.com www.curvycatwalk.com

Kelly Halligan, Artistic Director

Born in Toronto, Kelly Halligan graduated From Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), Rochester, NY, USA with a B.F.A in Illustration. Kelly is a contemporary deaf artist. Right now, she is freelancing artist and she works design logo and painting for few clients. Kelly is so thrilled to be on board, TIDFAF Artistic Director.

In Rochester, NY; Kelly’s works has been chosen by associations such as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) to represent their organization in the forms of brochures and posters. Her Illustration and graphics have been shown in group shows at RIT Bevier Gallery and NTID Switzer Gallery.

Kelly had been volunteered Deaf Arts Association of Canada, Toronto, ON in 2001-2003, and thankful to Vanessa Vaughan who suggested me to be joining DAAC and had been worked with Laura Walker. It had been marvelous experience, she ever had.

Kelly, Art Direction and had been worked with Catherine MacKinnon for her film, “I’m from Not Hear”.

She has been illustration work for three children’s books. Three children’s book Titles:

Parent Guidebook: ASL and Early Literacy, 2004
I Spy You, 2005
The Smart Princess and Other Deaf Tales, 2006

In 2006, TIDFAF Arts Director, Kelly was doing with art exhibition show at the Deaf Culture Centre. It was success during TIDFAF festival. Deaf artists’ works of art made a wonderful impression on the community and were an inspiration.

Her current role as Artistic Director: to assist in coordination workshops, welcoming presenters, high school students, and their film showcases and as well as arts related for the festival.

Right now, Kelly is a Placement Supervisor with two coop students at E.C. Drury School for the Deaf, Milton for TIDFAF projects.

Frank Folino, Finance Manager

Frank Folino was born Deaf in Toronto and he graduated with Honours Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science at York University with his research fields relating to the political economy and political power on Canadian federalism.

His current role as a Finance Manager, he is ultimately responsible for its financial management and book-keeping of this organization that are related to the TIDFAF festival.

Vanessa Floros, Communication Access

Vanessa was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario. She graduated from Ernest C. Drury School for the Deaf. Since upon her graduation from ECD, she volunteered at several of Deaf organizations and served as a board member for many years at some of the organizations. Currently, Vanessa works for Deaf-blind community, and a long time volunteer with Deaf-Blind and/or Usher people. She truly enjoys working with Deaf-Blind and Ushers people. She joined TIDFAF a few years ago and enjoyed the first TIDFAF festival and learned a lot. She’s looking forward to this upcoming TIDFAF festival in May.

Shanna R. Kelly, Director of Marketing

Shann R Kelly Shanna R. Kelly is both owner/creative director of nine one one maxim studios and a fervent supporter of the arts. Having studied theatre arts and graduating with honors in creative design, in addition to working with several film producers and arts festivals makes Shanna the perfect candidate for the Director of Marketing position she holds with Toronto International Deaf Film & Arts Festival.

Creating and managing campaigns that consist of advertising in multiple formats over various types of media, is Shanna's passion: ensuring the technical details are spot on is a must. Balancing the creative with the essential message is an art on its own. One of Shanna's favorite quotes is from Miyoko Ohno, a Japanese bridge designer, "Balance is beautiful."

Jeri Cripps, Program Designer

Jeri Cripps I have a BAH in Studio Art from University of Guelph. I am currently a freelance graphic designer while working as a supply teacher at Ernest C. Drury School for the Deaf. I am a creative design professional with a solid track record of achievement in graphic design, advertising, marketing communications, publications, packaging, printing and distribution. I enjoy taking on a broad range of responsibilities, seeing projects through to successful conclusions.

Toronto International DEAF Arts and Film Festival

Team