Speakers

Nisha Pahuja

Filmmaker

Instagram: @nishappics @tokillatigerdoc

Nisha Pahuja is an Oscar-nominated, Peabody and Emmy-nominated filmmaker based in Toronto. Her latest film, TO KILL A TIGER, had its world premiere at TIFF where it won the Amplify Voices Award for Best Canadian Feature Film. Since then, it’s garnered 27 awards including the Best Documentary Feature, Palm Springs International Film Festival and three Canadian Screen awards. The film grew out of a long career of addressing various human rights issues, notably violence against women in India. In 2015, she won the Amnesty International media award for Canadian journalism after making a short film about the Delhi bus gang rape for Global News. Pahuja’s other past credits include the multi-award-winning THE WORLD BEFORE HER (2012 Best Documentary Feature, Jury Award Winner, Tribeca Film Festival; Best Canadian Documentary, Hot Docs; TIFF’s Canada’s Top Ten; Best Documentary nominee, Canadian Screen Awards, the series Diamond Road (2008 Gemini Award for Best Documentary Series) and Bollywood Bound (2002 Gemini Award nominee).

Sung Kang

Actor and Director

Instagram and TikTok: @sungkangsta

Sung Kang has starred in numerous TV and film projects over the last 30 years. His iconic character, Han, has been an integral member of Universal Studios’ biggest franchise of all time: THE FAST & FURIOUS. Kang also starred as John Mak on Starz #1 most watched series, POWER as well as Fifth Brother in the OBI-WAN KENOBI mini series. Kang has also produced multiple projects that have run the gamut of the festival circuits, including BETTER LUCK TOMORROW which premiered at Sundance and was bought by MTV Films. In 2022 he directed an action packed PSA against illegal street racing for the state of California as well as a documentary series centered around car culture for Hagerty. In 2023, Kang’s directorial debut, the horror/comedy SHAKY SHIVERS was released by Cinedigm. With a huge social media footprint, Kang’s name is synonymous with car culture across the globe. He’s the spokesperson for multiple brands throughout Asia, making him an iconic figure in pop culture, street fashion and everything car related.

Anar Ali

Creator & Executive Producer

Instagram: @anarwhali

Anar Ali is the Creator & Executive Producer of the hit new police drama, ALLEGIANCE. (CBC & NBCUniversal) and a critically acclaimed short story writer and novelist. Her first book, BABY KHAKI’S WINGS, was a finalist for multiple awards including the Commonwealth Writers' Prize (Best First Book), and her debut novel, NIGHT OF POWER, was recently published internationally by Penguin Random House. She started her TV career when she won a development deal with CBC’s Diverse Creators Program, for her 1-hour serialized drama, RUBY'S TURN. Soon after, she was writer on the first season of the new medical drama, TRANSPLANT (CTV/NBCUniversal). Her half-hour comedy, GASOLINE ALLEY, is currently in development with Darius Films. Anar was born in Tanzania, grew up in Alberta, has lived in BC, Mexico and the UK, and now makes her home in Toronto.

Ryan Andal

Entrepreneur at the intersection of entertainment and technology

Ryan Andal has been an entrepreneur working at the intersection of entertainment and technology for over 20 years. Working at the bleeding edge of mobile gaming, virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence, he introduced new ways of storytelling as these technologies entered the entertainment landscape. In 2008 he Co-Founded Secret Location, a production studio that has been honored by hundreds of awards including 2 Emmys, 11 Canadian Screen awards, and a Peabody.

Instagram: @ryanandal

Claire Anderson

First Indigenous woman appointed to the CRTC

Claire Anderson is the first Indigenous woman and first Yukon resident to be appointed to the CRTC. She is a lawyer and a citizen of the Taku River Tlingit First Nation (TRTFN), and has been serving as the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)’s Regional Commissioner for British Columbia and Yukon since August 2019.

Claire has over a decade of experience working with Indigenous communities on a wide range of matters that ultimately advance reconciliation at both a community-based and governmental level, within her previous private practice at Lackowicz & Hoffman and through her work with Indigenous governments and Ontario’s Ministry of Indigenous Affairs. Claire is the Vice Chair of the Council of Canadian Administrative Tribunals, a national non-profit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in administrative justice, and also serves as Chair of the organization’s Truth and Reconciliation Committee.

Instagram: @claireanderson

Brenda Bailey

Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, British Columbia

Small businessperson, tech entrepreneur, and change maker, Brenda Bailey was elected MLA for Vancouver-False Creek in 2020 and named British Columbia’s Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation in December 2022. Minister Bailey blazed new trails for women in tech as co-founder of Canada’s first women-owned and operated video game studio. She helped strengthen and diversify B.C.’s creative tech industry as head of British Columbia’s interactive and creative digital media association, DigiBC. Minister Bailey brings to her role a passion for expanding opportunity and economic innovation nurtured over a lifetime building new businesses, leading economic development initiatives, and serving the community.

Instagram: @brendabailey

Mae Belen

On-Camera Actor, Voice Actor, and Content Creator

Instagram: @maebelen

Mae Belen is a (Filipino-Canadian) on-camera actor, voice actor, and content creator based in Vancouver, BC. She is most known for her viral TikToks, but has also established her place in the entertainment industry through films, commercials, and collaborations with household names such as Coca-Cola, McDonald's, Amazon, Samsung, Nintendo, and many more. IG@maebelen

Michelle van Beusekom

CEO, Knowledge Network

Michelle is CEO at Knowledge Network, BC's public educational broadcaster/streamer and has worked in Canada's screen sector for the past 30 years. Previous leadership roles include Executive Director of the NFB's English language production studios; Senior Broadcast Advisor for Uvagut TV, Canada’s first national Indigenous language television network; and Executive Director at DOC. Michelle has held production/development executive roles at the CBC and WTN and is a former programmer at Planet In Focus.

Instagram: @michellevanbeusekom

Donovan Chan

Co-Founder of Beach House Pictures

Instagram: @donovanchan

Donovan Chan is a co-founder of Beach House Pictures, a Fremantle company and is a leading TV & Film producer, director and showrunner in Asia. As Creative Director of BHP, Donovan strategizes and runs the business with co-founder Jocelyn Little. Donovan is across all content development & creation in the company, while growing and managing relationships in the company’s key markets in the US, China, Japan, Korea and South-East Asia. Regular partners and clients include top SVOD players such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Warner Bros Discovery, Apple+ and Disney+; and in China, CCTV, Tencent, Bilibili and Youku.

Tiffany Chao

Vice President of Entertainment & Media at Gold House

Instagram: @goldhouseco, @teeffany

LinkedIn: @goldhouseco, @tiffanychao

Tiffany Chao is the Vice President of Entertainment & Media at Gold House, the leading cultural ecosystem that unites, invests in, and champions Asian Pacific creators and companies. Tiffany oversees Gold House’s narrative change initiatives, which include industry-defining research, cultural consultation, pipeline investments, marketing, and awards recognition, working alongside every major film studio and streaming platform.

Hanna Cho

Executive Director of RESO

Instagram: @resodirector

Hanna is Executive Director of RESO. She is an inveterate convener, cultural strategist, and community advocate. She is passionate about bringing people, ideas, and cultures together. A multidisciplinary cultural producer, she brings nearly two decades of experience from interactive media production, museums, and community engagement to her current role at RESO. From her policy roots as a digital humanities researcher, to her leadership in museums, or her grassroots work as a cofounder of an early community wireless network, Hanna strives to enliven and empower conversations around equity through creativity, care, and action.

Janice Chua

Vice President of Imagine International

Instagram: @lobsterjans

Janice Chua is Vice President of Imagine International. She manages the development and production of local language content in Asia, including Taiwan Crime Stories. Prior to that, she was Vice President of Development and Production Asia at Ivanhoe Pictures where she developed and packaged Chinese-language projects for China and also served as one of the producers on Crazy Rich Asians. Born and raised in Singapore, Janice started her career in China as an international film sales manager. She then became Director of International at Beijing Galloping Horse where she oversaw international business and co-productions such as John Woo’s The Crossing.

Valerie Creighton

President and CEO of the Canada Media Fund

Valerie Creighton is an industry leader in arts, culture, and media, recognized for reenergizing some of the country’s most important organizations in the sector. Currently serving as President and CEO of the Canada Media Fund, Valerie positions Canadian programming at the forefront in world markets, promoting successful, innovative Canadian content and software applications for current and emerging digital platforms. Among her many honours and recognition, including the Order of Canada, the Saskatchewan Order of Merit, and the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, in 2024 Valerie appeared on The Hollywood Reporter’s list of the Most Powerful Women in Canadian Entertainment and received the Glass Ceiling Award at the inaugural Women in Entertainment Canada Summit.

Marcia Douglas

Executive Director of Bell Fund

Instagram: @bell_fund

Marcia has more than 25 years of experience in the Canadian audiovisual sector. Prior to her appointment as Executive Director of Bell Fund, she held roles at CMF, CMPA, Bell Fund, Cogeco Fund, and IPF, where she led files and initiatives related to production financing, business and industry affairs with a particular focus on advancing opportunities for equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and sustainability. Marcia was also a producer, production manager, and assistant director.

Mel D’Souza

President and Executive Producer at SILO Entertainment Inc.

Instagram: @mel_dsouza

Mel D’Souza is the President and Executive Producer at SILO Entertainment Inc., a content development and rights holding company based in Vancouver, BC. SILO primarily focuses on identifying, developing and producing film, television and digital content for a global audience. Mel was born in Bombay and raised in Vancouver. He has a career spanning over 30 years in the Media & Entertainment industry, with both North American and international experience, with a focus on South and SE Asia. His Producer/EP credits include Bending Light (2024), Our Big Punjabi Family (2023), Finding Freedom (2023), Genius Factory (2017), Sanctuary (2010), Cowboys in Paradise (2009), the feature film BOOM (2002), along with producing credits on a number of other factual, shorts and digital content. SILO is currently in production with the feature doc Clan Of The Painted Lady and goes to camera with Dress For Excess in June 2024.

Kelsey Ellis

Holistic Nutritionist and Anti-Diet Educator

Instagram: @healthy_with_kelsey

With her background as a holistic nutritionist and anti-diet educator, Kelsey Ellis helps chronic dieters and exercisers liberate themselves from diet culture, build body confidence, and move their bodies unapologetically with joy! She empowers individuals to show up fiercely, let go of self-judgment, and discover their curvy confidence. Meet Kelsey Ellis, the ultimate hype woman, armed with her body-positive fitness app and ready to lead you through the wellness journey back home to yourself. Best known by her followers as “Healthy with Kelsey,” Kelsey is an award-winning, certified fitness trainer and content creator based in Vancouver, Canada.

George Huang

Writer/Director

George Huang began his Hollywood career working as an assistant. He turned a decade of experience fetching coffee into his writing/directing debut, SWIMMING WITH SHARKS. Since then, George has worked on dozens of projects that include S.W.A.T., SPYKIDS, MACHETE, LAW&ORDER:SVU, Elijah Wood's audition reel for LORD OF THE RINGS, and a Nike short film starring Kobe Bryant. He is currently writing and directing WEEKEND IN TAIPEI starring Luke Evans, Gwei Lun Mei, and Sung Kang.

Kirby

Content Creator and Founder of Digital Marketing Agency

Kirby has been writing about food and travel since 2011 (even before the days of Instagram and TikTok) and she quit her marketing corporate job at Lululemon to become a full-time content creator 2.5 years ago. Her easy hacks and recipes have propelled her in the past year to over 350k followers on all her platforms. She is also starting a digital marketing agency focusing on influencer marketing, social media, and online brand management to help businesses thrive in this digital-first world.

Arman Kazemi

Writer and Organizer

Arman Kazemi is a Vancouver-based writer and organiser. He co-founded the MENA Film Festival in Vancouver in 2018 and serves as Festival Director. Arman provides production and story development. In both the projects he selects and his writing, Arman reflects his heritage in the context of the hyphenated divide of Iranian-Canadian identity.

Doosoo Kim

Associate Director, Head of Production in A+E Korea Office, S. Korea

Executive Decision Maker - Pitching

Julie Kim

Top Canadian Stand-Up Comedian

Julie Kim is one of Canada’s top stand-up comedians. Julie recently toured across North America doing 40 theatre shows with Ronny Chieng (Crazy Rich Asians, The Daily Show with Trevor Noah). She was a gala performer at the 2022 Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal and headlined four sold-out solo shows at Just for Laughs Toronto in 2023. Over the past decade, Julie has performed at all the major Canadian comedy festivals including Just for Laughs Vancouver, Winnipeg Comedy Festival, and Halifax Comedy Festival (with multiple televised performances). She tours internationally and made her debut at the 2023 Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Julie has also been regularly featured on CBC’s The Debaters.

Phil Kim

Founder, Storyboard Media

Phil started Storyboard Media in 2016, because he always loved the art of storytelling. Storyboard Media works with its partners to develop, finance, produce, market and distribute feature film, television and new media projects. His family immigrated from South Korea to Canada in 1974, when he was 8. He studied International Relations and Economics at SFU and graduated from UBC with a major in Philosophy. These studies helped him understand human nature and he uses this knowledge to guide him with all his endeavours. Currently, he is a venture capitalist, investing in the EV supply chain and technology companies, as well as real estate.

Aghi Koh

Producer and Studio Executive

Aghi Koh is a Producer and Studio Executive with over 20 years experience working in the kids and family space. Koh is currently the division head of YA for AGC Studios. Koh was formerly the Vice President of Production & Development at DreamWorks TV, Nickelodeon, and Universal where she developed branded and original TV series. She also Executive Produced Walt Disney’s THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG.

Lalita Krishna

Instagram: @lalitakrishna

With 25 years of experience producing award-winning international documentaries, Lalita Krishna is an independent programming and creative consultant offering her business acumen and story consulting services to the next generation of creative talent. Lalita has been a keynote speaker and special guest at several conferences, including the Co-Pro-Documentary Marketing Foundation in Tel Aviv, the Durban International Film Festival, and Silver Docs in Washington, DC. A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusivity, Lalita co-chairs the Canadian Independent Screen Fund for BPOC creators.

Erika Kumar

Director Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Access Canada

Instagram: @erikakumar

Erika Kumar, Director Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Access Canada. With over 16 years of experience managing direct funding programs for the creative sector in Canada, Erika has a passion for supporting talent and building community. As a Director for Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Access Canada, Erika leads the premiere below-the-line program, Access to Action Canada, which provides individuals who haven’t traditionally had pathways into the entertainment industry with access to opportunities on WBD film and television productions. The program fosters a more creative and inclusive production workforce and aligns with WBD’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Mahnwoo Kwon

Chief Commissioner of Busan Content Market and VP of Kyungsung University

Instagram: @mahnwookwon

Mahnwoo Kwon is the Chief Commissioner of Busan Content Market and VP of Kyungsung University. Kwon is responsible for the executive chairman of Busan Content Market, an international content trading platform created by Busan City. Kwon is also a professor in the Department of Media Content at Kyungsung University in Busan, where he serves as vice president. Kwon also serves as an advisory committee member and executive recommendation committee member for the Busan International Film Festival.

Yoori

Co-Founder Gold House, Executive Chairman and Founder of AU Holdings

Instagram: @yoori

Kristina Lao

Signals’ Special Events Producer and DigiBC’s Partnerships and Events Manager

Website: www.KristinaLao.com

Instagram: @mykristinalao

LinkedIn: @digibc

Instagram: @follow_digibc

Kristina Lao (she/her) is Signals’ Special Events Producer and DigiBC’s Partnerships and Events Manager. With over 15 years’ experience in Media & Entertainment, she has a wealth of experience across creative industry verticals. She has participated in, juried, facilitated and moderated panels in Film, Music, Creative Careers and Education Pathways for over ten years in BC and the US.

Anne-Marie Leclerc

Trade Commissioner responsible for Cultural Industries at Global Affairs Canada’s Pacific Regional Office in Vancouver

Anne-Marie Leclerc joined the Canadian Foreign Service in 2006. She has served at Canada’s Embassies to Brazil and France. Since 2021, she has been the Trade Commissioner responsible for Cultural Industries at Global Affairs Canada’s Pacific Regional Office in Vancouver.

Barbara Lee

Founder of Vancouver Asian Film Festival

Barbara Lee has dedicated over twenty-five years advocating for and building ecosystems that expand opportunities for Canadian Asian and racialized artists in the screen industry. She is the Founder of the Vancouver Asian Film Festival (VAFF), Racial Equity Screen Office (RESO), Elimin8Hate.org, co-Founder of the Mighty Asian Moviemaking Marathon (MAMM) and creator of EXNW. Barbara is also a writer and independent filmmaker and worked as a broadcast journalist, receiving the national RTNDA Award for Best Editorial in 1998. Her film “In Between the Laughter” was one of the National Film Board’s REELDIVERSITY 2004 winners which aired on CBC and PBS Northwest. She is currently finishing her personal music documentary SING MY SONG and her horror script.

Dr. Matthew Lee

Chair, IGDA Serious Games SIG

Twitter: @alfheimwanderer

LinkedIn: seriousgamedev

Dr. Matthew Lee is a creative professional who has worn many hats in his 10+ years of experience exploring storytelling and therapeutic possibilities of games and other forms of interactive media. Straddling the worlds of healthcare, design, and research, he has worked with groups like the MacArthur Foundation, the US State Department, and the American Nurses Association, helping them create projects and experiences that teach practical skills, promote cross-cultural discussions and partnerships, and facilitate interdisciplinary collaborations. His research interests include the use of augmented reality for community building, storytelling, and health promotion, with his work on Pokémon GO (among other AR titles) earning him the moniker of “Pokémon Prof.”

Sally Lee

Executive Director of the Canadian Independent Screen Fund for BPOC Creators (CISF)

Sally is Executive Director of the Canadian Independent Screen Fund for BPOC Creators (CISF), a national fund for Black and racialized creators. Her 30+ years in the culture sector includes roles at TIFF, the Canadian Filmmakers Distribution Centre, the Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto, the Coalition of Canadian Independent Media Arts Distributors, and the Reel Asian Film Festival, where she was ED and continues to serve on the Advisory. She also sits on the Boards of the Toronto Arts Council, the Contact Photography Festival, and Wavelength Music.

Harry Lin

Team Manager at Amazon

Harry Lin is a team manager at Amazon within the company’s digital advertising business. He’s been at Amazon for 10 years, starting as Head of Business Development at IMDb, an Amazon subsidiary. Prior, Harry was a vice president at ABC Television at The Walt Disney Company. He also has been CEO and EIR at startups and incubators. His first job after university was at a National Public Radio station in San Francisco. Harry splits his time between Vancouver and Seattle. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1724923/

Jocelyn Little

Managing Director, Beach House Pictures

One of Asia’s most experienced international producers, Jocelyn has grown Beach House Pictures into the region’s most exciting TV & Film production company and the largest indie business in Singapore. As Managing Director, Jocelyn runs the company together with co-founder Donovan Chan, overseeing operations, production and business development. As Executive Producer, she has supervised a diverse range of genres including scripted and non-scripted, including MR MIDNIGHT (Netflix), MASTERCHEF SINGAPORE (Mediacorp), BAKE OFF JAPAN (Amazon Prime) THE RAINCOAT KILLER (Netflix), OTTER DYNASTY (Max, Discovery+, Love Nature), EVOLVE (Curiosity, Amazon Prime), ED STAFFORD: FIRST MAN OUT (Discovery+, Bilibili), WILD CITY narrated by DAVID ATTENBOROUGH (Netflix. BBC America, Sky), CESAR’S RECRUIT: ASIA (Fox), NOMAD CHEF (Discovery), and KAKADU (ABC).

Douglas Lui

Vancouver-based Venture Partner

Douglas is a Vancouver-based Venture Partner, actively involved in social and sustainability investment projects in Canada, the US, Asia and Europe. Douglas is passionate about impact investment, particularly in POC representation in the media sector. He is involved in multiple Canada-US-Asia media projects and launching Canada's first LGBTQ+ venture fund. Originally from Hong Kong, Douglas has 25+ years of corporate finance and entrepreneurial experience across media, tech, hospitality and banking industries. He held several executive roles in Universal Studios and Universal Music Group based in LA.

Elaine "Lainey" Lui

IG: laineygossip

Elaine "Lainey" Lui is the founder and Editor of LaineyGossip.com, co-host of CTV's daytime talk show "The Social", and a reporter on CTV's "etalk". Lainey has covered the Red Carpet at the Oscars, SuperBowl XLII, Cannes and Toronto International Film Festivals, and other top tier events worldwide, and is regularly called upon by various media outlets including CNN, CBC, CTV News as one of Canada's top celebrity and pop culture experts.

Winnie Luk

Executive Director of the Disability Screen Office

Winnie Luk is the inaugural Executive Director of the Disability Screen Office. The Disability Screen Office is a national, disability-led, not-for-profit organization that works with the Canadian screen industry to eliminate accessibility barriers and foster authentic and meaningful disability representation throughout the sector. Winnie is a disability advocate, 2SLGBTQI+ activist, and film industry leader with over 25 years of experience in the non-profit, film, entertainment, and public sectors. Among her numerous accomplishments, Winnie was the Managing Director of Rainbow Railroad, a charity which supports LGBTQI+ individuals seeking safe haven from around the globe. She was also the Director of Operations and Events at Inside Out, the presenter of the Toronto and Ottawa 2SLGBTQI+ Film Festivals.

Fawzia Mirza

Queer, Muslim, South Asian-Canadian Writer and Director

Fawzia Mirza is a queer, Muslim, South Asian-Canadian writer and director with multiple film and television credits including the feature Signature Move (2017), which she co-wrote, produced, and starred in. They directed the short films The Queen of My Dreams (2012), I Know Her (2019), Saya (2019), Noor & Layla (2021), TIFF selection The Syed Family Xmas Eve...

Andria Wilson Mirza

Co-Founder of Baby Daal Productions

@andriawilsonmirza

Andria is a CMPA Award-Nominated producer and the co-founder of Baby Daal Productions, which she runs with her wife, filmmaker Fawzia Mirza. She recently produced THE QUEEN OF MY DREAMS, their Pakistan-Canada co-production that has screened at TIFF, SXSW and the BFI and was nominated for 5 Canadian Screen Awards. For the last 3 years, Andria led ReFrame, Hollywood's gender equity coalition founded by Sundance Institute and WIF, and is now leading WIF's international initiatives. She was previously the Executive Director of Inside Out LGBT Film Festival, Canada’s largest queer media organization, where she co-founded the world’s only feature financing forum for LGBT films. She is currently on the advisory board of Hire Survivors Hollywood, the management committee of Anita Hill’s Hollywood Commission, and is a senior consultant for GLAAD’s entertainment team.

Sonia Narang

Journalist

Sonia Narang is a Los Angeles-based journalist who reports on culture, music, and social justice issues globally for Public Radio International's The World and NPR radio stations.

Sonia spent more than a decade reporting stories across Asia – primarily in Japan and India – as well as Europe, North America, and other regions. Sonia has a Master’s degree in journalism from the University of California at Berkeley and is a self-professed sweet tooth.

Erika North

CEO and Co-Founder of RISE Entertainment Group

Erika North is CEO and co-founder of RISE Entertainment Group, a new Asian + Global studio. Over the last fifteen years, she has established herself as a leading film and television executive with strong talent relationships spanning Asia and the world. She is known for pioneering original production with strategic vision and international impact. Erika has held key and foundational APAC roles at Amazon Studios, Netflix, and HBO Asia. Of Filipino and British heritage, she holds an MSc from the London School of Economics and lives in Los Angeles.

Andrew Ooi

Founder of Echelon Talent Management

Andrew Ooi started Echelon Talent Management in 1994. Today, he represents some of the top Asian actors in film and television, and with his guidance they have won awards at the Oscars, SAG, BAFTA, Golden Horse, etc. His clients have starred in shows like THE LAST EMPEROR, ARRIVAL, CRAZY RICH ASIANS, MORTAL KOMBAT, CSI, ARROW, SUPERNATURAL, 24, two of China’s all-time biggest box office hits WOLF WARRIOR 2, and THE WANDERING EARTH; and China’s most-watched series THE STORY OF YANXI PALACE, which was streamed more than 15 billion times in 2018. In 2023, Andrew executive produced the upcoming feature WORTH THE WAIT. His other producing credits include films like 2-time Oscar nominee Hany Abu-Assad’s THE COURIER (Wellgo), OPEN GRAVE (Tribeca Films), SHRIEK IF YOU KNOW WHAT I DID LAST FRIDAY THE 13th (Lions Gate), and the award-winning mini-series DRAGON BOYS for the CBC.

Joonsuh Park

CEO of SLL Studios, S. Korea

Joonsuh Park is the Head of Scripted TV Series Productions and CEO of SLL (previously known as JTBC Studios). SLL houses 15 different multimedia, television, and film production studios, including Drama House Studio and B.A. Entertainment. Studios under SLL have been behind a number of hit dramas and films such as "My Liberation Notes" (2022), "Reborn Rich" (2022), and "The Good Bad Mother" (2023). Joonsuh Park executive produced the “Strong Girl” series, “Sky Castle”, “King the Land”, “Atypical Family,” and over a hundred successful Korean TV series. He also oversees US and Japan co-production projects.

Natasha Receno

Multi-Disciplinary Artist

Instagram: @natashareceno

Natasha Receno is a multi-disciplinary artist from Vancouver, BC. She studied Creative Writing at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, was crowned the Vancouver Poetry Slam Champion two years in a row, and represented Vancouver at the Women of the World Poetry Slam in New York and at National Poetry Slam in Oakland, California. She’s performed across Canada and the United States representing the city, has been a showcased artist at the SFU Launch Festival, Vancouver Fringe Festival, Richmond World Festival, East Side Pride, and was featured on CBC news. Her poetry is a continued exploration of grief and the subconscious.

Patrice Ramsay

Senior Manager, Independent Production at Knowledge Network

Patrice Ramsay is the Senior Manager, Independent Production at British Columbia’s Knowledge Network. Her portfolio includes the pre-licensing of documentary productions and managing Knowledge Network’s annual funding envelope from the Canada Media Fund used to support Knowledge’s primetime and children’s programming schedule. Recent Executive Producer credits include Subterranean, Part of the Pack, Dancing with Mom, and Search and Rescue North Shore.

Haley Robinson

Instagram: @og.robinson

Haley Robinson is a Cree/Filipinx Two-Spirit actor, model and advocate residing in Ottawa. Growing up in Alberta and adopted into a white family, Haley yearned for community. After getting sober from years of struggling with addiction, they decided to reach out to their birth family and took to social media to share that journey of reconnecting back to their cultures and their bio family, and creating representation for folks like them in the media. Haley is also an ambassador for MADE (celebrating Canadian Media), and ambassador of Sexfluent (an online non-profit part of CANFAR: Canadian Foundation of AIDS Research) and was crowned the Two-Spirit ambassador at the Two-Spirit Powwow in Toronto.

Nicolle Rufino

Scripted Development Associate at Omnifilm Entertainment

Nicolle Rufino, of Filipino-Chinese heritage, relocated from the Philippines to Canada in pursuit of a career in the Film and Television Industry. Currently, she contributes her expertise to Omnifilm Entertainment as their Scripted Development Associate. She is a graduate of the Film Production Program at Vancouver Film School and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from British Columbia Institute of Technology. Nicolle is dedicated to empowering diverse creatives in their storytelling endeavours.

Mannu Sandhu

Producer, International South Asian Film Festival

Mannu Sandhu, Producer, International South Asian Film Festival

As a successful and accomplished businesswoman with extensive experience in the entertainment industry, for the last decade, I have been leading the International South Asian Film Festival Canada, a prestigious event that showcases and celebrates South Asian arts, culture and stories. As a passionate advocate for South Asian stories in North America, I am dedicated to elevating these narratives and ensuring they receive the recognition they deserve. Helping people and seeing them smile fulfills me and drives my commitment to my work.

Ana Serrano

President & Vice Chancellor of OCAD University

Ana Serrano is the President & Vice Chancellor of OCAD University, Canada’s largest and oldest art, design and media university. Prior to that role Serrano was Chief Digital Officer of the Canadian Film Centre and Founder of the CFC Media Lab. Serrano has directed the development of over 130 digital media projects, mentored over 50 start-ups, and has received numerous awards from the digital media, film, and theatre industries in North America including a Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Order of Arts and Letters) from the French Government in 2018, a Digital Media Trailblazing Award in 2015 from the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television and a Best Canadian Feature Film Award at the 2012 Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival for her transmedia production Prison Dancer.

Feanshu Sharma & Keerat Gill

Instagram: @feanshuandkeerat

Meet Feanshu and Keerat, a fun-loving couple who fell in love at 16. Every day, they share a slice of their life on their YouTube channel through lively vlogs. From exploring Vancouver's beautiful spots to cooking delicious meals at home, they capture their adventures and cozy moments with a genuine warmth. Their daily uploads are a blend of love, laughter, and life's little surprises, making their channel a go-to for anyone looking to join their journey. Come along and experience the joy of life with Feanshu and Keerat!

Ryan Shiotani

Instagram: @ryanshiotani

Ryan Shiotani is SVP, Content, Asia & Greater China for BBC Studios, leading the company's editorial direction as it explores new partnerships and platforms in the region. He joined BBC Studios (then BBC Worldwide) in 2007 and has led the content strategy for brands including BBC Earth, BBC First, BBC Lifestyle, BBC Player, and BBC Kids across linear and digital platforms in Asia. He is also the regional business lead for DEI.

Ruby Singh

Artist

Ruby Singh is a multi award winning performer, composer, and producer residing on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, and səl̓ílwətaʔɬ/Selilwitulh Nations (Vancouver BC.). His creativity crosses the boundaries of music, poetry, photography, and film engaging with mythos, ecology, justice, and fantasy. Singh believes in art’s ability to reimagine futures, to repurpose aesthetic freedoms toward civil and environmental justice. For more info check out: www.rubysingh.ca

Remy Siu

New Media Artist and Game Developer

Instagram: @remysiu

Twitter: @remysiu

Remy Siu is a new media artist and game developer. He founded sunset visitor 斜陽過客, an indie video game studio. Their debut title 1000xRESIST released on May 9, 2024. Prior to this, he worked in the performing arts for a decade, co-founding the non-profit performing arts company Hong Kong Exile. His work has been performed and exhibited in Hong Kong, Taiwan, New York, San Francisco, Toronto, Montreal, London, and more. www.remysiu.com

Bryna Dabby Smith

Co-Founder and CEO at Brass Lion Entertainment

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brynadabby/

Twitter: @beeme

Bryna Dabby Smith is a Co-Founder and CEO at Brass Lion Entertainment, an interactive entertainment studio focused on creating original fictional universes that center on Black, Brown and other traditionally marginalized characters, cultures and stories. They are currently working on an unannounced AAA Action-RPG video game title with an anime aesthetic for consoles and PC. Their fully remote team has 70 individuals across both the US and Canada, and is growing into 2024. She has worked on major video game titles over the past 20+ years, including The Bourne Conspiracy, Def Jam Vendetta and Sleeping Dogs.

Youngsun Soh

SVP & Managing Director, A+E Networks Korea

Youngsun is SVP & Managing Director of A+E Networks Korea responsible for all business areas including management of A+E's branded channels, original production and digital studio. Under her leadership, A+E Korea has grown as a major media company with a strong track record of business performance and hit contents including “Backstreet Rookie” and “Nego King”. Prior to that, she has served in several executive roles at Twitter, BBC Worldwide and BBC.

Hannah Sung

Co-Founder of Media Girlfriends

Instagram: @hannsung

TikTok: hannah_tok

Twitter: @HannahSung

Hannah Sung is a co-founder of Media Girlfriends. Her previous work includes producing award-winning podcasts for The Globe and Mail and the Globe Content Studio, including Colour Code, a podcast about race in Canada, and Stress Test, a podcast about personal finance in the pandemic. She executive produced award-winning podcasts at TVO and The Walrus Lab on social issues, politics, and current affairs. In 2020, she was the Asper Fellow at the University of Western Ontario’s Faculty of Information and Media Studies, where she led a post-graduate program.

Michelle Tiang

Marketing Expert and Owner of Mitz Consulting

Instagram: @mitz_tiang

Meet Michelle Tiang, a Canadian-based Singaporean marketing expert with over 25 years of experience. Formerly the Senior Director of Marketing for Retail and Foodservice at Dessert Holdings, she now owns Mitz Consulting, helping clients with marketing strategies. Michelle is also a dynamic content creator on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, known for crafting relatable brand content that captivates her audience. With expertise in B2B and B2C marketing, brand management, digital strategy, and consumer research, Michelle invites you to join her on a journey of creativity, inspiration, and genuine connections.

Loretta Sarah Todd

Visionary Leader and Founder of the IM4 Media Lab

Loretta Sarah Todd is a visionary leader, blending artistic talent with entrepreneurial energy and cultural knowledge. She champions Indigenous media, creating opportunities for Indigenous talent and spaces for production. Todd played a key role in establishing the Aboriginal Arts Centre at Banff Centre and she is the Founder and Creative Director of the IM4 Media Lab. Her feature film, Monkey Beach, was the #1 Canadian film at the box office for over 4 weeks. She has directed over 100 projects, including award-winning innovative series like Coyote Science, about Indigenous science and Skye & Chang, a sci-fi martial arts mashup. She's designed games, created one of the first Indigenous language apps, and is known for her influential essays.

Davin Tong

Actor and Influencer

Instagram: @peterchao

TikTok: @iampeterchao

After leaving an indelible mark on the social media landscape with an incredibly successful run as one of the top 50 YouTubers in the world as 'Peter Chao' (2009-2012 / 800K subscriptions / 200M global views), Davin Tong has set his eyes on the acting world appearing in Netflix's "Wu Assassins" which helped secure back-to-back appearances in ABC's "A Million Little Things" and The Disney Channel's "Gabby Duran". Davin's TikTok page has also grown to a following to the tune of 1.2M followers and 30M video likes; an endeavour that helped ink him many sponsorship endorsement opportunities as one of Canada's most popular influencers.

Jensen Tung

Content Creator and Entrepreneur

Instagram: @jensentung

TikTok: @jensentung

Jensen Tung is a content creator and entrepreneur based in Vancouver, Canada. With a focus on entrepreneurship, personal finance, and self-improvement, Jensen's videos combine education with creative storytelling to inspire his audience of 480K+ subscribers on YouTube and 940K+ followers on TikTok.

Ying Wang

Filmmaker, RESO Board Member, EXNW Program Advisor

Ying Wang is an award-winning filmmaker exploring global migration and geopolitical complexities. Her feature documentary, The World is Bright, addresses immigration and mental health, winning the Sea to Sky Award (VIFF 2019) and Emerging Canadian Filmmaker Award (Hot Docs 2020). It was also nominated for two 2021 Canadian Screen Awards. Her credits include Tricks on the Dead: The Story of Chinese Labour Corps in WWI, a co-production winning two 2016 Canadian Screen Awards and the 2015 VIFF Audience Must See Award. She is currently completing a new documentary about the US-Canada border and developing a feature film sponsored by Telefilm Canada.

Tonya Williams

Award-Winning Actress and Producer

Instagram: @imtonyawilliams

Tonya Williams - Named one of the 100 most influential Black Canadians for the last three years, Tonya Williams is the recent 2024 Canadian Screen Awards Changemaker Recipient. She is an award-winning actress and producer who has worked in the entertainment industry for the last 49 years in Canada and the US. She is widely known for her nineteen years starring on the daytime drama "The Young & The Restless" as Dr. Olivia Winters. She is also well-known as the Founder and Executive Director of the Reelworld Screen Institute, Reelworld Film Festival, and Reelworld Foundation. Tonya founded Reelworld in 2000 to address the lack of opportunities, access, and inclusion in Canada for Black, Indigenous, Asian, and People of Colour in the screen industries. Tonya was one of the recipients of the EXNW2023 Global Connector Award.

Robert Wong

Vice President of Creative BC

Instagram: @creativebcs

X: @creativebcs

Robert Wong is the Vice President of Creative BC, the economic development organization focused on sustaining and growing B.C.’s dynamic and diverse creative sector. Robert markets the province internationally as a destination of choice for projects and companies seeking a world-class creative industries centre in which to do business. In his role, he leads the administration of Creative BC’s tax credit and granting programs, balancing attraction of international business with support for B.C.’s domestic content creators. Having been with the organization since it was previously known as BC Film and Media, Robert has become the expert on motion picture tax credits, originally helping to launch the B.C. film and television tax credit program in 1998, playing an integral role in the evolution of B.C.'s motion picture industry tax policy.

Dr. Wendy H. Wong

Professor of Political Science and Principal’s Research Chair at the University of British Columbia

Dr. Wendy H. Wong is Professor of Political Science and Principal’s Research Chair at the University of British Columbia. She is an international relations scholar with expertise in global governance, human rights, civil society, and AI/Big Data. She is the author of We, the Data: Human Rights in the Digital Age, published in 2023 by MIT Press. We, the Data has been shortlisted for the 2024 Lionel Gelber prize. The book was also named to CBC The House's "Book Smart Summer" book club and the Journal of Democracy’s “Favorite Books” of 2023. Wong is the author of two other award-winning books, dozens of academic articles and chapters, and contributes to outlets such as CBC, The Globe and Mail, and the Conversation.

Brian Yang

Producer

Instagram: @briflys

Twitter: @briflys

BRIAN YANG's producing credits include LATE LIFE, the Golden Horse Best Documentary Award nominated feature on former New York Yankees pitcher Chien-Ming Wang; the Jeremy Lin documentary LINSANITY which premiered at Sundance Film Festival; Shanghai International Film Festival award winning biopic ANOTHER SHOT, on former NBA player Stephon Marbury's life in China; I CAN I WILL I DID starring Tony Award and BAFTA nominee Mike Faist; SNAKEHEAD which had its international premiere at TIFF and is currently on Hulu; and A GREAT DIVIDE, starring Ken Jeong and Jae Suh Park, which was the Centerpiece Film at VAFF in 2023. Yang has also produced documentary specials for ESPN and Fox Sports and has a pair of Taiwan-related sports documentaries in production.

RAISON D'ETRE STORIES is a multi-media and entertainment venture company founded by Sung Kang and Brian Yang. Founded in 2021, RDS's debut film was Shaky Shivers, Kang's feature directorial debut. RDS also produced the narrative feature A Great Divide, the docuseries The Ride Life With Sung Kang, and has a podcast Car Stories with iHeart Media. Several films, episodic shows, and a comic book are all in development.

Hudson Yang

Actor, Producer

Instagram: @hudsonyang

Threads: @hudsonyang

TikTok: @hudsontheyang

Hudson Yang, named by Variety, The Wrap and other publications as a rising star to watch in young Hollywood, spent six years as irrepressible protagonist Eddie on ABC's historic Asian American family sitcom Fresh Off the Boat. His performance garnered him multiple NAACP Image Awards nominations for Outstanding Performance by a Youth, and Teen Choice Awards nominations as Choice Scene Stealer in 2016 and Outstanding TV Comedy Actor in 2017 and 2018. Yang has also appeared on Family Guy, Disney's Sophia the First, Liv and Maddie and The Lion Guard, Universal Kids' Where's Waldo and PBS's Cyberchase. Most recently, he was the lead in the highly anticipated indie thriller feature Honor Student and in the food travel show, Order Up with Hudson Yang, an original series he developed through his production company HUJE Media, now airing on Paramount+ in Canada, SBS in Australia, Asian Food Network in Asia, Insight TV in Europe and NatGeo/Hulu in the US this fall, with Season 2 currently in planning. Born and bred in Brooklyn, Yang lives in Los Angeles, California.

Jeff Yang

Producer, Screenwriter, Author, Culture Critic

Instagram: @originalspin

Threads: @originalspin

Bluesky: @originalsp.in

Jeff Yang is a producer, screenwriter, New York Times bestselling author and culture critic based in Los Angeles. He is currently a columnist for CNN Opinion, a regular on NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour and cohost of the podcast They Call Us Bruce with Phil Yu. He has been a columnist for the Village Voice, the San Francisco Chronicle, the Wall Street Journal, and a contributor to a wide range of publications. He was screenwriter of the acclaimed indie feature A GREAT DIVIDE and has authored dozens of books, including Jackie Chan’s autobiography I AM JACKIE CHAN, and most recently the bestsellers RISE and THE GOLDEN SCREEN.

Christine Yi

General Manager of Gold House Futures, General Partner of the Creative Equity Fund

Instagram: @christinesyi, @goldhouseco

Christine Yi is the General Manager of Gold House Futures and General Partner of the Creative Equity Fund, where she leads investments and development programs for next-generation and independent Asian Pacific creatives and companies. Prior to Gold House Christine worked in management consulting and retail strategy before founding her own company, scouting for VC funds, and serving as Lead Venture Architect at Boston Consulting Group. She is based in New York City.

Ella Cooper

Founder of Black Women Film Canada

Instagram: @ellacoopercreates @bwfcanada

ELLA COOPER is the founder of Black Women Film Canada, she is also an award-winning producer, director, writer, multi-media artist and cultural leader who has been working in the arts, film and cultural sector for over 25 years.

Andrew Chung

Writer/Director based in Toronto

Instagram: @thisisandrewc

ANDREW CHUNG is a Writer/Director based in Toronto. His films, "Ma", "Lovebites", and "White Elephant", have been broadcast on CBC, Hollywood Suite, Fuse, and Super Channel. His films have garnered Best Feature, Best Short, Best Director, and Best Writer at film festivals internationally, and has been incorporated into multiple course curriculums at Toronto Metropolitan University and the University of British Columbia. His latest project is his TV series, "Killer and Cadet", developed with Bell Media.

Brian Hamilton

Executive Producer

Brian Hamilton has executive produced more than 60 television projects in both scripted and non-scripted genres, representing over 350 hours of broadcast programming, since he joined Omnifilm in 1994. Brian is responsible for Omnifilm's scripted development/production and has executive produced television series for ABC, BBC, Bell Media, Britbox, CBC, Comedy Network, Corus Entertainment, CTV, Disney Channel, Disney XD, ITV, ProSeiben, and Rogers Media. Brian most recently executive produced The Bletchley Circle: San Francisco for Britbox, Netflix, CityTV, and ITV.

He is the chair and co-founder of the Pacific Screenwriting Program, former Chair of the BC Branch of the Canadian Media Production Association, and is a member of CMPA's National Board. He holds a First-Class Honours Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Systems Design Engineering from the University of Waterloo and received his television training from the Banff Centre for the Arts.

Prem Gill

CEO of Creative BC

Instagram: @creativebcs

LinkedIn: Creative BC

Facebook: Creative BC

X: @creativebcs

Prem Gill is CEO of Creative BC. The organization is designated by the Province of British Columbia to focus on uniting, sustaining and growing B.C.’s dynamic and diverse creative sector including motion picture, music and sound recording, interactive and digital media, and magazine and book publishing. Gill has been named one of Canada’s 100 most powerful women, was on The Hollywood Reporter's first Canadian Women in Entertainment Power List, and has received the Community Catalyst Award from the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade. She brings more than 25 years of experience from the digital media and entertainment industries to her current role and has championed Canadian creativity as a representative and spokesperson to media, industry and government at all levels. Prem currently sits on the Board of Directors for The Bell Fund, a not-for-profit organization supporting Canadian Media content makers, and the BC Tech Association.

Natasha Jung

Founder, CEO & Executive Producer of Cold Tea Collective

Instagram: @coldteacollective

LinkedIn: Natasha Jung

Instagram: @natashajung

Natasha Jung is the Founder, CEO & Executive Producer of Cold Tea Collective. As a media outlet, their mission is to empower the next generation of the Asian diaspora to live their most authentic lives through storytelling, by working with clients including Dove and US Bank and non-profit partners such as RESO and Gold House. Natasha brings 20 years’ experience in marketing and media. Her favourite interviews include Michelle Yeoh, Randall Park and Hello Kitty.

Marion Jacobs

Actress, Director, Writer, and Teaching Artist

Instagram: @marionjacobs

Marion Jacobs, Actress, Director, Writer and Teaching Artist is proud of her Squamish, Snuneymuwx and Bahamian ancestry. She was born and raised in West Vancouver, BC. She moved to L.A for University and attended the American Musical and Dramatic Academy receiving a BFA with honors in Performing Arts Acting. Since then Marion has worked with theater's in Seattle and Champaign, Illinois and is now currently working in the film industry in Canada.

Ann Pornel

Accomplished Actress, Comedian, and Writer

Instagram: @glampornel

Ann Pornel is an accomplished actress, comedian, and writer known for her versatile talent and captivating performances. With an extensive background in improvisation and sketch comedy, Ann has honed her craft on stages across North America, performing at Just For Laughs in Montreal, NBC’s Break Out Comedy Festival, and others. Ann Pornel continues to make waves in the entertainment industry, captivating audiences with her performances and leaving a lasting impression wherever she goes.

Senator Yuen Pau Woo

Independent Senator, British Columbia

Appointed to the Senate of Canada in November 2016, the Honourable Yuen Pau Woo sits as an independent representing British Columbia. He served as Facilitator of the Independent Senators Group from 2017 to 2021. Senator Woo has worked on public policy issues related to Canada’s relations with Asian countries for more than 30 years. From 2005-2014, he was President and CEO of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, during which he also served on the Standing Committee of the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC) and as Chair of PECC’s State of the Region Report.