The Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF), is pleased to announce that Luke Azevedo, Gary Davies, Tracy Mackett and Carol Ryder have joined the 2008 Board of Directors.

“With Calgary’s vibrant economy and exponential population growth, Calgarians are demanding that quality of life keep up,” says Jacqueline Dupuis, Executive Director of CIFF. “Strengthening our board of directors and bringing on additional talent will allow CIFF to continue to enrich the city’s arts and culture scene and contribute to quality of life improvements for all Calgarians.”

2008 Board of Directors additions include Luke Azevedo, commissioner film, television and creative industries, Calgary Economic Development; Gary Davies, executive vice-president, Redpoint Media Group; Tracy Mackett, account director, Hill & Knowlton; and, Carol Ryder, director, business development, White Iron Group of Companies.

“I am privileged to be joining CIFF’s board of directors,” said Mackett. “CIFF is rapidly gaining world-class recognition and I’m honoured to have the opportunity to offer my experience as the Festival grows and expands.”

CIFF also added two new staff members to allow the Festival to better accomplish its mandate of engaging artists and showcasing cultural diversity through the artistic medium of film. Kathleen Frith, former consultant with Hill & Knowlton, has joined as manager, development, and Trevor Smith, programmer and board member of the Calgary Cinematheque, has joined as programmer, documentaries.

“The Festival’s exponential growth over the past several years and subsequent staff expansion is a reflection of audience engagement and demand,” says Dupuis. “Calgarians have voted and the message is clear: arts and culture are integral to the overall fabric of this city.”

About CIFF
Founded in 1998, the Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF) is a charitable, not-for-profit, cultural organization based in Alberta, Canada. Inspired by the pioneering spirit and maverick ideals of the community, CIFF showcases films that break traditional boundaries and forge new cinematic ground. CIFF celebrates an unparalleled breadth and depth of cultural diversity through the meaningful, accessible, and artistic medium of film, and engages thousands of artists annually to showcase the best of the best films from filmmakers in over 100 countries. CIFF is held annually at the end of September, screening over 200 films and hosting several gala events, awards, and special presentations. For more information visit www.calgaryfilm.com



-Biographies follow-

Board of Directors Appointments – Biographies

Luke Azevedo – commissioner film, television and creative industries, Calgary Economic Development
With an extensive background in film, television, and new media, Luke Azevedo brings a great deal of experience and expertise to his most recent role as Film Commissioner with Calgary Economic Development (CED). Before joining the ranks of CED Luke spent over 20 years in the industry, including a vibrant tenure as the director of creative electronic environment at The Banff Centre. His involvement will bring the Festival new opportunities to engage and celebrate the film industry.

Gary Davies – executive vice-president, Redpoint Media Group
Gary Davies, executive vice president of Redpoint Media Group, oversees all RedPoint publications, including CIFF sponsor Avenue Magazine, Calgary Inc, WestJet’s in-flight publication up!, and various cultural and corporate magazines. Gary’s commitment to arts and culture and community involvement will create new opportunities for CIFF to bring value to Calgary.

Tracy Mackett – account director, Hill & Knowlton
As an account director for Hill & Knowlton, Tracy Mackett provides strategic public relations counsel to Hill & Knowlton’s clients including American Express, Calgary Olympic Development Association, YMCA Calgary and Safe Haven. With seven years experience in developing high impact marketing, communications and public relations programs, Tracy will be an asset to the Festival as it continues its business development.

Carol Ryder – business development, White Iron Group
A well-known contributor to the not for profit sector, Carol received an Alberta Centennial Medal in 2005 from Premier Ralph Klein in recognition of her community leadership. Carol is currently the director of business development for the White Iron Group of Companies and her work with CIFF will further her ongoing commitment to the Calgary community.

Staff Appointments – Biographies

Kathleen Frith – manager, development
A former corporate communications consultant with Hill & Knowlton, Kathleen Frith develops and executes creative and strategic communications programs. Having spent time living, studying and working around the globe, Kathleen will lend international perspective and communications expertise to CIFF as it works to further engage its audience, the community, and corporate and institutional stakeholders.

Trevor Smith – programmer, documentaries
As a programmer and board member of the Calgary Cinematheque, filmmaker, and film industry professional, Trevor Smith brings extensive industry experience, programming expertise and film knowledge to CIFF. Trevor’s skillset will be an excellent compliment to the CIFF Programming team and focus will further CIFF’s endeavour to bring the best of the best in filmmaking from around the world to Calgary audiences.