English | Português
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.
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.