The imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival announced the appointment of Jason Ryle as Executive Director. In this role he will be responsible for leading the operations and strategic efforts of the organization and the vision of the festival.

Jason is a writer, filmmaker, programmer and award-winning freelance journalist. He has worked for various Indigenous organizations in Canada and currently sits on the board of Vtape and served as Chair of imagineNATIVE from 2002 to 2010

“I am thrilled to take on a new role within an organization I care for deeply,” Jason says. “imagineNATIVE has been a cornerstone of Indigenous cinema globally and I look forward to leading the festival as it continues to serve and support Indigenous filmmakers from Canada and around the world.

Jason replaces outgoing Executive Director Steven Loft who now serves on imagineNATIVE’s Board of Directors and as Chair of its Programming Team.

imagineNATIVE also announced the appointment of Marcia Nickerson as the Chair of the Board of Directors. Marcia brings over 10 years experience working within the Indigenous community in Canada including serving as a self-government negotiator, policy advisor and consultant as well a member of imagineNATIVE’s Board between 2004 to 2008.

She joins newly appointed Board Members Andre Morriseau, current Communications Officer at the Chiefs of Ontario and former Chair of imagineNATIVE, and Eddy Robinson, Native Alternative Schools Policy Analyst for the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres and performer with the Morningstar River Singers.

“imagineNATIVE’s new Board Members bring a diversity of experience and valuable insight,” says Denise Bolduc, Board Vice-Chair. “Their talents will add to those of an already outstanding group of individuals.”