Paris Roger, Canada
Executive Director

Paris Roger was born in Montreal Canada and has been in the Film and Television Industry for 20 years internationally. Since 1990 Paris has been involved as a crew member on over 360 film & television projects, starting in 1990 as security, and working his way into Locations, Scouting, Assistant Director (AD), Driver, Electrics, and then starting his own projects as Producer, Director, Writer, and even Acting. He has scouted for films in Japan, Spain, UK, US, Ghana - West Africa, and Canada.

Paris has also been a teacher, film programmer, film festival owner, graphic designer, and much more. Paris is currently writing a feature romantic comedy script to which he will direct in late 2008 early 2009. Paris also started the film festival First Take International Student Film Festival in 2000, to which has shown over 350 films from over 50 countries in the 8 year history.

Paris is also working on several film internet projects to expand the festival projects he is already doing and completing his next feature film script, which he hopes to have in production by 2009.

Beverly Moore
Director of Finance

Kristel Procida
Communications Director

Adanna Nwaehie
Communications Co-Ordinator

Adanna Nwaehie has co-ordinated events in an array of sectors ranging from corporate to non-profit, and has years of progressive experience with project management, and both community and media relations. A Student Ambassador for York University in previous years, Adanna was also the Entertainment Director for the school?s Multicultural Week in 2007, has an undergraduate background in cultural studies and has completed graduate studies in public relations. Adanna has studied West African drumming and African theatre, and is actively involved with the performing arts.

Velda Vuo
Marketplace Co-Ordinator

Velda Vuo is a familiar face seen around town at many African cultural events. She has developed a passion for African culture, which she proudly displays in many ways. Velda grew up in Toronto, and later spent some years travelling and living in some African countries where she took a keen interest in the arts and crafts locally manufactured in these countries.

Velda always wanted to share such unique findings with others in Toronto, and later partnered with 2 other ladies to establish a home-based business, "Zebra Collections" , selling African art and craft items.

Much later, Velda decided to volunteer her services in coordinating vendor concessions in showcasing and selling their products at many Toronto African festivals. Velda has been a Marketplace Coordinator for about the past 10 years.