Christine is a seasoned professional with a background spanning film production, not-for-profit management and project consulting. Hailing from Saskatchewan, she brings a personal connection to the National Screen Institute’s mission and values, as well as to the expansive prairie landscape that has shaped her journey.

She has worked for institutions including the National Film Board, the DOC Institute and numerous independent production companies. Her notable works, including the impactful films Barefoot and A Better Man, have not only garnered critical acclaim but also played a pivotal role in shaping her career trajectory. Through their unique and compassionate approaches to community engagement during production and distribution, these films stand as testaments to Christine’s commitment to meaningful storytelling and social impact.

An advocate for filmmakers, Christine has a deep-seated commitment to supporting filmmaking talent in Canada. Her dedication to fostering creative growth and amplifying new voices is motivated by guiding principles of equity and accessibility.

A proud mother of two teen boys and one derpy golden retriever, Christine spends her time walking, watching and listening to the stories around her.

In her role as the communications and outreach manager, Abiola spends her days connecting with potential program applicants and equity-deserving communities to ensure the organization is reaching as many creators and storytellers across Canada as possible. She also engages with partners, sponsors and government agencies to spread the word about the organization’s value, impact and the opportunities it offers.

Apart from her work with the National Screen Institute, Abiola writes poetry, fiction and informational articles and has written one children’s book. With an academic background in psychology, she delights in building relationships and listening to people’s stories. She has co-hosted, edited and produced two podcasts.

When not teaching her child Beyonce lyrics and doing 20 versions of Heardle with her husband, Abiola listens to comedy podcasts, takes long walks and goes on adventures with friends.

+1-204-956-7800 EXT 113

abiola.agbayewa@nsi-canada.ca

Danielle Yvonne Marie Audette (Red River Métis-Francophone) is the manager of program and partner support for the National Screen Institute and a freelance consultant in the film and television industry specializing in production management, business affairs and post-production supervising.

Her journey began in 1998 with Les Productions Rivard Inc, Canada’s first independent francophone production company outside of la belle province dedicated to weaving documentary stories shared by franco-minorities from the Yukon River to the Great Lakes.

In 2002, Danielle began freelancing as a production manager on various historical documentaries for a multitude of independent companies which led her to post-production manage a series of horror / thriller films in 2007 (natural progression) enabling her to work with an amazing roster of talent from across North America.

APTN, the world’s first Indigenous broadcaster, welcomed Danielle in 2009 where she immersed herself in a new community of storytellers specializing in all genres of programs in Indigenous languages including the historical debut of Rogers Hometown Hockey in Cree on APTN in 2019.

Danielle resides within Treaty 1 territory.

danielle.y.m.audette@nsi-canada.ca

Grace Bruinooge holds a bachelor of arts in communications and media with a minor in English. A proud Red River Métis and settler mix, Grace was born and raised on Treaty 1 Territory (Winnipeg, Manitoba).

Passionate about storytelling, Grace first joined the National Screen Institute in 2021 as screening support for TELUS STORYHIVE. She later served as program coordinator for CBC New Indigenous Voices in 2023 and 2024, before taking on her current role as operations administrator.

In this role, Grace brings her creative problem-solving and organizational skills to effectively support staff and program participants. Dedicated to assisting talented storytellers in Canada and those connected with the National Screen Institute, she combines her passion for storytelling with her professional expertise.

In her free time, Grace enjoys graphic design, spending time with loved ones and diving into her latest creative project.

grace.bruinooge@nsi-canada.ca

Oyinkansola first came to the National Screen Institute as an RBC Career Launch Program associate on secondment in September 2020.

As the business support manager, she supports the organization in the areas of organizational development, human resources, financial management and board governance to ensure smooth and efficient administrative operations.

As the program manager for year 3 of Access BIPOC Producers, she manages program planning, coordination and delivery, while supporting participants and managing relationships with industry experts.

Oyinkansola holds a BA in psychology and philosophy from the University of Manitoba. She is a strong advocate for members of underrepresented communities and looks to create opportunities for people in spaces where they feel like they don’t belong.

She is also secretary to the National Screen Institute Board of Directors.

+1-204-956-7800 EXT 102

oyin.bolaji-idowu@nsi-canada.ca

Jessica has built a successful career as a film and television producer and production manager since transitioning from her role in front of the camera as an actor to behind the scenes over 10 years ago.

She has extensive experience managing televised live events, including the Aboriginal People’s Choice Awards and Indigenous Day Live. She was an associate producer on the award-winning We Were Children for the National Film Board and produced the short films Platypus (dir. Trevor Kristjanson) which received funding from BravoFact and Tides (dir. Rowan Grey) which received funding from Harold Greenberg Fund.

In her spare time, she and her dog Pepper are a volunteer St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog team.

+1-204-956-7800 EXT 103

jessica.gibson@nsi-canada.ca

Brit gal Liz has worked at the National Screen Institute since arriving in Canada in 2003, taking on numerous roles in marketing and communications.

As director of operations, Liz led the organization’s rebranding and introduced a four-day work week, consistently focusing on enhancing workflow efficiency and effectiveness.

Liz is responsible for the design and implementation of a variety of organization-wide work management and HR systems. She plays a key role in program development, internal communication systems, IT and budget management, while also overseeing staff and new hires to create equity and growth.

She’s been named one of the world’s top 125 fearless female bloggers, nominated for a Women of Distinction award, delivered way too many online marketing presentations and is proud to have made her dog instafamous with 30K followers.

In a previous life, Liz was a publicist, magazine editor and freelance writer covering topics from film and music to biotechnology.

+1-204-956-7800 EXT 104

liz.hover@nsi-canada.ca

Ursula has been with the National Screen Institute since 2004 and is the senior programs manager.

She is currently working on the Access BIPOC Producers program. She also oversees the mentorship, development and delivery of projects for TELUS STORYHIVE.

In 2013 Ursula was honoured to receive the YMCA-YWCA Women of Distinction Circle of Inspiration Award along with colleagues Lisa Meeches and Melissa Kajpust for their contribution to CBC New Indigenous Voices. In 2019, Ursula was nominated for the Winnipeg Arts Council Making a Difference award which celebrates contributions to the growth and development of the arts in Winnipeg.

Instrumental in helping the National Screen Institute develop and deliver culturally sensitive film and television training to emerging Indigenous content creators, Ursula previously managed CBC New Indigenous Voices, NSI IndigiDocs and NSI Aboriginal Journalism. She coordinated NSI Global Marketing, NSI Totally Television, NSI Aboriginal Cultural Trade Initiative and NSI Pitch to Win!

+1-204-957-8482

ursula.lawson@nsi-canada.ca

Kevin is a vital member of our not-for-profit team. Most recently he served as senior financial accountant and interim business and finance lead at Misericordia Health Centre. He also brings a wealth of experience in public practice. A graduate of the University of Manitoba and a Chartered Professional Accountant, Kevin’s commitment to our mission shines through his dedication to transparent financial management. His expertise ensures responsible handling of funds, making a real impact in our community.

During his free time, Kevin enjoys cooking and exploring new places through travel.

kevin.nguyen@nsi-canada.ca

Amy is a program manager for the National Screen Institute and a professional actor and voiceover artist who cares deeply about the film and television arts, and their capacity to create a more equitable world.

Amy worked in the film, television, theatre and radio industries in the Maritimes for 10 years before moving to the UK to pursue her MA (acting) from the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. She then lived and worked in London for seven years before the pandemic drove her home to Mi’kma’ki / Nova Scotia.

As any actor or arts worker will attest, it’s helpful if you wear ‘many hats.’ Amy has worked as co-director of a theatre company, volunteer coordinator for the Atlantic Film Festival (now FIN), a legal assistant and a drama teacher for inner-city children.

She has also sat on boards where she instigated and ran networking events and professional development workshops for fellow actors.

The feeling of getting her hands dirty in the pursuit of positive, progressive change is something close to Amy’s heart and she is honoured to be working with the National Screen Institute.

amy.reitsma@nsi-canada.ca

As manager of programs and development, Sarah works across many of the National Screen Institute’s programs and manages CBC New Indigenous Voices and the TikTok Accelerator for Indigenous Creators.

Sarah is a multi-talented Indigenous woman, born and raised on Treaty 1 Territory, (Winnipeg, Manitoba) and registered to Long Plain First Nation. She is a filmmaker with extensive experience who is dedicated to her craft and has made multiple short films that have screened at North American festivals. She strives to create stories and to help others share their stories through the medium of filmmaking.

Sarah went from thinking filmmaking could only be a hobby to making it a full-time career for herself: as a production manager for various productions and working at the National Screen Institute.

+1-204-956-7800 EXT 107

sarahs.yellowquill@nsi-canada.ca

As program coordinator for CBC New Indigenous Voices, Dion supports the organization and delivery of training, assists with participant activities and helps manage day-to-day program logistics.

Dion was born and raised on Treaty 1 Territory (Winnipeg, Manitoba). He is Métis, queer and neurodivergent and is passionate about creating inclusive spaces where people feel safe and empowered to show up as their authentic selves.

He is also a filmmaker and a proud graduate of CBC New Indigenous Voices. During his time in the program, he directed a short film, The Floor, that was nominated for best music video at the 2011 Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards and later won best Manitoba short film at the 2013 Gimli International Film Festival.

Dion has worked in various industries and has built a strong foundation in project coordination by developing workflows, managing complex schedules and guiding projects through both logistical and human challenges.

Outside his work with the National Screen Institute, Dion runs a freelance web design business, helping people create inclusive websites that reflect their expertise, story and values. When he’s not working, he enjoys home makeover projects, live local music and spending time with friends and family.

dion.telesky@nsi-canada.ca

As director of partner support, Chris builds and maintains relationships with government and industry supporters and oversees the fulfillment of deliverables for all partners and the National Screen Institute.

Chris has been in communications for 24 years. She started at the National Screen Institute in 2003 and has had many roles within the organization including publicity, communications and business relations.

Previously Chris worked at the Women’s Television Network/W Network and City of Winnipeg.

She has a certificate in public relations from the University of Winnipeg, diploma from Creative Communications (journalism) at Red River College and a bachelor of education from the University of Manitoba.

Through Frontier College, a national literacy organization, she volunteers at English Café helping new Canadian adults practice their English. She was a member of Film Training Manitoba’s board of directors from 2012 to 2018.

Chris is known in the office as the ‘NSI App’ for her encyclopedic memory of all things National Screen Institute. She can also prove that all roads lead to the Olympics or figure skating. Seriously, ask her …

+1-204-957-2998

chris.vajcner@nsi-canada.ca