About FascinAsian
Film Festival

Alan Wong is an award-winning, multi-disciplinary performing artist and arts leader of Chinese heritage, born in Canada. Until recently, Alan was the Executive Director of the Gimli International Film Festival, Manitoba’s premier festival of film and media arts. Alan is also an advocate for equity and fair working conditions, and serves as the council President of ACTRA Manitoba, the local branch of the union for film and television performers.

Judy is an active member of the Calgary community and supporting the arts by volunteering and encouraging others to get involved. She is an advocate for entrepreneurship and business mixed with her passion for advancing opportunities for youth and Asian talent. She is excited to support the mandate of FascinAsian as a board member and support the festival offerings in Calgary.

Shawn Tse (he/him) is a ᐊᒥᐢᑿᒌᐚᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ (amiskwacîwâskahikan) / Edmonton based father, multi-disciplinary artist, educator, and organizer practicing primarily in film/video and theatre. He is passionate about art because it has opened up vital spaces for him to navigate cultural identity and BIPoC solidarity as a Cantonese Canadian settler.

Jié Yang has over 12 years combined experience in event planning, website design, and social media coordination with organizations such as the University of Manitoba Arts Student Council, Canadian Teochew Chinese Association of Manitoba, and the Asian Heritage Society of Manitoba. He is passionate about positive and diverse representation in media.

Ray is a curious, adventurous free spirited engineer who has lived and worked around the globe and is constantly instilling a travel bug in his family and friends. He is an active volunteer and mentor in organizations supporting youth and immigrants. As a relationship builder, a connector, and an advocate for the underdog, his passion for teaching personal finance to the underserved keeps him busy. Ray is an active ACTRA Alberta member. When he’s not busy with his passion, he enjoys being on sets for background roles on different projects including most recently, The Last of Us, Heartland Season 16, and Fargo Season 5.

Iris is a Senior Advisor with Content Development for CBC News, where she spends most of her time helping creative teams lean into change. She’s an award-winning programmer with decades of experience in launching, refreshing and sustaining shows. You might have caught her name in the credits of shows like Now or Never, DNTO, Absolutely Manitoba and Recovering Filipino. She’s committed to championing underrepresented voices and mentoring the next generation of leaders and storytellers.

Justin Sugita is an IT professional and a passionate individual about multiculturalism in our growing society. While volunteering with the community since 2010, to help promote the art and cuisine of a wide range of cultures and events. Justin will be helping out with the team by sharing his passion with everyone.

Jessica is a manager of programs and development at the National Screen Institute. Prior to that she spent the last decade building a successful career as a film and television producer and production manager.

Max developed a love for film, culture, and storytelling from a young age. At 14, he got his first DSLR camera, and despite all his initial photos being overexposed or blurry, he persevered. Through mastering ISO, shutter speed, and aperture, Max not only learned the technical aspects of photography but also discovered his passion for visual storytelling. Overcoming the early challenges with his camera, Max has grown to appreciate the nuanced interplay of light and timing in crafting compelling narratives. He is delighted to contribute to an initiative intended to shine a light on the rich narratives and beauty of Asian culture and cinema, enriching the cultural fabric of Calgary.

Yenny is corporate commercial lawyer at Mercado Trinh Law LLP. She is a passionate leader in her community, and she believes in representation, equitable access, and inclusion. Over the years, Yenny has been a board member of various non-profit and charitable organizations in Winnipeg. She is presently the President of the Asian Heritage Society of Manitoba.

Sean is a tax lawyer and Chartered Accountant at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP. He is an ardent supporter of local community initiatives and advocate for diverse voices and inclusivity in the professions. Sean also currently serves as Treasurer of the Federation of Canadian Lawyers Western Chapter.

Su Chau (she/her) is a librarian and digital engagement specialist with extensive experience in community building with equity-deserving groups. As an immigrant, she celebrates Asian arts and culture while embracing reconciliation. Su is also navigating the unpredictable journey of parenthood with coffee and pastries.

Tommy Inthirath is an award-winning Producer and Post-Production Editor based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. After receiving his Broadcast Media Diploma, Tommy began to dedicate his time in the film industry and online content creation. He is the co-founder and Technical Coordinator of FascinAsian Film Festival. A film festival dedicated to promoting and celebrating Asian perspectives, culture and integrity in film and media.

Alex Wong is a creative superhero with an artist’s eye and a programmer’s acuity. Alex has helped businesses large and small reach their marketing potential with creative direction, graphic design and web development. When not generating pixels or wrangling code, Alex enjoys fitness, science, technology and where they intersect with current events. Learn more at Creative Superhero.

Karen Allardice is a project manager in tech for higher education who is passionate about giving back to her community. She has volunteered in the non-profit and public sectors for nearly 20 years. Karen currently sits on the board of Women in Communications and Technology (WCT) Manitoba as Vice Chair.

Sylvie is a Third Culture Kid who grew up in Indonesia, and travelling the world. Early exposure to international cultures shaped her eclectic interests, passion for the arts, and understanding of how diversity enhances life. Sylvie has mindfully designed environments of belonging for over 15 years. With a background in event planning, project management and entrepreneurship, she is grateful to be able to contribute to Calgary’s cultural landscape. Sylvie serves on the Women in Leadership Foundation’s DEI Committee and is a feng shui enthusiast.

With over a decade of experience in marketing and entrepreneurship, Ava Jerao (she/her) is based in Treaty 1 Territory and has worked with various non-profits, B2B, and B2C brands in Toronto, Vancouver, and Winnipeg. Currently, she shares her expertise as a Marketing Instructor at Red River College Polytech.

Beyond her professional role, Ava is committed to inclusiveness and social/environmental sustainability. She serves as a Board Member for Evermore Gather Grow Lead Inc., supports D’Arcy’s Animal Rescue Centre, and runs an online consignment shop promoting mindful consumption. In her downtime, Ava enjoys indulging in pop culture and consuming all types of media from books, to film, to podcasts. She looks forward to highlighting stories that deserve an audience, and helping fellow film-lovers discover the FascinAsian Film Festival in Winnipeg.

MC (Maria Cristina) de Natividad is an emerging filmmaker residing in Treaty 1 territory/Winnipeg. She has over a decade of digital storytelling experience which includes video production. Originally from the Philippines, de Natividad is interested in exploring the topics of lost and reclaimed culture and identity. Outside of filmmaking, she has worked in the financial institution industry since 2017 and has experience managing and overseeing large budgets.

Julia Zhu is a CPA candidate and working as Accounting Professional for couple years. Beside her daily work, she’s also a dance instructor and tea event planner. She is honoured to have participated in various local cultural events such as Asian Heritage Festival and Folklorama. Culture sharing is where Julia’s passionate about. Joining FascinAisan Film Festival is one of the best things she experienced in Calgary.

Leo is a newcomer when it comes to film and arts but when the opportunity to join the amazing FascinAsian team came up, he couldn’t say no. As his second year supporting the festival, Leo looks forward to helping grow and improve the festival in any way he can!

Caitlyn Kwong is a fourth-generation Chinese Canadian working in the non-profit sector with a background in education and business. Passionate about equity, community engagement, and diverse representation, she is dedicated to uplifting underrepresented voices. As a volunteer with FascinAsian, she is excited to support the festival’s mission and celebrate Asian talent in media.

Hi, I’m Cathy! I’m a Master of Management student at the Haskayne School of Business with a background in sociology. I’m passionate about community engagement and supporting meaningful initiatives. I’m excited to help share FascinAsian’s vision and amplify diverse stories and cultures. When I’m not working or studying, you can find me crafting, baking, or planning my next adventure.