CORE STAFF
Kait Dueck (EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR) was raised as a student of ecology in the woods northeast of Nogojiwanong, and is deeply connected and committed to this community and place. An alumnus of the Integrated Arts Program at PCVS, Carleton and Trent Universities and Fleming College, their formal education has been focused on gender studies, world religions, the arts through a justice-based lens, political repression and science, and environmental and forestry studies. Kait is an accomplished artistic administrator and volunteer coordinator with almost two decades of experience in the field. They also have twenty years’ experience as a professional performance artist, most notably as an actor and musician. Outside of work and school, Kait adores her gorgeous family (both two and four-legged), transformative film and literature, being in the forest, and all manner of bird-nerdery.
Eryn Lidster (CREATIVE DIRECTOR) is a multidisciplinary artist and administrator whose work often originates in explorations of technical and material implications. In various roles, they have supported the production of over 40 performance works in Nogojiwanong since 2016. Lidster holds an Honours Bachelor in Cultural Studies with a Specialisation in Image Sound and Performance from Trent University. In 2018 and 2019 they were awarded the Gregory R. Firth Memorial Prize for their film work, which has screened in Trent University’s Edge Code program, Michigan State University’s Broad Underground Film Series and at the Art Gallery of Peterborough. Lidster is a passionate supporter of local arts organizations, artists and arts workers.
FESTIVAL & CONTRACT STAFF
Michael Goede (FINANCIAL CONTROLLER) has been offering bookkeeping and financial control services for ReFrame Film Festival for many years. He is the owner of Geode Business Services with clients in virtual reality software, film and TV production, construction, real estate, hospitality, retail, local non-profits and unions. For the last several years, Michael has enjoyed marrying theory and practice while teaching financial and managerial accounting in the School of Business at Trent University. Michael also coaches U18 Indoor Soccer and has been producing electronic music for 30 years.
Philip Fox Jones (TECHNICAL DIRECTOR) has served in this role for ReFrame Film Festival in Nogojiwanong since 2020, and is an accomplished audio-visual technician with a passion for film and multimedia. His journey began at Sheridan College of Applied Arts and Technology, where he studied New Media Design in 2004.
Since joining the ReFrame team as a projectionist in 2019, Philip has played a pivotal role in enhancing the viewing experience at the festival. His meticulous attention to detail and understanding of audio-visual dynamics have been instrumental in showcasing our films in the best possible light.
Outside of work, Fox enjoys perfecting recipes in the kitchen, and playing host to myriads of multidisciplinary events on his 100-acre farm property in Hastings, where he creates large-scale interactive multimedia art installations.
Michael Morritt (COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER) is a communications specialist and graphic designer with a background in film and animation. He has a deep connection to the arts in his hometown of Peterborough/Nogojiwanong. Drawing on his experience in arts education, film/animation production, and strategic communications, he delivers messaging that is fresh, creative and impactful. Michael has a long history of supporting community arts initiatives and fostering creative collaboration both at home and abroad, and is now excited to be bringing his passion for storytelling, social justice, and accessible communication to his role as ReFrame’s Communications Officer this year.
BOARD MEMBERS
Spencer Allen (TREASURER) is a fourth-year Honours Bachelor of Business Administration student specializing in Accounting at Trent University, and also holds a diploma in Business – Accounting from Fleming College. Passionate about grassroots advocacy and community governance, Spencer brings experience in financial stewardship through their work with unincorporated associations and local volunteer boards. They are especially interested in how transparency, accessibility, and justice-oriented decision-making can support arts and culture organizations. A longtime resident of Nogojiwanong/Peterborough, Spencer is excited to support ReFrame’s mission and contribute their skills to a festival that aligns with their values. Outside of work and school, Spencer values spending time with community, supporting local initiatives, and being part of spaces that bring people together.
Melanie Buddle (CHAIR) is Principal of Peter Gzowski College at Trent University. She grew up, and now gratefully works and lives, in the traditional territory of the Mississauga Anishnaabeg, adjacent to Haudenosaunee territory and in the territory covered by the Williams Treaty. Melanie holds a PhD in History from the University of Victoria, MA from UNBC, and BA from the University of Guelph. She has worked at Trent since 2003 in various roles, and continues to teach courses in interdisciplinary humanities courses. An early interest in theatre and dance led to involvement in the Peterborough arts community. She loves working and living in a vibrant and arts-focused community and enjoys cycling and nordic skiing with her two young-adult kids and husband Drew.
Tasha Chase grew up in the Kawartha Lakes and has always appreciated and valued the combined impact and strength that comes from community collaborations. She brings over 7 years experience working in non-profit along with an honours degree in Legal Studies, with a minor in Communications and a specialization in Alternative Dispute Resolution. Through her education, working knowledge and lived experiences, Tash holds a passion for social and environmental justice and understands the importance of holding the unique space that ReFrame creates. Tash has held leadership roles in successful event planning in the community, achieving fundraising, education to the community and aided in reducing barriers and stigma for accessing mental health supports. Tash enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 children and their dog.
Simal Iftikhar (VICE CHAIR) has been deeply committed to her work in activism and social justice in the community of Nogojiwanong, Peterborough. Due to her experiences with immigration as a Pakistani- Canadian, Simal has recently completed her Master’s degree at Trent University in Education, focusing her research on supporting refugees resettling into Canada and better understanding the barriers newcomers face in the Canadian education system. Simal has also worked in the non-profit sector for almost 5 years, working in children’s mental health, health care programming, and child care. These intersectionalities have led to her deep passion for social justice and creating positive changes in our local community. Simal uses her privilege and voice to amplify the voices of marginalized individuals who deserve to have their stories heard.
Tanya Kranc is an educator with a global perspective and a strong community focus. Her passion for diversity led her to study International Development at Trent University; she currently works as a teacher supporting the learning and integration needs of multilingual learners and their families in Nogojiwanong-Peterborough and throughout the region. She has lived in Mexico and is fluent in Spanish. She has volunteered with local NGOs including the New Canadians Centre, Jamaican Self Help, the Peterborough Folk Festival and One Roof. Tanya is a strong believer in the power of food to develop community: in addition to gardening, she regularly organizes communal gatherings to make soaps and salves from local and organic materials. She also enjoys self-propelled outdoor adventures (biking, canoeing, Nordic skiing), and travelling with her husband and two young adult daughters.
Angeni Lovelady (they/them) is a mixed race, non-status person of Algonquin and Scottish ancestry, and identifies as Two-Spirited and non-binary. They have lived and worked in various parts of the Williams Treaty territory since they were a child, and have called Nogojiwanong home for the past 8 years. Angeni is a Trent alumnus and holds a BA in Indigenous Studies, which has been the basis of their work supporting Indigenous students with the First Peoples House of Learning. They are a poet, and have previously enjoyed playing as a percussionist in a concert band and a drummer in a jazz band.
Karleen Pendleton Jiménez is a writer, filmmaker, and educator. Her community and creative work centre on queerness, gender diversity, feminism, and Latinidad. She wrote the award-winning animated shorts Tomboy and The Butch and The Baby Daddy (also co-director). In addition, she is author of several books, Are You a Boy or a Girl?, How to Get a Girl Pregnant, Tomboys and Other Gender Heroes, and The Street Belongs to Us. She is professor of education, gender, and social justice at Trent University. Originally from Los Angeles, she is an immigrant to Canada, making her home here with her girlfriend and daughter.
Michelle Nguyen (SECRETARY) is a researcher, writer, and community builder working to empower people and support communities so that they can thrive. Inspired by her family history of migration from Vietnam, she is passionate about migrant settlement, identity, and belonging in Canada. Michelle has developed programming and mentored youth on social justice, civic engagement, and arts-based storytelling projects. She holds a BA in History and International Development Studies from Trent University and an MA in Immigration and Settlement Studies from Toronto Metropolitan University. Currently, she works at the New Canadians Centre, bringing together partners to implement a cross-sector strategic plan for immigrant integration in Nogojiwanong (Peterborough) and the surrounding area. In her downtime, she enjoys cooking, singing, and watching films from around the world.
Farah Sabouny is passionate about community building and human rights advocacy. Her multicultural upbringing as a Palestinian-Syrian-Canadian has played a profound role in shaping her identity and values. She is currently completing her undergraduate degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Entrepreneurship at Trent University. Deeply connected to her roots, Farah’s cultural background informs her commitment to uplifting marginalized voices and fostering spaces for unity and dialogue. As the former president of the Trent Arab Student Association, she used her leadership to bring attention to critical social issues, advocate for justice, and amplify the stories of those who are often unheard. Her work centered around the belief that everyone deserves dignity, hope, and a second chance at life. Driven by purpose and compassion, Farah continues to merge her business education with her dedication to social impact, envisioning a future where enterprise and empathy work hand in hand to create meaningful change.
JOIN OUR BOARD
Recruitment for our Board of Directors happens on an ongoing basis. If you’re a community-minded film and art lover with a commitment to social and environmental justice, we’d love to hear from you!