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2023 BOD Nominees
Meet the Nominees!
ARLEIN WHARF-GARCIA
Arlein is a Mexican Canadian Filmmaker who has been an Editor for almost 20 years. Inspired by Mexican folklore, tall tales, and surrealism, Arlein credits her love of stories to her Grandfather.
Not long after she graduated university, she rose through the ranks at the National Mexican television network, where she quickly became the youngest senior editor within the company. After accepting an opportunity to study in Canada, Arlein moved to Vancouver, where she spent the next 13 years working in various Film and TV shows inside the Post Production field, along with teaching Post Production.
Arlein’s vast editorial experience in the Film and Television industry has inspired her to continue shaping her craft and share her knowledge. Her bigger focus in the Vancouver Post Production community is to find equal ground for everyone who desires to enter the Editorial department; guiding people and training them to find better opportunities within their careers.
When she isn’t working, Arlein enjoys boxing, cooking traditional Mexican food, and barbecuing with her wife. She is the crazy aunt to her niece & nephews, and doting mom to two spoiled cats.
ARLEIN WHARF-GARCIA
Arlein is a Mexican Canadian Filmmaker who has been an Editor for almost 20 years. Inspired by Mexican folklore, tall tales, and surrealism, Arlein credits her love of stories to her Grandfather.
Not long after she graduated university, she rose through the ranks at the National Mexican television network, where she quickly became the youngest senior editor within the company. After accepting an opportunity to study in Canada, Arlein moved to Vancouver, where she spent the next 13 years working in various Film and TV shows inside the Post Production field, along with teaching Post Production.
Arlein’s vast editorial experience in the Film and Television industry has inspired her to continue shaping her craft and share her knowledge. Her bigger focus in the Vancouver Post Production community is to find equal ground for everyone who desires to enter the Editorial department; guiding people and training them to find better opportunities within their careers.
When she isn’t working, Arlein enjoys boxing, cooking traditional Mexican food, and barbecuing with her wife. She is the crazy aunt to her niece & nephews, and doting mom to two spoiled cats.
CINDY AU YEUNG
(incumbent)
Cindy is a Chinese-Canadian editor and filmmaker based in Vancouver, BC. She has 7+ years of post-production experience ranging from documentaries, scripted live- action, to animation.
Cindy has worked as a 1st Assistant Editor for many years, starting in documentaries before working in various scripted television series including HIT THE ROAD (S1), LOUDERMILK (S3), and DAY OF THE DEAD (S1). Most recently, she has edited her first feature film, a sci-fi thriller called JONAH, produced and edited a Canadian BIPOC stand-up comedy series COMEDY INVASION, and is currently editing a travel series for the AMI-TV network, which focuses on accessible content for blind or partially sighted viewers.
As a filmmaker, Cindy has worked closely with both Elimin8hate and the Vancouver Asian Film Festival (VAFF) in creating short documentaries to raise the profile of Asian-Canadians in media – on and behind the screen. As themes of representation has always been an important part of her work, Cindy volunteers as the co-chair of the the Diversity & Inclusion committee on the VPA and joined the Board of Directors mid-term at the beginning of 2023. Since then she has organized and hosted various diversity-focused panels (Diversity Speaks), workshops, and been a part of meetings to develop a BIPOC-focused mentorship program and more.
D&I will always be an important part of her work and interests, hence, Cindy would love to continue being part of the Board of Directors, working towards a more inclusive post community in Vancouver.
CINDY AU YEUNG
(incumbent)
Cindy is a Chinese-Canadian editor and filmmaker based in Vancouver, BC. She has 7+ years of post-production experience ranging from documentaries, scripted live- action, to animation.
Cindy has worked as a 1st Assistant Editor for many years, starting in documentaries before working in various scripted television series including HIT THE ROAD (S1), LOUDERMILK (S3), and DAY OF THE DEAD (S1). Most recently, she has edited her first feature film, a sci-fi thriller called JONAH, produced and edited a Canadian BIPOC stand-up comedy series COMEDY INVASION, and is currently editing a travel series for the AMI-TV network, which focuses on accessible content for blind or partially sighted viewers.
As a filmmaker, Cindy has worked closely with both Elimin8hate and the Vancouver Asian Film Festival (VAFF) in creating short documentaries to raise the profile of Asian-Canadians in media – on and behind the screen. As themes of representation has always been an important part of her work, Cindy volunteers as the co-chair of the the Diversity & Inclusion committee on the VPA and joined the Board of Directors mid-term at the beginning of 2023. Since then she has organized and hosted various diversity-focused panels (Diversity Speaks), workshops, and has been a part of meetings to develop a BIPOC-focused mentorship program and more.
D&I will always be an important part of her work and interests, hence, Cindy would love to continue being part of the Board of Directors, working towards a more inclusive post community in Vancouver.
ELI HALIGUA
(incumbent)
Eli started his sound career at an independent radio station in Istanbul and forged an international career in 18 years as a multi award-winning Sound Designer. He worked as a Supervising Sound Editor and Re-Recording Mixer on films screened at international festivals such as Cannes, Venice, Berlinale, and Montreal.
Eli holds a Diploma in Sound Engineering from SAE and a Master’s Degree in Sound Technologies from Bahcesehir University.
Besides his sound experience, he has been part of grassroots organizations and human rights advocacy groups for over a decade. He is the co-founder of a platform that aims to combat anti-Semitism. He believes in the importance of a collaborative community. He has been volunteering with the VPA for five years and co-chairing D&I Committee for two years.
ELI HALIGUA
(incumbent)
Eli started his sound career at an independent radio station in Istanbul and forged an international career in 18 years as a multi award-winning Sound Designer. He worked as a Supervising Sound Editor and Re-Recording Mixer on films screened at international festivals such as Cannes, Venice, Berlinale, and Montreal.
Eli holds a Diploma in Sound Engineering from SAE and a Master’s Degree in Sound Technologies from Bahcesehir University.
Besides his sound experience, he has been part of grassroots organizations and human rights advocacy groups for over a decade. He is the co-founder of a platform that aims to combat anti-Semitism. He believes in the importance of a collaborative community. He has been volunteering with the VPA for five years and co-chairing D&I Committee for two years.
GARY SHAW
Gary’s desire to serve with the Vancouver Post Alliance at this time reflects a deep-rooted commitment to the industry and a passion for fostering its growth and success.
Throughout his prolific career spanning over 35 years as a senior colorist, Gary has consistently demonstrated his expertise and dedication to his craft. His decision to leave Technicolor and establish his own company, Side Street Post, in 2010 was driven by his entrepreneurial spirit and a vision to create an independent full-service Video and VFX Post Production facility that would deliver exceptional results for clients. In 2023, Gary took a significant step forward by expanding and rebranding his company as Infinity Post and VFX. By embracing the concept of infinity, Gary signifies his limitless commitment to pushing boundaries, exploring new possibilities, and continuously improving the quality and range of services offered.
With his proven track record of success, deep industry connections, and unwavering dedication, Gary is well-equipped to make a significant impact within the VPA. His vision for the association includes promoting industry growth, advocating for the interests of post-production professionals, and fostering opportunities for collaboration and professional development.
GARY SHAW
Gary’s desire to serve with the Vancouver Post Alliance at this time reflects a deep-rooted commitment to the industry and a passion for fostering its growth and success.
Throughout his prolific career spanning over 35 years as a senior colorist, Gary has consistently demonstrated his expertise and dedication to his craft. His decision to leave Technicolor and establish his own company, Side Street Post, in 2010 was driven by his entrepreneurial spirit and a vision to create an independent full-service Video and VFX Post Production facility that would deliver exceptional results for clients. In 2023, Gary took a significant step forward by expanding and rebranding his company as Infinity Post and VFX. By embracing the concept of infinity, Gary signifies his limitless commitment to pushing boundaries, exploring new possibilities, and continuously improving the quality and range of services offered.
With his proven track record of success, deep industry connections, and unwavering dedication, Gary is well-equipped to make a significant impact within the VPA. His vision for the association includes promoting industry growth, advocating for the interests of post-production professionals, and fostering opportunities for collaboration and professional development.
JALAL KARIM
Jalal is an accomplished Operations Manager at 24 Frames Digital Films, with over 15 years of experience in post-production and sound engineering. He engineered new workflows, transforming the company from producing one movie per year to 40. His expertise includes budgeting, scheduling, and deliveries. Jalal hopes to inspire young professionals entering the post-production field and contribute to the continual evolution and simplification of workflows in the industry.
JALAL KARIM
Jalal is an accomplished Operations Manager at 24 Frames Digital Films, with over 15 years of experience in post-production and sound engineering. He engineered new workflows, transforming the company from producing one movie per year to 40. His expertise includes budgeting, scheduling, and deliveries. Jalal hopes to inspire young professionals entering the post-production field and contribute to the continual evolution and simplification of workflows in the industry.
JUSTIN AUCOIN
Justin is a Senior Sound Designer and Re-recording mixer and owner/operator of Craft Cave Sound, a multi award winning & nominated boutique full service audio post studio. Justin has over a decade of experience in professional audio and post audio production and he is passionate about crafting tailored sound mixes for Film, Television, Games, Advertisement and New Media.
JUSTIN AUCOIN
Justin is a Senior Sound Designer and Re-recording mixer and owner/operator of Craft Cave Sound, a multi award winning & nominated boutique full service audio post studio. Justin has over a decade of experience in professional audio and post audio production and he is passionate about crafting tailored sound mixes for Film, Television, Games, Advertisement and New Media.
KELSY WITTMANN
(incumbent)
Kelsy, a 20-year veteran of the animation and VFX industry, is a firm believer in doing her part to create a more progressive and diverse industry and to help pave the way for the next generation of filmmakers. As such, she joined the board of the VPA two years ago and has been acting as the secretary for the same duration. Her focus at the VPA is threefold: to provide an excellent experience to our existing membership; to grow our overall membership; and to increase the representation of the VFX community within it.
Kelsy’s day job is as the Executive Producer at Mr. Wolf Vancouver. While there, she works on all sorts of shows (film such as Guardians of the Galaxy 2, Fast & Furious 7, 50 Shades of Grey, and TV favourites such as Lost in Space, Superman & Lois, Charmed, and The Mist) with all sorts of clients (Netflix, Marvel, EA, HBO, Paramount, Disney, Sinking Ship, Boat Rocker, Apple, and more). Kelsy is a very proud enabler of creative talent and technical innovators.
KELSY WITTMANN
(incumbent)
Kelsy, a 20-year veteran of the animation and VFX industry, is a firm believer in doing her part to create a more progressive and diverse industry and to help pave the way for the next generation of filmmakers. As such, she joined the board of the VPA two years ago and has been acting as the secretary for the same duration. Her focus at the VPA is threefold: to provide an excellent experience to our existing membership; to grow our overall membership; and to increase the representation of the VFX community within it.
Kelsy’s day job is as the Executive Producer at Mr. Wolf Vancouver. While there, she works on all sorts of shows (film such as Guardians of the Galaxy 2, Fast & Furious 7, 50 Shades of Grey, and TV favourites such as Lost in Space, Superman & Lois, Charmed, and The Mist) with all sorts of clients (Netflix, Marvel, EA, HBO, Paramount, Disney, Sinking Ship, Boat Rocker, Apple, and more). Kelsy is a very proud enabler of creative talent and technical innovators.
KERRY McDOWALL
(incumbent)
Kerry has been involved in Vancouver’s post-production sector for over 20 years, working closely with Netflix, Disney, CBC, AMC Studios and NBCUniversal. As a Post Production Producer, she leads post production departments on both series television and feature length movies, overseeing everything from budgets to final deliveries (and everything that occurs in between).
Since 2017 she has dedicated her time and energy at the VPA to promoting and uniting our talented post production community, all while advocating for equity and inclusion in the broader film industry. She looks forward to the chance to serve on the board again, hoping to continue the important initiatives the VPA stands behind, as well as find new ways to engage the member base.
KERRY McDOWALL
(incumbent)
Kerry has been involved in Vancouver’s post-production sector for over 20 years, working closely with Netflix, Disney, CBC, AMC Studios and NBCUniversal. As a Post Production Producer, she leads post production departments on both series television and feature length movies, overseeing everything from budgets to final deliveries (and everything that occurs in between).
Since 2017 she has dedicated her time and energy at the VPA to promoting and uniting our talented post production community, all while advocating for equity and inclusion in the broader film industry. She looks forward to the chance to serve on the board again, hoping to continue the important initiatives the VPA stands behind, as well as find new ways to engage the member base.
SAEED VAHIDI
Saeed is an Iranian-Canadian filmmaker, editor, and educator based in Vancouver. He studied filmmaking in Iran and further pursued his studies in film editing at the Film and Television Institute of India. With over 20 years of experience, his career spans various roles in the independent and professional film industry, including directing documentaries and short films and working in countless editing rooms. Through these experiences, he has gained valuable insights into the creative process and developed a nuanced approach to his work.
Saeed’s last short film, “We Were There” (2019), received accolades such as the Best Genre Award at the McMinnville Short Film Festival 2020, the Gold Remi Award at the Worldfest Houston Short Film Festival 2020, and the Best Drama award at the Southern Shorts Awards 2020, among others. When Saeed is not immersed in filmmaking or editing projects, he dedicates his time to mentoring young editors and filmmakers, supporting them on their journey in the industry.
Saeed’s aspirations include utilizing his position as a member of the VPA board to assist emerging creatives and immigrants in kickstarting their careers. He hopes to provide guidance and opportunities to those seeking to establish themselves in the industry, ensuring they have the necessary support to thrive and succeed.
SAEED VAHIDI
Saeed is an Iranian-Canadian filmmaker, editor, and educator based in Vancouver. He studied filmmaking in Iran and further pursued his studies in film editing at the Film and Television Institute of India. With over 20 years of experience, his career spans various roles in the independent and professional film industry, including directing documentaries and short films and working in countless editing rooms. Through these experiences, he has gained valuable insights into the creative process and developed a nuanced approach to his work.
Saeed’s last short film, “We Were There” (2019), received accolades such as the Best Genre Award at the McMinnville Short Film Festival 2020, the Gold Remi Award at the Worldfest Houston Short Film Festival 2020, and the Best Drama award at the Southern Shorts Awards 2020, among others. When Saeed is not immersed in filmmaking or editing projects, he dedicates his time to mentoring young editors and filmmakers, supporting them on their journey in the industry.
Saeed’s aspirations include utilizing his position as a member of the VPA board to assist emerging creatives and immigrants in kickstarting their careers. He hopes to provide guidance and opportunities to those seeking to establish themselves in the industry, ensuring they have the necessary support to thrive and succeed.
SEPIDEH MERCHANT
Sepideh began her Post Production career after finishing her Motion Picture Arts Bachelor’s Degree at Capilano University. Sepideh’s passion for film started at a young age and after completing internships on high profile movie sets, she knew film and television production was the career path she wanted to pursue.
Sepideh has been working in the film and television industry in the Post Production sector in British Columbia for more than 10 years. She has supervised Post Production and Delivery of 100+ productions for different platforms, including feature films and TV movies for Warner Brothers, Universal, Paramount, Disney, Lifetime and Hallmark. Her TV series work includes both scripted and unscripted episodic productions for eOne, DirecTV and Corus, amongst others. The productions she has supervised have won Emmy awards and numerous Leo awards.
As Sepideh continues her career, she hopes to contribute as one of the board members of the VPA and help the new generation of talent find a rewarding path forward.
SEPIDEH MERCHANT
Sepideh began her Post Production career after finishing her Motion Picture Arts Bachelor’s Degree at Capilano University. Sepideh’s passion for film started at a young age and after completing internships on high profile movie sets, she knew film and television production was the career path she wanted to pursue.
Sepideh has been working in the film and television industry in the Post Production sector in British Columbia for more than 10 years. She has supervised Post Production and Delivery of 100+ productions for different platforms, including feature films and TV movies for Warner Brothers, Universal, Paramount, Disney, Lifetime and Hallmark. Her TV series work includes both scripted and unscripted episodic productions for eOne, DirecTV and Corus, amongst others. The productions she has supervised have won Emmy awards and numerous Leo awards.
As Sepideh continues her career, she hopes to contribute as one of the board members of the VPA and help the new generation of talent find a rewarding path forward.
