The Winnipeg Film Group’s Board of Directors are pleased to announce the appointment of WFG staff Monica Lowe (Distribution Director) and Jaimz Asmundson (Cinematheque Programming Director) as Interim Co-Executive Directors. With the departure of long-term Executive Director Cecilia Araneda on February 17, Monica and Jaimz will share the duties of Executive Director and provide leadership to the organization during the transition period.
“We are pleased to work with Jaimz Asmundson and Monica Lowe as Interim Co-Executive Directors. They have each demonstrated devotion to the art of film as well as competent management skills during their many years on staff with the Winnipeg Film Group.” says Kayla Jeanson, WFG Board President.
“I will continue to work with Jaimz and the rest of the staff as well as the members and community to meet our mission and vision. The Film Group is very important to me and I am dedicated to preserving its continued well-being.” says Monica Lowe of her appointment.
Jaimz Asmundson says “Working with the Winnipeg Film Group has been the dream job for me. I look forward to working collaboratively with Monica by providing leadership and guidance into the next era of the WFG during this transition.”
Monica Lowe has been the Head of the Distribution Department at the Winnipeg Film Group since 2006. She has spearheaded many important projects, such as the re-striking of Guy Maddin’s Archangel and the construction of a temperature and humidity controlled media vault. She was the Editor on Finding Focus: Framing Canadian Métis and First Nations on Film, and the Managing Editor on Place: 13 Essays, 13 Filmmakers, 1 City. During her tenure, she has tripled the artist fee revenue in Distribution. Monica founded the Women’s Film & Video Network in 2015 and is a founding member of VUCAVU, a comprehensive distribution platform for independent Canadian film and video.
Jaimz Asmundson joined the WFG in 2012 as the first Programming Director for the Cinematheque. During his tenure, the box office revenue for Cinematheque has nearly doubled, he has been the Producer of the Gimme Some Truth Documentary Festival, and has managed many special projects including the recent renovations at the theatre which feature brand new seating and 3D projection compatibility. Prior to joining the WFG, Jaimz worked as the Festival Producer for the WNDX Festival of Moving Image. He was an Associate Producer with julijette and worked for many years as a Picture Editor in the film industry. In addition to being and arts administrator, Jaimz is an established filmmaker and musician.
The Winnipeg Film Group will embark upon a hiring process for a new Executive Director in the near future.
Jaimz and Monica can be reached at jaimz@winnipegfilmgroup.com and monica@winnipegfilmgroup.com or jointly at director@winnipegfilmgroup.com.