Ron Harpelle – Chair

Ron Harpelle is an award-winning producer and director who teaches History at Lakehead University. Together with his partner Kelly Saxberg, he has worked in a variety of capacities on dozens of films and videos. He has a special interest in historical documentaries and in making Social Science research come alive in the form of films, videos. and as new media.

Ron Harpelle has a PhD in History and a background in development economics. He has produced several books and numerous articles on various historical subjects. His specialization is in the West Indian diaspora to Central America, but he has published in other areas.

Ron’s most recent film, Tireur d’elite/Sniper, finished production in November 2022.

Kelly Saxberg is an award-winning film producer, director, editor, and cinematographer who has worked on well over 100 films. She works in English, French, Spanish and Finnish. Kelly has mentored dozens of emerging filmmakers in Thunder Bay by facilitating workshops, mentorships, and collaborative film projects since 2001.

Kelly Saxberg – Treasurer

Kevin Brothers – Secretary

Kevin Brothers is a practicing lawyer in Thunder Bay, Ontario. He has been working in film as an actor, production assistant, and assistant director for over 12 years. Kevin joined the board of directors in the Spring of 2022.

Martin King is an Ojibway multi-media artist from Thunder Bay, Ontario with family roots in Gull Bay First Nation and Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation, though he went to high school in Flemington, New Jersey. Returning to Thunder Bay in 2010 to study film, Martin graduated from the Broadcasting and Film program at Confederation College and dove head first into the arts and media community in a variety of ways, including: directing, acting, and animation. 

Martin has had his art presented in multiple exhibits with Definitely Superior Art Gallery, and the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. In October 2022, Martin King held a solo gallery exhibition with Co.Lab Gallery in Thunder Bay, Ontario. 

As of late, Martin is an animator, character designer, and storyboard artist for Shebafilms Studios. He is familiar with many computer editing software, including: Adobe Photoshop CC and the Adobe suite, DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut X and, Storyboard Pro 6 and Harmony 21. 

Martin also enjoys volunteering and attending community art events around Thunder Bay, and can often be spotted at events drawing caricatures. Currently, Martin volunteers as a member of the board for Vox Popular Media Arts and Flash Frame Film and Video Network.

Martin King – Director