Kamloops Black Film Festival

Daniel has had a diverse and successful career in the theatre and media production industry. Starting as an actor in 1991, he gradually progressed to become a theatre producer and director. With academic backgrounds in Adult Education, Political Science, and a postgraduate diploma in Theatre Arts, Daniel developed a passion for social change and community development. Over a decade, he made significant contributions to the Nigerian media production scene, directing a variety of content, including commercials, soap operas, game shows, reality shows, fashion shows, concerts, and the prestigious KKB show. Daniel furthered his education, completing a Masters in Moving Image from the University of Sydney in 2019 and a Masters in Arts Education from Simon Fraser University in 2023. Notably, Daniel dedicated five years to working in an Aboriginal community in Western Australia, where he served as a radio station manager. During this time, he transformed the radio station, established a music recording studio, initiated a film and production arm, and trained and employed over 30 Aboriginal individuals.

Daniel’s creative pursuits extend to filmmaking, with his short film “Voice of Blood” garnering awards and recognition in various international film festivals. Currently residing in Kamloops, British Columbia, he is the founder of Kamloops Afro Films and One House Multicultural Communications Society. Additionally, Daniel runs Danscoachings, a life coaching service, and Daniel E. Akinshola Consults, a creative consultancy.

Hello from Kingston, Jamaica! I’m a born and bred event enthusiast with a knack for creating unforgettable experiences. While some may dub me as social, my true pleasure lies in orchestrating events that bring joy to others. As a self-taught coordinator of celebrations, I’ve garnered valuable experience planning diverse gatherings, from music festivals and art camps to lively parties. My journey has also led me to collaborate with various societies and serve on numerous committees. Beyond the event scene, I find joy in volunteering, sports, cars, exploring new destinations, and embracing the great outdoors.

Kimona is an adventurous person who loves to experience new things. She graduated from Thompson River University with a diploma in Tourism Management in 2016 and a Health Care Assistant certificate in 2021. She is a born Jamaican and moved to Canada in 2011. Kamloops has been her home since. She enjoys sharing her culture and history, especially her country. She is also a director/secretary of the Kamloops Caribbean Cultural Society. Things she loves to do include baking and reading. She likes short stories, poems, and clips.

Mary Falade is a content marketer and graphic designer pursuing her Master of Marketing at York University’s Schulich School of Business. Born in Nigeria, she grew up in Europe before moving to Kamloops, British Columbia in 2011 with her family. In 2023 she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of British Columbia.

Her commitment to social change and community empowerment has fueled her involvement in various diversity and inclusion projects. She co-founded Motion of Colour, a youth-led, anti-racism organization based in Kamloops, where she has supported the development of diversity initiatives for School District 73 and hosted community events.

In 2024, Mary joined the inaugural Kamloops Black Film Festival as the Assistant Film Festival Coordinator. Now residing in Toronto, she continues to support the festival as a committee member. Passionate about film and a firm believer in its ability to empower communities, Mary looks forward to seeing the festival grow into a cultural staple in Kamloops. 

Radhika Maira Tabrez is a multi-talented writer, editor, learning and development specialist, TEDx speaker, and radio show host. She currently leads Development and Engagement at the Kamloops Art Gallery. Prior to this role, she served as the General Manager of the Kamloops Film Society, where she played a pivotal role in launching the inaugural Kamloops Black Film Festival and Kamloops Queer Film Festival. She also chaired the 2024 Kamloops Film Festival.

A passionate community advocate, Radhika holds board positions with Western Canada Theatre and the Kamloops Local News Society. The latter publishes Kamloops Chronicles, a newspaper for which she writes a regular Arts and Entertainment column.

With a roots from Kenya, Sally is an empathetic leader with a vision to build community and share stories, especially those that represent people who look like her. Her passion for cinema has recently been driven by her personal and professional experiences. Ms. Martin’s commitment to this desire has led her to the film world and now the Black Film Festival and an active member of Kamloops Afro Films.

Among other films, Ms. Martin is currently working on producing a documentary film ( Black Light Unveiled – Choose Life) aiming to shed light on mental health and suicide prevention which will be aired on Telus optik TV and her website in January 2025 in addition to being featured in a Kamloops Short Films House 49 produced by Kamloops Afro Films.

In addition to her work in film, Sally is also involved in community development, outreach and advocacy efforts. She is committed to using her platform to create positive change, amplify marginalized voices and connect communities.

In her spare time, Sally loves dancing, reading, forest bathing and volunteering.

For more about Sally Martin connect with her on: 
YouTube @sallymartin254, Linkedin: Sally Martin, IG: @sallymartin90 and FB Sally Martin