Frédéric Brisson is the Executive Director of Éditions David, a francophone publishing house based in Ottawa, since 2021. He previously headed the Regroupement des éditeurs franco-canadiens (REFC) and taught the postgraduate publishing programme at Université de Sherbrooke, where he also completed as well a PhD in French studies. He is also secretary-treasurer of the Association nationale des éditeurs de livres (ANEL).

Paula Devonshire is a producer from Toronto, Canada. She attended the Canadian Film Centre’s Producer’s Lab, Trans-Atlantic Partners and was the first Canadian to participate in the prestigious Inside Pictures Producer Program in London, UK. Devonshire is a member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte and is a champion of Indigenous cinema having produced Richard Wagamese’s INDIAN HORSE, Zoe Hopkins’ RUN WOMAN RUN, Darlene Naponse’s STELLAR, Gail Maurice’s BLOOD LINES and served as EP on Eva Thomas’ NIKA & MADISON. Before starting her own company, Devonshire Productions Inc., Paula was the in-house producer at Copper Heart Entertainment where she worked on the Oscar winning animated film RYAN and also produced the two sequels to the critically acclaimed GINGER SNAPS. Paula has developed and produced content with broadcast and streaming partners including MGM, CBS, Warner Bros, TBS, Bell Media, CBC, and Corus.

Michelle Murray is the Executive Director of the Northern Lights Festival Boréal (NLFB), one of Canada’s longest-running outdoor music festivals. Based in Sudbury, Ontario, she leads the organization’s strategic direction, community partnerships, and annual festival operations, helping to sustain and grow a cornerstone cultural event that has been connecting audiences and artists since 1972. Under her leadership, NLFB continues to champion Northern Ontario talent, present diverse and inclusive programming, and deliver a vibrant, community-driven festival experience that celebrates music, arts, and cultural exchange.