THE PUPPET MASTERS
PHOTO CREDIT: Scrap Arts Music (Vancouver), part of the 2002 Festival of Animated Objects

Xstine Cook
Founder, Co-Artistic Director, Curator of Film & Video

Pete Balkwill
Co-Artistic Director, Curator Live Programming

Amelia Marie Newbert
Managing Producer
Amelia has worked in major arts organizations across the country including Theatre Calgary and the National Arts Centre and also served as a faculty member at the National Theatre School. She is a passionate advocate for accessibility and inclusion in the arts and was recently awarded the inaugural Grand Heart Award in recognition of her significant contributions in advancing LGBTQ2+ human rights in Alberta.

Kelly Phelan
Marketing Director
Kelly Phelan has more than a decade of public relations and concert promoting experience. Her work has focused on media and community relations, promotions, strategic marketing and special events for clients in arts, entertainment, nonprofit and gaming.
With her own company, she marketed, managed artists, promoted and booked comedy and music tours across the country, and her clients included Brent Butt, Red Robinson Management, Paul Mercs Concerts, Great Canadian Casinos, CTV, Three Thirty Five Productions, and the Vancouver International Jazz Festival.

Sean Dennie
Festival Photographer

Mike Lohaus
Creative Services
An art nerd from an early age, Mike Lohaus lives and breathes design. Originally hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Mike moved to Calgary in 2001 to attend school at Alberta College of Art and Design. Upon graduating at the top of his class in Media Arts and Digital Technologies, he quickly found work in marketing and advertising.
A massive supporter of design and the arts, Mike the President of the Calgary Game Developers Association where he teaches game theory, design and marketing strategy to local independent developers.