Empowering Black Creativity in Film

Ife Alaba is a dynamic professional in the entertainment and film industry, based in St. John’s, Newfoundland. With a multicultural upbringing spanning Nigeria and South Africa, Ife brings a rich, global perspective to her work. She has made significant contributions to both local and network productions, showcasing a keen eye for talent and a commitment to crafting authentic, inclusive stories.

As a journalist for CBC NL, Ife hosts programs such as Being Black in NL and Stuffed, providing insightful coverage that enriches the narratives of her community. Her journalistic work complements her dedication to amplifying diverse voices in the arts. In addition, as the Founder and Director of Occupy All Spaces, a nonprofit organization, she passionately advocates for equal opportunities for Black creatives in Newfoundland and Labrador.

In the music scene, Ife is an eight-time Music NL nominee, further demonstrating her versatility as an artist and creative force. She is also the producer of the Black Creatives Short Film Bootcamp, which resulted in the creation of the short film Faeries, guiding emerging filmmakers in bringing underrepresented stories to life.

Ife Alaba’s trailblazing contributions to film, journalism, and music reflect her passion for fostering talent, empowering marginalized communities, and creating platforms for meaningful, inclusive narratives.

Kerry Gamberg is a Canadian director, producer, and fixer whose work has garnered critical acclaim, earning her 38 nominations and 17 awards for her debut short films Askin’ For It (2018) and Crush (2018). Her storytelling prowess extends beyond fiction, as demonstrated by her 2019 short-form documentary, Fade Forward: The Story of 1949, which premiered on CBC Television and CBC Gem, offering a compelling exploration of Newfoundland’s post-Confederation history.

In 2020, Kerry’s creative vision earned her a $20,000 grant from the Harold Greenberg Fund and the Newfoundland and Labrador Film Development Corporation for her original short script Animal Arrangements, a testament to her ability to craft impactful and original narratives.

Kerry’s expertise extends to high-profile production work on internationally acclaimed series, including CNN’s Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown and Viceland’s Abandoned. These experiences have solidified her reputation as a skilled and resourceful producer who excels in bringing ambitious projects to life.

Beyond her work in film and television, Kerry is a trailblazer in Newfoundland and Labrador’s creative industry as the co-owner and founder of Butter Pictures Inc., an independent production company and film equipment rental house based in St. John’s. Butter Pictures is committed to supporting local filmmakers and fostering a vibrant creative community.

Kerry’s dedication to storytelling, both on and off-screen, highlights her as a dynamic force in Canadian cinema, shaping narratives that resonate deeply with audiences while championing the local film industry in Newfoundland and Labrador.