Our Team
Suzette Laqua - President of the festival
Suzette Laqua – President / Founder
Suzette is an executive producer, writer, speaker, and entrepreneur based in Vancouver, British Columbia. A visionary in digital storytelling, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the global landscape of web series and independent content creation. As the President and Founder of Vancouver Web Fest—Canada’s first international web series festival—Suzette established a world-class platform that celebrated digital creators. Currently serving as a Board Member of WebSeries Canada, she remains a driving force in the industry, championing innovation while actively developing films and TV series. Her career is defined by a passion for the arts, a commitment to fostering creativity, and a dedication to inspiring the next generation of storytellers.
Dominik Bari - Operation manager
Dominik Bari is an alumnus of the International Film and TV School of Paris as well as the National Film School in London. He is the CEO of the film distribution company Artemis and the production house Invem. An active documentary filmmaker, he is currently directing projects for HBO, BBC, and Slovak National TV.
Diana Thomas - Head of online events
Diana Thomas is an experienced event strategist and festival coordinator with a background in media and entertainment management. She holds a degree from Westbridge University in the UK and has worked with international film festivals, media conferences, and industry expos. With a passion for curating engaging experiences, she specializes in event programming, logistics, and industry partnerships, ensuring seamless and impactful events for creators and audiences alike.
Sameh Alaa - President of the jury
Sameh Alaa is an Egyptian filmmaker born in Cairo. He studied German literature at Cairo University before moving to Europe to pursue a career in film. His debut short film, "Fifteen," premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2017 and garnered several international awards. In 2020, Alaa made history as the first Egyptian director to have a film selected for the Short Film Competition at the Cannes Film Festival. His short film, "I Am Afraid to Forget Your Face," won the Short Film Palme d'Or, marking the first time an Egyptian film received this prestigious honor. In June 2021, he was appointed as a jury member for the Cinéfondation and Short Films section at the Cannes Film Festival. Currently, Sameh Alaa is developing his debut feature film, "When I Close My Eyes I See Your Eyes."
Xenia Hatrac - Marketing manager and Graphic designer
Xenia Hatrac is a versatile graphic designer and creative strategist with experience in branding, visual communication, and digital design. She studied Graphic Design at the East Slovak Academy of Arts in Košice and has since built a career working with advertising agencies in Slovakia and abroad.