🎥Introducing the Panels & Speakers: ConneKt Film at VRTO Exhibitor Stage

Katerina Cizek

A Peabody and two-time Emmy-winning documentarian, author, and co-founder of the Co-Creation Studio at MIT Open Documentary Lab. Katerina is a global leader in emergent media, known for transformative projects at the National Film Board of Canada and her pioneering work in collective creation and digital storytelling.

Anthea Foyer

The head of Toronto’s Creative Technology Office, Anthea is a strategic leader and city builder with expertise in video games, immersive media, and digital public art. She’s a driving force behind Toronto’s UNESCO City of Media Arts designation and a champion for creative technology and sectoral innovation.

Judith Cheung

An award-winning interactive storyteller and immersive designer, Judith blends her background in architecture with a passion for game and level design. Winner of GDC Pitch 2023, she is committed to culturally rich storytelling and commercializing interactive projects that bridge worlds and foster inclusion.

James Monkman

A Peabody and two-time Emmy-winning documentarian, author, and co-founder of the Co-Creation Studio at MIT Open Documentary Lab. Katerina is a global leader in emergent media, known for transformative projects at the National Film Board of Canada and her pioneering work in collective creation and digital storytelling.

Karen Vanderborght

A design technologist, UX/UI designer, educator, and digital artist with 30 years of experience. Karen is founder of XR boutique studio KrakXR and RAARAlab, and her practice explores AI co-creation, spatial computing, and “phygital” play across art and entertainment.

Evan Jones (Stitch Media)

A two-time Emmy Award winner with over 50 interactive projects worldwide, Evan blends computer science and film production to push the boundaries of narrative and technology. He’s recognized for groundbreaking work in Alternate Reality Games and VR experiences.

Jack Chadwick (Pixomondo)

A virtual Production Producer with deep expertise in emerging production technologies. Jack has led VP efforts on major feature films, including “Final Destination: Bloodlines,” and continues to innovate in high-end virtual production.

Khasan Aripov

(SP Studios)

The CEO and creative mind behind SP Studios, Khasan is a pioneer in virtual production, shaping education and mentoring new talent as Chair of the Program Advisory Committee for Virtual Production at Humber Polytechnic.

Vikram Verma

(Dark Slope)

A Senior Virtual Production Producer with 18+ years in content production for film, advertising, and immersive venues. Vikram has delivered projects for Disney, Dreamworks, Amazon, and more, and is a leader in large-scale, high-impact virtual production.

Mike Boers

(Immersion Room)

The Co-CEO and Innovation Lead at Immersion Room, Mike is recognized for technical and cinematic excellence in virtual production. His team set up Toronto’s first mid-scale VP stage, and their technology has been considered for a Scientific and Technical Academy Award.

Anya Vagabova

Founder & CEO of ConneKt Film, Anya is a Ukrainian filmmaker, based in Toronto with background in virtual production and interactive media. She is dedicated to empowering filmmakers and championing diverse voices in global storytelling.

Kaitlynn Tomaselli (imagineNATIVE)

An Anishinaabe and Italian curator and arts administrator, Kaitlynn manages artistic programming at imagineNATIVE, the world’s largest presenter of Indigenous screen content. She is passionate about uplifting Indigenous voices across theatre, film, and media arts.