Apr 13, 2021
The Winnipeg Film Group Board of Directors has asked Cinematheque Manager of Operations and Special Programming, David Knipe, to assume the role of Interim Executive Director. David is contracted in this position for 1 year and is tasked with seeing the organization through this transitional phase as it works to repair relationships between staff, board, membership and community partners, and helping to find the next permanent Executive Director.
David Knipe is a film programmer and film professional with over 6 years of industry experience. He holds an Advanced Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Manitoba, majoring in Film Studies. He has worked with the Gimli Film Festival since 2015, holding such positions as Logistics Coordinator, Shorts Programmer, Features Programmer and, for the last three years, has been the Senior Film Programmer for the festival. Since 2016 he has held the position of Manager of Operations and Special Programming of the Winnipeg Film Group’s Cinematheque. He has been the Artistic Director of the Gimme Some Truth Documentary Festival since 2017 and is a co-founder of the Afro Prairie Film Festival and was its Artistic Director from 2018-2020. In addition to his programming and festival management work, David has also worked on independent short films and music videos, mostly as an Assistant Director. He has also directed a few short films of his own that have screened at such festivals as the One Take Super 8 Challenge at WNDX Festival of Moving Image.
“I am incredibly honoured and humbled that the WFG board has placed their faith and trust in me during this historical time for the organization. I am committed to the work of helping to ensure that the WFG is a more inclusive, diverse, respectful, accountable and positive space for all and that we are following through on our promises to membership and the community. Transparency, communication, respect, compassion and collaboration will be the guiding principles of this work and I very much look forward to welcoming back the Manitoba film community and making space for new voices and perspectives in this vibrant scene.” – David Knipe
