Staff

Program, Audience and Industry Development Manager
Gail Kovatseff

Gail manages AFF’s programming department, responsible for film submissions, selection and Awards alongside industry development, audience expansion and AFF Youth. A prominent figure in the SA Screen Industry, Gail led the Media Resource Centre and Mercury Cinema for 12 years as CEO, transforming its professional program including introducing the Screen Makers Conference and establishing the cinema as a vital part of the city’s cultural life via launching programs such as Seniors on Screen.  Gail graduated university with an on-going love of American Literature and European History.  

Email Gail: [email protected]

Finance and Governance Manager
Robyn Jones

Robyn takes care of our finances, Board and Government stakeholders, and manages the customer service team. She is first point of contact for general enquiries. Robyn holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) and a Bachelor of Education. She previously worked for KPMG and taught finance at University before turning her attention to the big screen as the Accountant and Office Manager for the Media Resource Centre. If you ask nicely, she just might tell you about her gold medal for juggling. 

Email Robyn: [email protected]

Marketing Manager
Nathan Hocking

Nathan leads AFF’s marketing team and can assist with queries regarding our creative campaign, festival marketing, social media, promotions and advertising. With a diverse background in business development, marketing, advertising and event management, Nathan is an expert in aligning the creative process with strategic integrated marketing design. He holds a Bachelor in Business Marketing from UniSA and is currently undertaking his Masters with Professor Mark Ritson.  A former heavyweight State Kung Fu Champion, Nathan is at his happiest at the helm of the paella pan, surrounded by family and friends.

Email Nathan: [email protected]

Head of Production
Richard Seidel

Richard works across AFF’s Production elements and is our key point of contact for all things technical across screenings and special events. He has produced and managed a broad range of creative concepts nationally and internationally across festivals, arts and cultural events, outdoor and arena events, fashion parades and gala evenings, as well as projects for theatre, dance, circus and film. Although we haven’t had to call on it yet, if needed Richard can balance on one hand. 

Email Richard: [email protected]

Operations Manager
Sarah Lancaster

Sarah is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations of the Festival. She manages a number of AFF projects including developing our first Reconciliation Action Plan. A festival faithful, she cut her teeth at the Sydney Film Festival and has worked at TIFF, Hot Docs, AIDC, the Adelaide Cabaret Festival.  Formerly Production and Development Executive at the South Australian Film Corporation, Sarah holds a First-Class Honours in Film and History, and Masters in Media in Education. Once a  35mm projectionist, Sarah now stitches together yarn instead of celluloid.   

Email Sarah: [email protected]

Publicist
Tracey Mair

Tracey liaises with all media and filmmakers regarding stories, interviews and reviews and is the main contact regarding publicity at the Festival. A film and television communications specialist with 30 years with experience across production, distribution, festivals and industry strategy, Tracey runs her own dedicated boutique PR agency. When she can tear her eyes away from the screen, she is usually found busy in the kitchen, sipping on a natural wine and planning her next travel adventure.  

Email Tracey: [email protected]

Marketing Coordinator – Thomas Jackson 

Programs Coordinator – Justin Martyniuk 

Programs Assistant – Emma Hough Hobbs 

Program Writer – Mike Walsh 

Contributing Writer – Saige Walton

Consultant Strategic Activations – Tara Macleod

Administration & Events Assistant – Gina Cameron

Ticketing Services Manager – Dani Raymond

Box Office Manager – Ceri Hutton

Industry Liaison Manager – Olga Nowicka

Front Of House Manager – Melissa Little

Access Consultant – Gaelle Mellis

Brand Design & Art Direction – Cul-de-sac Creative

Marketing Consultant – Laura Ursino 

Operations Intern – Nicholas Centofanti

Marketing Intern – Madison Griffiths 

Marketing Intern – Megan Keher