TAAFI Appoints New Board of Directors to Help Shape the Future of Canada’s Animation Industry
Skwigly
Image: TAAFI
Today, the Toronto Animation Arts Festival International (TAAFI), a leading Canadian animation arts non-profit, announced the appointment of its new Board of Directors, bringing together leaders from across the Canadian animation and creative industries to help guide the organization’s next phase of growth.
The new leadership team reflects TAAFI’s continued commitment to supporting animation creators, strengthening industry collaboration and expanding opportunities for Canadian talent both nationally and internationally.
The newly appointed board members include:
- Louis-Philippe Vermette — Co-Chair, Director of Partnerships
- Karen Jackson — Co-Chair, Director of Operations
- Amanda Smith — Director of Communications
- Ghadi Alahmadi — Director of Marketing
- Rhys Yorke — Director of Technology
- Chris Bobinski — Director of Programming
- Jeff Cooke — Director of Sponsorships
- Amal Samuel — Secretary, Director of Grants
- Chris Shi — Treasurer, Director of Finance
Together, the board brings expertise across partnerships, marketing, technology, programming, finance and industry development, positioning TAAFI to continue growing its role as a platform for animation artists, studios and emerging creators.
In a statement, Karen Jackson, TAAFI Co-Chair and Director of Operations said:
TAAFI is entering its next chapter—one that is creator-driven, globally connected and unapologetically ambitious. Our new board members bring the strategic insight, industry leadership and bold thinking required to help shape the future of animation in Canada and beyond. Together, we are committed to building an ecosystem dedicated to growing the Canadian animation industry while exporting our content, globally.
Newly appointed Co-Chair Louis-Philippe Vermette shared his enthusiasm for joining the organization’s leadership.
Through the TAAFI community, I’ve found a group of diverse individuals who have transformed my hope for the rebirth of Canada’s animation industry into a real belief that change is possible. After connecting with Karen Jackson, it became clear that TAAFI’s openness to change and commitment to supporting animation artists is deeply rooted in the organization’s values. I’m honoured to contribute my experience as an artist, producer and entrepreneur to help strengthen the animation industry across Canada, including Ontario and Quebec.
As TAAFI continues to expand its programming and industry initiatives, the organization remains focused on fostering connections between creators, studios and audiences while helping position Canada as a global leader in animation.
The announcement comes as TAAFI prepares for its expanded 2026 festival, taking place April 8–12, 2026, now hosted at the renowned TIFF Lightbox. The multi-day celebration will feature an expanded lineup of film screenings, industry panels, workshops and networking events designed to bring together artists, studios, and animation fans from around the world.
As a centerpiece of the event, the Toronto Animation Film Festival will showcase over 100 animated films, including short films and feature presentations, alongside opportunities for emerging creators and industry professionals to connect.
Audiences can expect five vibrant days celebrating the art of animation, from discovering groundbreaking shorts and international features to meeting directors, artists and studios at exclusive industry gatherings. The festival invites attendees to experience some of the most imaginative, strange, beautiful, and awe-inspiring animated films from around the globe in the heart of Toronto.
For more information, please visit taafi.com