About Us
Our Mission & Team
Mission
To entertain, educate, and inspire by showcasing the documentary art form and creating a cultural connection between audiences and artists in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.
Lunenburg Doc Fest is a not-for-profit charitable organization.
Team
Walter Forsyth
Festival Director
Walter Forsyth is a film and film festival producer. He is the Festival Director and a programmer at Lunenburg Doc Fest, started the Hellifax Horror Fest and the Halifax Independent Filmmakers Festival, worked as a programmer for the Atlantic Film Festival and sat on the board of directors at the Hot Docs International Documentary Film Festival for six years. Walter has four Canadian Screen Award nominations and is president of the boutique media company, Gorgeous Mistake Productions. New documentaries include ‘The Hands That Feed Us’ (Super Channel) and 'The Last Walt' (CBC) and the dramatic feature, 'Dancing on the Elephant'. He surfs when and where he can.
Walter Forsyth
Festival Director
Walter Forsyth is a film and film festival producer. He is the Festival Director and a programmer at Lunenburg Doc Fest, started the Hellifax Horror Fest and the Halifax Independent Filmmakers Festival, worked as a programmer for the Atlantic Film Festival and sat on the board of directors at the Hot Docs International Documentary Film Festival for six years. Walter has four Canadian Screen Award nominations and is president of the boutique media company, Gorgeous Mistake Productions. New documentaries include ‘The Hands That Feed Us’ (Super Channel) and 'The Last Walt' (CBC) and the dramatic feature, 'Dancing on the Elephant'. He surfs when and where he can.
Walter Forsyth
Festival Director
Walter Forsyth is a film and film festival producer. He is the Festival Director and a programmer at Lunenburg Doc Fest, started the Hellifax Horror Fest and the Halifax Independent Filmmakers Festival, worked as a programmer for the Atlantic Film Festival and sat on the board of directors at the Hot Docs International Documentary Film Festival for six years. Walter has four Canadian Screen Award nominations and is president of the boutique media company, Gorgeous Mistake Productions. New documentaries include ‘The Hands That Feed Us’ (Super Channel) and 'The Last Walt' (CBC) and the dramatic feature, 'Dancing on the Elephant'. He surfs when and where he can.
Erin O’Connor
Director of Operations
Erin O’Connor is a self-taught filmmaker and producer. Directing and producing shorts, commercials, and documentaries, bringing ambitious visions to life through unexpected storytelling and hands-on production. She likes making things happen.
Erin O’Connor
Director of Operations
Erin O’Connor is a self-taught filmmaker and producer. Directing and producing shorts, commercials, and documentaries, bringing ambitious visions to life through unexpected storytelling and hands-on production. She likes making things happen.
Erin O’Connor
Director of Operations
Erin O’Connor is a self-taught filmmaker and producer. Directing and producing shorts, commercials, and documentaries, bringing ambitious visions to life through unexpected storytelling and hands-on production. She likes making things happen.
Adam Adler
Technical Director
Adam Adler enters his 10th year with Lunenburg Doc Fest as our Technical Director. Having overseen the technical evolution of the festival from its second year through today, Adam has been a leader in our behind-the-scenes production, allowing LDF to offer a professional cinema and seamless film experience to festival goers each year.
During his 20+ year career within the Music, Film, Entertainment and Live Events industry in Eastern Canada, Adam has become a driving force as a Technical Director, Video Director, Project Manager and Event Producer. Fulfilling roles as a Senior Project Lead at one of Canada’s largest A/V production companies, he’s been instrumental in helping deliver many large format events throughout the Atlantic region, including the ECMA’s, The Memorial Cup 2018, World Junior Hockey Championships, World Junior Curling Championships, Halifax TD JazzFest, The Jubilee, Halifax Pride Main Stage, Celtic Colours and Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival, among others.
An avid documentary film and fine arts fan, Adam spends his spare time immersed in research and storytelling. Adler’s journey focuses on the discovery of a voluminous oeuvre of thousands of 19th & 20th century paintings and artwork, which were miraculously uncovered behind a series of fake walls in an attic in New York. This seemingly never-ending story, which quickly mushroomed into one of the largest modern art collection rescues of the 21st century, is currently in development with hopes of bringing this generational story to audiences around the globe.
Adam Adler
Technical Director
Adam Adler enters his 10th year with Lunenburg Doc Fest as our Technical Director. Having overseen the technical evolution of the festival from its second year through today, Adam has been a leader in our behind-the-scenes production, allowing LDF to offer a professional cinema and seamless film experience to festival goers each year.
During his 20+ year career within the Music, Film, Entertainment and Live Events industry in Eastern Canada, Adam has become a driving force as a Technical Director, Video Director, Project Manager and Event Producer. Fulfilling roles as a Senior Project Lead at one of Canada’s largest A/V production companies, he’s been instrumental in helping deliver many large format events throughout the Atlantic region, including the ECMA’s, The Memorial Cup 2018, World Junior Hockey Championships, World Junior Curling Championships, Halifax TD JazzFest, The Jubilee, Halifax Pride Main Stage, Celtic Colours and Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival, among others.
An avid documentary film and fine arts fan, Adam spends his spare time immersed in research and storytelling. Adler’s journey focuses on the discovery of a voluminous oeuvre of thousands of 19th & 20th century paintings and artwork, which were miraculously uncovered behind a series of fake walls in an attic in New York. This seemingly never-ending story, which quickly mushroomed into one of the largest modern art collection rescues of the 21st century, is currently in development with hopes of bringing this generational story to audiences around the globe.
Adam Adler
Technical Director
Adam Adler enters his 10th year with Lunenburg Doc Fest as our Technical Director. Having overseen the technical evolution of the festival from its second year through today, Adam has been a leader in our behind-the-scenes production, allowing LDF to offer a professional cinema and seamless film experience to festival goers each year.
During his 20+ year career within the Music, Film, Entertainment and Live Events industry in Eastern Canada, Adam has become a driving force as a Technical Director, Video Director, Project Manager and Event Producer. Fulfilling roles as a Senior Project Lead at one of Canada’s largest A/V production companies, he’s been instrumental in helping deliver many large format events throughout the Atlantic region, including the ECMA’s, The Memorial Cup 2018, World Junior Hockey Championships, World Junior Curling Championships, Halifax TD JazzFest, The Jubilee, Halifax Pride Main Stage, Celtic Colours and Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival, among others.
An avid documentary film and fine arts fan, Adam spends his spare time immersed in research and storytelling. Adler’s journey focuses on the discovery of a voluminous oeuvre of thousands of 19th & 20th century paintings and artwork, which were miraculously uncovered behind a series of fake walls in an attic in New York. This seemingly never-ending story, which quickly mushroomed into one of the largest modern art collection rescues of the 21st century, is currently in development with hopes of bringing this generational story to audiences around the globe.
Stewart Young
Dock Market Director
Stewart Young is an independent producer/creative consultant based in Halifax. He worked for 37 years with CBC in daily journalism, music production, and documentaries for all platforms. He held many leadership roles within CBC, including Executive Producer of numerous regional and national programming. He continues to focus on program development, creative collaboration and mentorship.
Stewart Young
Dock Market Director
Stewart Young is an independent producer/creative consultant based in Halifax. He worked for 37 years with CBC in daily journalism, music production, and documentaries for all platforms. He held many leadership roles within CBC, including Executive Producer of numerous regional and national programming. He continues to focus on program development, creative collaboration and mentorship.
Stewart Young
Dock Market Director
Stewart Young is an independent producer/creative consultant based in Halifax. He worked for 37 years with CBC in daily journalism, music production, and documentaries for all platforms. He held many leadership roles within CBC, including Executive Producer of numerous regional and national programming. He continues to focus on program development, creative collaboration and mentorship.
Evan Bower
Communications & Marketing Director
Evan Bower is a writer and film programmer who lives in Toronto but still calls Lunenburg home. Over the last decade, he's helmed the Halifax Independent Filmmakers Festival, worked in programming at the Atlantic International Film Festival, and handled communications at the Atlantic Filmmakers Cooperative. Previously, he was an arts reporter on Nova Scotia's South Shore.
Evan Bower
Communications & Marketing Director
Evan Bower is a writer and film programmer who lives in Toronto but still calls Lunenburg home. Over the last decade, he's helmed the Halifax Independent Filmmakers Festival, worked in programming at the Atlantic International Film Festival, and handled communications at the Atlantic Filmmakers Cooperative. Previously, he was an arts reporter on Nova Scotia's South Shore.
Evan Bower
Communications & Marketing Director
Evan Bower is a writer and film programmer who lives in Toronto but still calls Lunenburg home. Over the last decade, he's helmed the Halifax Independent Filmmakers Festival, worked in programming at the Atlantic International Film Festival, and handled communications at the Atlantic Filmmakers Cooperative. Previously, he was an arts reporter on Nova Scotia's South Shore.
Art Eaton
Sound Director
Art Eaton
Sound Director
Art Eaton
Sound Director
Tanya Preyde
Dock Market Manager
Tanya Preyde
Dock Market Manager
Tanya Preyde
Dock Market Manager
Audrey Chan
Industry & Programs Coordinator
Hailing from Hong Kong, Audrey holds degrees in Journalism and Cinema & Media Studies from the University of King’s College. In 2023, they co-directed DARLENE AND TRUCKHOUSE, a short documentary that has since screened at Lunenburg Doc Fest and World Water Film Festival. Audrey has contributed to publications like South China Morning Post and POV Magazine, exploring stories and films that amplify underrepresented narratives. Their work often explores systems change, sustainability, and reimagining the culture industry with equity and curiosity at its heart.
Now based in Tiohtià:ke/Mooniyang/Montréal, Audrey works with Lunenburg Doc Fest, coordinating DOC Atlantic’s Breakthrough Program and The Launch, the festival’s annual pitch contest. They are continually inspired by supporting emerging filmmakers in honing their craft and forging meaningful connections with industry mentors.
Audrey Chan
Industry & Programs Coordinator
Hailing from Hong Kong, Audrey holds degrees in Journalism and Cinema & Media Studies from the University of King’s College. In 2023, they co-directed DARLENE AND TRUCKHOUSE, a short documentary that has since screened at Lunenburg Doc Fest and World Water Film Festival. Audrey has contributed to publications like South China Morning Post and POV Magazine, exploring stories and films that amplify underrepresented narratives. Their work often explores systems change, sustainability, and reimagining the culture industry with equity and curiosity at its heart.
Now based in Tiohtià:ke/Mooniyang/Montréal, Audrey works with Lunenburg Doc Fest, coordinating DOC Atlantic’s Breakthrough Program and The Launch, the festival’s annual pitch contest. They are continually inspired by supporting emerging filmmakers in honing their craft and forging meaningful connections with industry mentors.
Audrey Chan
Industry & Programs Coordinator
Hailing from Hong Kong, Audrey holds degrees in Journalism and Cinema & Media Studies from the University of King’s College. In 2023, they co-directed DARLENE AND TRUCKHOUSE, a short documentary that has since screened at Lunenburg Doc Fest and World Water Film Festival. Audrey has contributed to publications like South China Morning Post and POV Magazine, exploring stories and films that amplify underrepresented narratives. Their work often explores systems change, sustainability, and reimagining the culture industry with equity and curiosity at its heart.
Now based in Tiohtià:ke/Mooniyang/Montréal, Audrey works with Lunenburg Doc Fest, coordinating DOC Atlantic’s Breakthrough Program and The Launch, the festival’s annual pitch contest. They are continually inspired by supporting emerging filmmakers in honing their craft and forging meaningful connections with industry mentors.
Nancy Kovachik
Dock Market and Docks On The Dock Coordinator
After graduating from the University of Winnipeg with a B.Ed. degree Nancy had a lengthy career in the education field in a variety of positions prior to moving to Nova Scotia during the pandemic. Nancy is thrilled to be joining the team for another festival as Events Coordinator. When she isn’t watching documentary films, she can be found working in her studio creating art, conducting workshops or wandering the beautiful beaches of the South Shore.
Nancy Kovachik
Dock Market and Docks On The Dock Coordinator
After graduating from the University of Winnipeg with a B.Ed. degree Nancy had a lengthy career in the education field in a variety of positions prior to moving to Nova Scotia during the pandemic. Nancy is thrilled to be joining the team for another festival as Events Coordinator. When she isn’t watching documentary films, she can be found working in her studio creating art, conducting workshops or wandering the beautiful beaches of the South Shore.
Nancy Kovachik
Dock Market and Docks On The Dock Coordinator
After graduating from the University of Winnipeg with a B.Ed. degree Nancy had a lengthy career in the education field in a variety of positions prior to moving to Nova Scotia during the pandemic. Nancy is thrilled to be joining the team for another festival as Events Coordinator. When she isn’t watching documentary films, she can be found working in her studio creating art, conducting workshops or wandering the beautiful beaches of the South Shore.
Nancy MacDonald
Eventive/Website Administrator
After graduating from NSCAD University with a degree in Fine Art Nancy went on to work as a photographer and digital designer in the computer game and publishing industry, creating work for companies such as Disney, Sony, EA, Hasbro and Atari. After living in San Francisco, Toronto and Ottawa, she left the city to move back to Nova Scotia's South Shore where she found herself inspired to nurture her creativity as a fine artist. She is currently represented by the Laurie Swim Gallery in Lunenburg. Nancy is happy to be back for her 5th season working with the Lunenburg Doc Fest.
Nancy MacDonald
Eventive/Website Administrator
After graduating from NSCAD University with a degree in Fine Art Nancy went on to work as a photographer and digital designer in the computer game and publishing industry, creating work for companies such as Disney, Sony, EA, Hasbro and Atari. After living in San Francisco, Toronto and Ottawa, she left the city to move back to Nova Scotia's South Shore where she found herself inspired to nurture her creativity as a fine artist. She is currently represented by the Laurie Swim Gallery in Lunenburg. Nancy is happy to be back for her 5th season working with the Lunenburg Doc Fest.
Nancy MacDonald
Eventive/Website Administrator
After graduating from NSCAD University with a degree in Fine Art Nancy went on to work as a photographer and digital designer in the computer game and publishing industry, creating work for companies such as Disney, Sony, EA, Hasbro and Atari. After living in San Francisco, Toronto and Ottawa, she left the city to move back to Nova Scotia's South Shore where she found herself inspired to nurture her creativity as a fine artist. She is currently represented by the Laurie Swim Gallery in Lunenburg. Nancy is happy to be back for her 5th season working with the Lunenburg Doc Fest.
Ron McDougall
Program Guide Designer
Ron McDougall has 30+ years’ experience in graphic design and art direction, and 25+ years’ experience in interaction design, for both online and stand-alone digital environments. He was Art Director for optimyz magazine for six years, and has produced digital designs for a diverse number of companies that include Mackenzie Financial, The Boston Celtics, Scotiabank, Mirvish Productions, and Atlantic Lottery Corporation.
Ron is also an award-winning filmmaker and animator, having had short films screened at numerous film festivals. His animation has been featured in feature-length films by Murray Foster (of Great Big Sea and Moxy Fruvous) and award-winning documentarian John Walker (Assholes: A Theory).
Ron McDougall
Program Guide Designer
Ron McDougall has 30+ years’ experience in graphic design and art direction, and 25+ years’ experience in interaction design, for both online and stand-alone digital environments. He was Art Director for optimyz magazine for six years, and has produced digital designs for a diverse number of companies that include Mackenzie Financial, The Boston Celtics, Scotiabank, Mirvish Productions, and Atlantic Lottery Corporation.
Ron is also an award-winning filmmaker and animator, having had short films screened at numerous film festivals. His animation has been featured in feature-length films by Murray Foster (of Great Big Sea and Moxy Fruvous) and award-winning documentarian John Walker (Assholes: A Theory).
Ron McDougall
Program Guide Designer
Ron McDougall has 30+ years’ experience in graphic design and art direction, and 25+ years’ experience in interaction design, for both online and stand-alone digital environments. He was Art Director for optimyz magazine for six years, and has produced digital designs for a diverse number of companies that include Mackenzie Financial, The Boston Celtics, Scotiabank, Mirvish Productions, and Atlantic Lottery Corporation.
Ron is also an award-winning filmmaker and animator, having had short films screened at numerous film festivals. His animation has been featured in feature-length films by Murray Foster (of Great Big Sea and Moxy Fruvous) and award-winning documentarian John Walker (Assholes: A Theory).
Donelda Richard
Volunteer Coordinator
Donelda Richard
Volunteer Coordinator
Donelda Richard
Volunteer Coordinator
Anne Featherstone
Box Office Coordinator
Anne Featherstone
Box Office Coordinator
Anne Featherstone
Box Office Coordinator
Alan Scott
Treasurer
Born in Aberdeen, Scotland, Alan emigrated to South Africa where he lived for 18 years before emigrating to Canada in 1988. His progressive career of over 40 years included various senior management roles all within the hydraulic industry. In 2012, he was a graduate of Royal Roads University’s MBA Executive Management program. Alan retired in 2016, and together with his wife Celia, relocated to Lunenburg where both of their daughters and four grandchildren live. Since arrival in Lunenburg, he has pursued his passion for road cycling, establishing an informal group of road cyclists that he named the Cycling Friends of Lunenburg (CFL). During the winter months, Alan curls with the Lunenburg Curling Club.
In October of 2019, Alan was invited to join the Board of The Lunenburg Doc Fest Association in the capacity of its treasurer – a position he holds to this day. In 2022, Alan was appointed treasurer for the South Shore Hospice Palliative Care Society and is also treasurer for the Masters’ program of the Lunenburg Curling Club.
Alan Scott
Treasurer
Born in Aberdeen, Scotland, Alan emigrated to South Africa where he lived for 18 years before emigrating to Canada in 1988. His progressive career of over 40 years included various senior management roles all within the hydraulic industry. In 2012, he was a graduate of Royal Roads University’s MBA Executive Management program. Alan retired in 2016, and together with his wife Celia, relocated to Lunenburg where both of their daughters and four grandchildren live. Since arrival in Lunenburg, he has pursued his passion for road cycling, establishing an informal group of road cyclists that he named the Cycling Friends of Lunenburg (CFL). During the winter months, Alan curls with the Lunenburg Curling Club.
In October of 2019, Alan was invited to join the Board of The Lunenburg Doc Fest Association in the capacity of its treasurer – a position he holds to this day. In 2022, Alan was appointed treasurer for the South Shore Hospice Palliative Care Society and is also treasurer for the Masters’ program of the Lunenburg Curling Club.
Alan Scott
Treasurer
Born in Aberdeen, Scotland, Alan emigrated to South Africa where he lived for 18 years before emigrating to Canada in 1988. His progressive career of over 40 years included various senior management roles all within the hydraulic industry. In 2012, he was a graduate of Royal Roads University’s MBA Executive Management program. Alan retired in 2016, and together with his wife Celia, relocated to Lunenburg where both of their daughters and four grandchildren live. Since arrival in Lunenburg, he has pursued his passion for road cycling, establishing an informal group of road cyclists that he named the Cycling Friends of Lunenburg (CFL). During the winter months, Alan curls with the Lunenburg Curling Club.
In October of 2019, Alan was invited to join the Board of The Lunenburg Doc Fest Association in the capacity of its treasurer – a position he holds to this day. In 2022, Alan was appointed treasurer for the South Shore Hospice Palliative Care Society and is also treasurer for the Masters’ program of the Lunenburg Curling Club.
Ava Jackson
On-Site Social Media
Ava Jackson
On-Site Social Media
Ava Jackson
On-Site Social Media
Harrison Olivella
Hospitality Coordinator
Harrison Olivella
Hospitality Coordinator
Harrison Olivella
Hospitality Coordinator
Brea McAllister
Birdhouse Bookkeeping
Birdhouse Bookkeeping
Brea McAllister
Birdhouse Bookkeeping
Birdhouse Bookkeeping
Brea McAllister
Birdhouse Bookkeeping
Birdhouse Bookkeeping
Amy Saunders
Alpha PR- Publicist
Amy Saunders
Alpha PR- Publicist
Amy Saunders
Alpha PR- Publicist
Moya Walsh
Hospitality Lead
Moya Walsh
Hospitality Lead
Moya Walsh
Hospitality Lead
Beatrice (Bea) Schuler
Photographer
Beatrice (Bea) Schuler
Photographer
Beatrice (Bea) Schuler
Photographer
Liana Oh
Advertising
Liana Oh
Advertising
Liana Oh
Advertising
Wayne Brown
Docs on the Dock Coordinator
Wayne Brown
Docs on the Dock Coordinator
