Kelowna to Host International Animation Festival

International animation festival set for October 2017in B.C.’s spectacular Okanagan

The Okanagan International Festival of Animation is on!Kelowna, B.C. – The Okanagan International Festival of Animation (OkIFA) is an annual five-day animation and digital media festival, market and conference set to launch from October 2 – 6, 2017, in Kelowna, British Columbia. This exciting new event will offer animated and digital media screenings that include independent and larger budget productions, blockbusters, commissioned and non-commissioned films, and student work. These screenings will be interwoven with a range of events including opening and closing galas; an awards ceremony; a Nuit Blanche where the cultural hub of Kelowna will be lit up from dusk to the early morning, offering our visitors a unique glimpse of Kelowna’s diverse cultural section in its beautiful urban core; a career day where aspiring animators and artists can have face time with world-class animation schools, studio recruiters and industry professionals; and an animation marketplace.Each year, OkIFA will feature a different artistic director. Executive Director Anne Denman recently announced that highly respected animation icon Danny Antonucci has accepted the role as the festival’s inaugural Artistic Director. Said Denman: “Danny’s remarkable body of work from the Lupo the Butcher film to MTV’s The Brothers Grunt to Cartoon Network’s Ed, Edd n Eddy have inspired countless artists and entertained millions. We’re thrilled that he is working with us to help make this a first-rate animation and digital media event that will attract industry professionals and fans from around the world.”OkIFA’s Platinum Sponsors are the Centre for Arts and Technology and Toon Boom. Capilano University has signed on as a Gold Sponsor. The Silver Sponsors to date are: AWN, Roketto, Okanagan Film Commission, Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission, Westcorp, The Trophy Den, Source Office Furnishings, Canadian Animation Resources and Creative BC.Set for its inaugural event, from October 2 – 6, 2017, the Okanagan International Festival of Animation will celebrate the many forms of animation and digital media from around the world, with a special focus on Canada and the U.S. The festival will quickly become the event of the year for animation and digital media professionals and fans from around the world. For more information, please visit: http://www.OkIFA.ca.

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Brad Krauza - Publisher
Brad Krauza – Musician, Publisher & Entrepreneur Brad Krauza is a bassist, vocalist, acoustic guitarist, publisher, promoter, and CEO with more than 35 years of experience in the music and entertainment industry. First and foremost, he proudly considers himself a father, son, brother, and uncle, but music and community have always been at the heart of everything he does. A lifelong performer and passionate music fan, Brad has spent decades on stage delivering high-energy live performances while building a reputation as a tireless promoter and marketing powerhouse within the industry. As a bassist and vocalist, Brad’s love for performing is simple and genuine — he loves to sing, play, and share the experience of live music with audiences. For Brad, live music represents something deeper than entertainment. It’s about connection. The energy exchanged between performers and audiences is what keeps him inspired. “There’s nothing like the energy of live music — from the stage to the seats. When everyone is feeling that same vibe, it’s magic.” — Brad Krauza Over the past three decades, Brad has demonstrated a unique blend of creative vision, compassion, leadership, and strong marketing instincts, helping artists, venues, and events thrive. His work has included concert promotions ranging from local showcases to major international touring acts, including performances featuring artists such as INXS, Randy Travis, Creed, and Anthrax. Beyond performing and promoting, Brad is also the founder and publisher of Gonzo Okanagan, an influential arts, music, and entertainment platform that serves the Okanagan and beyond. Through the platform and its earlier print publication, Gonzo Magazine, Brad has interviewed and featured internationally recognized artists and celebrities including **The Offspring, Nicolas Cage, Drew Barrymore, Steven Spielberg, Angelina Jolie, Adam Sandler, and Martina McBride. Brad’s career has also extended into sales, publishing, marketing, web design, and digital media, all of which complement his lifelong dedication to supporting artists and growing the regional music community. Today, Brad continues to champion live music and creative culture throughout the Okanagan, working to spotlight local artists, promote new music, and bring people together through unforgettable live experiences. His mission remains simple: support the music community, inspire audiences, and keep the spirit of rock & roll alive. “Music is something people need in their lives. If we can help fill people’s cups with great music and positive energy, then we’re doing something right.” Be safe… and let’s ROCK ’N’ ROLL.

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