Eryn Lidster is the new creative director of the ReFrame Film Festival.
Lidster, who will be responsible for implementing the creative and artistic vision of the annual festival, has a strong background in programming and project management with an emphasis on
film, media art, and theatre.
In 2018 and 2019, Lidster was awarded the Gregory R. Firth Memorial Prize for their film work, which has been screened internationally. Lidster is a founding member of Canadian Images in
Conversation screening collective, currently serves as chair of the board at Artspace artist-run centre, and “is a passionate supporter of local arts organizations, artists, and arts workers,” according to a media release.
Lidster was recently project manager of the 2022 Erring at King George Festival with Public Energy, and has supported the production of over 40 performance works in Peterborough-Nogojiwanong since 2016. They hold an Honours BA from Trent University in cultural studies with a specialization in image, sound, and performance from Trent University. Lidster has also served as a guest lecturer in documentary film and a media technician at Trent’s cultural studies and media studies departments.
“I am eager to bring my love and deep curiosity for film and media art to the organization, and to come together with the community around a shared passion for the vital work of environmental
and social justice,” Lidster says in a media release. “I am deeply grateful to the dedicated ReFrame staff, board, and volunteers, past and present. I will endeavour to uphold the high standards you have set. I look forward to everything we will accomplish together.”
Lidster was hired following an extensive search process for a successor to Amy Siegel, who has served as creative director since 2018. Lidster joins festival director Kait Dueck in the co-leadership of the ReFrame Film Festival. Dueck was hired in October 2022 to replace Jay Adam, who was in the festival director role since 2018.
“We are very pleased that Eryn is joining our team,” says ReFrame board chair Jim Hendry. “Their commitment to film, the power of art to make change, and their deep connections with
Peterborough’s artistic community will ensure that ReFrame’s vision continues to be reflected in the festival’s film offerings and our community work.”
