Kenneth Gifford

Savvy Marketing

Matt DV

Leslie Peters

Leslie Peters, incoming Executive Director, is a life-long resident of and advocate for Newark, New Jersey. She has dedicated a lifetime to the city through her career work and philanthropic endeavors.

From her tireless efforts at the forefront of Newark’s political scene to her vast cultural influence, Leslie’s reach into the city is deep. Working hand in hand with Symphony Hall, WBGO and the Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District to name a few of the city’s anchor institutions, she has made an impact on the way Newark is viewed internationally.

Her grace, tenacity and focus have prepared her for this ambitious role as ED and she is dedicated to forging an upward path for the Newark International Film festival.Leslie

Alita Carter

From the start of her career, Alita Carter has always been committed to finding out what influential aspects appealed to audiences and what measures can be taken to heighten the overall experience. This background has proven beneficial in her most recent role serving as Asst. Executive Director for the 2017 Newark International Film Festival.

Having launched a plethora of music, television, internet, advertising and publishing projects during her careers with Atlantic Records, Universal Records, BET, and Showtime Networks and several others; Ms. Carter was charged with signing projects, designing events, launching campaigns, researching and identifying what motivated consumers to make decision in their purchases; what pushed audiences to listen, watch, eat, spend and engage; and what essential logistical factors need be in place for them to succeed.

Although still a New Yorker at heart, as a 15 year resident of New Jersey; Ms. Carter is a well-seasoned industry professional who’s excited to be apart of a team poised to introduce Newark, NJ to the world; through film.

“Before you speak, ask yourself, is it kind, is it necessary, is it true, does it improve on the silence?” Sai Baba

Khairah L. Walker

Submissions & Filmmaker Relations
Khairah L. Walker is a multifaceted talent with multiple irons in the fire. She is a writer by birth, a yoga teacher by choice and a publicist by trade. She founded and runs the successful mobile branding, marketing and planning firm Lai.La! Management est. in 2009 and is involved in multiple projects on both the east and west coast. She manages authors, athletes, wellness experts and corporate and personal event clientele. She has been in and around the film and entertainment industry for decades and will be submerged in a Film Intensive with Directing as the concentration in the Fall. Khairah serves as the Chair of the Submissions Committee for the Newark International Film Festival

Jennifer Wager

Submissions & Filmmaker Relations
Jennifer Wager is a Newark-based media educator and filmmaker. Her films have screened in international film festivals such as the Al-Jazeera Film Festival, the Washington Independent Film Festival and been broadcast on major television networks in Latin America.  She also produces periodic radio news for 99.5 FM in NYC.  She is Assistant Professor and Director of the New Media Technology, Communications and Digital Media programs at Essex County College. She holds two Masters of Arts from Ohio State University and Georgetown University.

Raymond Spencer

Production Manager
Raymond Spencer is an award winning film maker, published author,  accomplished actor and professional photographer. A native of Newark, New Jersey,  Mr. Spencer holds an Associates Degree in Communications and a Bachelors Degree in Film Production.  His award winning film project entitled “What Kind Of Man,” explores the role of black men in the raising of black youth. .The film questions, What kind of men have we become?

Lisa Payne

Producer, Workshops and Special Events
Lisa- Worked for Eddie Murphy Productions, where I worked on films and television shows in Los Angeles at Paramount Studios. Just to name a few projects. Boomerange,Harlem Nights and the television show Royal Family starring Redd Foxx,Della, Reese,Larzene Tate and Naya Rivera. Also produced,hosted a television show called “Celebrity Conversations”  which aired on CBS. Lastly, a producer for BET Entertainment where I developed,wrote and  produced a daily entertainment magazine show.

Shaunda Sutton Lumpkin

Film Distibution
Shaunda Sutton Lumpkin joins the NIFF family with over 2o years of experience in Film Distribution through her position as Director of Sales at 20th Century Fox Film, Inc. She began her illustrious career as a Fox Film Sales Trainee upon her graduation from Howard University in Washington, D.C. Mastering all facets of Film Distribution, Shaunda was hired out of the Sales Trainee program as part of the startup of Fox Searchlight Pictures. After a wildly successful run on the international hit, The Full Monty, Shaunda returned to “Big Fox”with a promotion to Branch Manager. In this role and most recently Director of Sales, she expanded sales in theatrical and non-theatrical venues throughout the East Coast, South and MidWest. She has marketed and distributed blockbuster films like Avatar, Deadpool, Independence Day, Cast Away, and The Martian; targeted releases like: The Revenant, Gone Girl, Red Tails, Life of Pi, Joy, and Passion of the Christ and award-winning franchises including Star Wars, X-Men, Ice Age, Taken, Rio, Alvin & the Chipmunks, Big Momma’s House, Night at The Museum and Planet of the Apes.

Shaunda Sutton Lumpkin has served on the Executive Board of News Corporation’s Diversity Team and Mentoring Program, the Executive Board of the Motion Picture Club, and is co-founder of the Mama Luke Movement for Breast Cancer Awareness.

Shaunda Sutton Lumpkin is the Youth Minister at Clear View Baptist Church and is the southward coordinator of the newly formed Youth and Young Adult Alliance, both located here in the great city of Newark, NJ.

Tami LaMorn

Tami LaMorn is a business powerhouse with years of experience as a producer, real estate investor, philanthropist and successful restaurateur.  Tami has always been a woman willing to put in the work to achieve success.

Today, Tami works closely with her team to expand her brand which include Taste Venue Restaurant & Lounge, will soon include a Spirits Line of Whiskey-Brownstone and Wilson Place Productions.

As an Innovator:

Founder of Wilson Place Entertainment for Music, Film & TV Projects.

Dramatic Expressions as Supervising Producer for Film, Theatre & TV Projects.

• Co-Producer “I AM CRE8TIV LIVE- music series
• Co-Creator of Indie Live Shows
• Executive Producer “Indie LIVE” music series
• Partner: Stone Gate Records

Tami LaMorn is a force to be reckoned with.

The quintessential mentor, Tami has committed to sharing her success with young women with the hopes that they too will follow their dreams and see them through.

Tami LaMorn has committed or still commits her time to the following organizations:

• Marketing Committee: New Jersey Performing Arts Center
• Council Member: St. Barnabas NICU Family Advisory Council
• Vice President 2008: Mocha Moms-Essex County Chapter
• Vice Chair- National Association of Black Female Entrepreneurs
• Advisory Board Member: Purple R.E.I.G.N. – Social Services Advocate
• Committee Member: Downtown “Entertainment” District, Newark N.J.
• Advisory Board: Y.E.S.: Young Enterprising Sisters-Mentoring
• Member: National Association of Black Female Executives in Music & Entertainment, Inc.
• Member: The Boss Network
• Executive Member :Wegen LeWegen Global: Atlanta Chapter
• Board of Directors: Newark International Film Festival

Marjorie Fields Harris

Pam Gibson

An Independent film/content producer, and screenwriter, that got her start as a music video producer/director in the early years of Hip-­‐hop.  Known for the 90’s film, “Strictly Business”, and a decade of work on the Paramount Pictures lot.

Keith Martin

Keith Mooka Martin is a member of the Camera Department in The International Cinematographers Guild Local 600. He entered the industry as a Digital Utility/ Film Loader and was quickly promoted to a TechnoCrane Technician. Over the past few years, Keith has worked on and has received credit for various films and shows including:

• The Sony PlayStation Series ‘Powers’ (Season 2)
• CBS Series ‘Macgyver’ (2016 Season 1)
• HBO Original Movie ‘The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks’ (which brought the legendary Oprah Winfrey out of acting retirement)
• IFC TV Series ‘Stan Against Evil’
• Florida Power & Lighting (commercial) 
• National Geographic Movie ‘Killing Regan’ 

Keith aspires to write and direct his own films in the near future. In the interim, he’s adamantly sharpening his skills and contributing his time to the unification of teens and young adults aspiring to be filmmakers in the urban communities, with hopes to strengthen the diversity within the major film and TV world.

Keith has earned a reputation for being a true ‘Jack of all trades’. He’s previously worked as a Voice & Data Technician for 8 years before moving up to the Global Data Center Company ‘Equinix’ as a Network Engineer. While working as a Technician, he completed courses in Filmmaking, Screenwriting, Digital Editing and Cinematography at the New York Film Academy.

When he’s not shooting, Keith also runs his very own company ‘VS Installations’. They offer a wide variety of installation services including: Home Theater Systems, Surveillance Camera Systems, TV Wall Mounting and Voice & Data Systems. He has recently moved back to New Jersey from working in the Atlanta industry for the past 2 ½ years. Upon his return, he has quickly delve into his most recent ventures which include joining the Newark International Film Festival Board and working at The Office of Newark Film & Television. 

Egypt Young