Our Festival Team
Dedicated to celebrating Black storytelling and strengthening our community through the power of independent cinema.
Festival Leadership
Karen Toering
Executive Director & Co-Founder
Karen is a grassroots organizer, visionary, and the driving force behind the Gary International Black Film Festival. With a deep commitment to independent cinema and community empowerment, she has cultivated GIBFF into a premier platform for Black storytelling in the Midwest. Her leadership continues to bring culturally significant works and major cinematic events to Gary, Indiana.
Walter Jones
Board Chair & Co-Founder
As a co-founder and Board Chair, Walter has been instrumental in shaping the strategic vision and sustained growth of the festival. His dedication to the arts and the Gary community has helped build a lasting infrastructure that supports independent Black filmmakers and provides transformative cultural experiences year-round.
GIBFF Team
Toni Simpson
Reel Rundown Fellows Director
Toni brings invaluable expertise and passion to the festival's operations and community outreach. Her dedication ensures that every GIBFF event is a welcoming, impactful experience for attendees and filmmakers alike. She is also a recipient of the Kelechukwu Brnfre Vanguard Award for her service.
Ventress Jackson II
Digital Technology Strategist
Ventress plays a crucial role in coordinating festival logistics and enhancing the guest experience. Her commitment to the arts and her community-first approach help make GIBFF a culturally resonant celebration of Black excellence.
Ludeen Kilgore
Volunteer & Special Events Mgr
Ludeen's dedication to the festival's mission is evident in her tireless work behind the scenes. She is a vital part of the team that brings independent Black cinema to the forefront in Gary, fostering connections between storytellers and audiences.
James Ward
Marketing & Media Strategist
James is essential to the festival's technical and operational success. His passion for film and community engagement ensures that GIBFF maintains its high standard of presentation, supporting filmmakers in sharing their authentic narratives.
GIBFF Consultants
Erica Calhoun
ERICACALHOUNPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
Sydney Chatman
Legacy & In Memoriam
Honoring the visionary leaders whose passion, creativity, and dedication helped shape the Gary International Black Film Festival.
Saidah Holt
Co-Founder
Saidah Holt was a freelance photojournalist whose career included television production, international photography, education, festival operations, and community arts programming. She helped develop procedures for the African American World Festival in Milwaukee, taught photography to students, worked with documentary filmmakers, and supported numerous cultural organizations throughout her career.
As a Co-Founder of the Gary International Black Film Festival, Saidah's creativity, leadership, and passion helped establish GIBFF as a meaningful platform for Black independent cinema and community engagement.
"Remembering Saidah Holt: Co-Founder, friend, sister, artist, and champion of Black storytelling."
"We lost Saidah just before GIBFF's 15th Anniversary, but her vision, kindness, creativity, and commitment to independent filmmakers continue to guide our work. Her legacy lives on through every filmmaker we support, every audience we inspire, and every story we help bring to the screen."
Rest well, Saidah.
Kelechukwu Brnfre
Artist, Poet & Leader
Kelechukwu Brnfre (1967–2014) was a vital part of the Gary International Black Film Festival family, bringing immense dedication, insight, and passion to the organization. As an artist, public speaker, poet, and community leader, his commitment to independent cinema and the celebration of Black narratives left an indelible mark on the festival.
We honor his lasting contributions and his unwavering belief in the power of storytelling to uplift and unite communities. His spirit continues to be a guiding light for the festival's mission and the countless filmmakers and audiences he touched.
The Kelechukwu Brnfre Vanguard Award
The Kelechukwu Brnfre Vanguard Award is one of the Gary International Black Film Festival's most prestigious annual honors. Named in memory of artist, public speaker, poet, and community visionary Kelechukwu Brnfre, the award recognizes individuals who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the City of Gary through leadership, service, advocacy, and a deep belief in the power and potential of its people.
The award celebrates those who embody Black excellence while advancing community empowerment, cultural preservation, social equity, artistic expression, and positive change.
2024 Honoree
Parris Gill, Sr.
2023 Honoree
Charles Murray
2020 Honoree
Toni Simpson
Become Part of the GIBFF Legacy
Join us in celebrating Black storytelling, empowering independent filmmakers, and providing year-round cultural programming.