Evaluation Juries

As the winner of two “Gémeaux” awards and producer at Zone 3, André has an impressive track record of producing over 500 half-hours of youth television, including Mixmania and Méchant Changement. As the Executive Producer of the mobile game studio at Electronic Arts, he has developed games for well-known brands such as Tetris, Scrabble, Clue, Rock Band, Fight Night, and SimCity. As the Director of the Digital Studio at Cirque du Soleil Média, he has created captivating content in the realm of virtual reality. His accomplishments include being honoured with a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Interactive Media for his work on the VR production of Inside the Box of Kurios. Additionally, in his role as a producer and head of Moment Factory, André has orchestrated large-scale experiences, including permanent video projections on the Harry Potter castles at Universal Studios in Orlando, Hollywood, Osaka, and Beijing.

Since the age of eight, Kris Alexander has spent two to four hours a day playing video games -- while working a full-time job, being a present father and husband, and running a successful business. Known as "the professor of video games," he teaches game design at Toronto Metropolitan University, where he received his BA and MA. For his PhD at Concordia University, he wrote his thesis on video game design in education. He is also a two-time globally ranked video game player. As an educator, he teaches video game design, virtual production and esports broadcasting—the core ingredients of the metaverse. He strives to show that the power of video games extends behind and beyond the controller, offering what many of the three billion gamers on earth see and enjoy when playing video games: a new perspective.

François Dominic Laramée has more than 20 years of experience in the fields of video game and television development, as a producer, artificial intelligence specialist and actor. He has published four books about the industry and game design, some of which were translated into Korean, Polish and Russian. Holding a doctorate in history, since 2017 he has been teaching digital arts and humanities at the university level.

Osama is a Lead Content Designer at Blizzard Entertainment. He's also a game design teacher at Dawson College, a co-host of the Habibis podcast, and the chair of the IGDA Muslims in Games SIG.

Osama loves to empower people in expressing themselves through game making. He especially loves to give a voice to marginalized people and causes. He has hosted game jams, workshops and other community activities to this end.

Paisley Smith is a visionary filmmaker who uses Virtual Reality to create impactful films that inspire reflection and real-world action. Their notable works, Unceded Territories and Homestay, have garnered global recognition for powerful immersive storytelling combined with awe-inspiring visuals.

Paisley is the Lead of the Unity for Humanity grant program and community at Unity Technologies, where they drive innovation and support for artists and technologists who use their talent for social good.

Through Paisley's creative work and leadership, they aim to inspire global creators and audiences to think critically about the role of technology in promoting positive change.

Veronika is a Program Director at Highline Beta where she works with leading innovative corporations to deliver impactful and growth-oriented programs for early stage startups. Her experience ranges from holding leadership positions in local non-for-profit organizations to managing global cutting-edge programs that foster economic and social prosperity through entrepreneurship. Previously, she was a Program Manager for Next AI, a world class program for artificial intelligence based ventures and technology commercialization. Veronika used to operate Business in the Streets, a charity dedicated to support entrepreneurial youth, where she is currently volunteering as a Loan Review Committee member. Veronika was recognized by the Toronto Foundation with the Vital People Award for her contribution to the not-for-profit sector. She graduated from the George Brown College’s Business Administration Program with a Dean's Medal, and holds a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.