Ryan Jewell, Executive Director
Ryan Jewell came to IFP after serving as Managing Director of Cinema/Chicago (presenting organization of The Chicago International Film Festival) for the past two years where he handled all aspects of the organization’s business. Prior to his position at Cinema/Chicago, he worked with Magnolia Pictures/Landmark Theatres for five years and was responsible for the operations of three different theaters and worked closely with a number of organizations in producing film festivals and various special events. He also was responsible for the publicity of numerous films in the Dallas/Ft.Worth area as part of his responsibilities at Landmark Theatres. Ryan graduated with a degree in Music Business from Oklahoma State University and is a member of local rock band La Scala.
Colleen O’Neill, Director of Development
Colleen O’Neill has eight years of development experience, including two years as a Development Executive at IFP/Los Angeles, home of the Independent Spirit Awards and The Los Angeles Film Festival, and a sister organization of the IFP/Chicago. Since moving to Chicago three years ago, Colleen has worked as a PR and Fundraising consultant for diverse clients including See More, Inc. and Perspectives Charter School.
John Mossman, Summer Production Program Producer
John Mossman is co-founder and associate director of The Artistic Home, a theater and training program for actors and directors in Chicago, and has written, produced and directed several award-winning short films and videos. John and his short films have received numerous awards, including the 2002 “Best Director” Award from the Midwest Independent Film Festival, the Palm Springs International Short Film Festival Audience Award, Best of Fest at the 40th Annual Rochester Film Festival and two Telly awards. He has degrees in Film and Theater from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Bryan Wendorf, Artistic Director, Chicago Underground Film Festival
Bryan Wendorf is the co-founder of the long-running and well-regarded Chicago Underground Film Festival. He served as the programmer for the first six years and as the festival director for the past nine. As festival director, Bryan was responsible for every major aspect of the festival, including programming, marketing and event-coordination. In this new partnership with IFP/Chicago, Bryan will continue to program the festival and to provide the artistic leadership for its direction and content, with IFP/Chicago staff assuming responsibility for the administration and marketing of the festival.
