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THE PEOPLE

THE FACES BEHIND THE FESTIVAL

JEFf Clark

PRESIDENT, BOARD OF DIRECTORS & PROGRAM DIRECTOR

One of the original founders of the Nevada City Film Festival, Jeff has been the captain of the festival’s ship since 2001. In that same year, Jeff took ownership of the Magic Theatre (now called the Onyx Theatre), which has established itself as one of the premier arthouse theatres in the region. Jeff lived in Los Angeles until 1996 when he headed north and settled into the Sierra Nevada foothills. Jeff lives by the quote by writer Henry Miller: “Art teaches nothing, except the significance of life.”

Jesse Locks

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Jesse has been at the helm of the Nevada City Film Festival for over a decade. With a journalism-heavy background, Jesse established herself as a creative force while writing for sports publications such as Thrasher, Heckler, and ESPN. She would go on to work for the Seattle Weekly and Arthur magazines. In the off season, Jesse works with clients such Californians for the Arts and the Presidio of San Francisco. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Nevada County Arts Council.

Rich Good

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Currently residing deep in the Mojave desert, Rich still considers Nevada City his home. Good moved to the area from his native London in 1997 and has since led a life packed with design, music, and unrestrained creativity. As art director he’s helmed projects for clients as diverse as Airstream, How So Records, Amy’s Kitchen, the LA Public Defenders Union… and of course; this very festival. When off-duty you’ll find him on-duty playing guitar for a certain British new wave band.

Zach Haller

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

Zach is a techie by day and a vinyl aficionado by night. His background in event production and interest in electronics and information technology has led him to a perfect role here at the Nevada City Film Festival.

Thanks to his quiet expertise, the NCFF has raised the bar of film screening and presentation in our historic little town.

Jess Swigonski

Jess Swigonski

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Originally from Erie, PA, Jess found her new home in the Sierra Nevada back in 2014. Equipped with a degree in Video Production, an excitement for event production, and a lifelong passion for film, Jess began her career with the Wild & Scenic Film Festival, spending over 7 years connecting local audiences with top notch environmental film and opportunities for activism. In addition to now programming the Nevada City Film Festival, you can find her at the Onyx Theatre, continuing to foster independent cinema in Nevada County, CA. If she’s not slinging popcorn or watching movies, she is likely hanging out with her cat Charlemagne, taking long hikes in the woods, SUPing in the summer or snowboarding in the winter.

ROMERO ALVES

ONLINE PROGRAMMING DIRECTOR

From his native Brazil, Romero set sail for many adventures, which eventually led him to Nevada County. In addition to a career creating motion graphics for films, video games and commercials, he and Zach Haller have teamed up to further explore projection mapping. Romero also teaches film and animation at Sierra College in Grass Valley.

Gloss & Co

Gloss & Co

DIGITAL MEDIA TEAM

Gloss & Co is a graphic design firm co-founded by Bee McKenzie and Lorrin Bertoli, specializing in digital and social creative. The powerhouse duo have a passion for film and music and love working with their talented clients in the field.

2023 Nevada City Film Festival
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