AWARDS JURY | GIRAF21

INTRODUCING OUR 2025 AWARDS JURY

Winston Hacking

GIRAF 21 Spotlight and Visiting Artist – An animation magician and inventor of (at least) 3 animation techniques: the infamous TONERMORPH, INFINIFOLD, and the nastiest one… PHOTOSLOP! We are honoured to have Winston visit Calgary for GIRAF 21 to share his insights and skills, with the local animation community.

Michelle Ku

A visual artist, film maker, and muralist mainly working with acrylic paint and traditional materials. Her work often explores healing and the ways in which the mind, body, and spirit are connected and can become disconnected. Michelle is currently based in Treaty 7 Territory (Calgary).

DAVID KATivu

A Calgary-based Creative Director at Hot Neon, with over 15 years of animation and creative experience. Recognized at festivals including GIRAF18, Halifax Animation Festival, and Dawson City Film Festival, he has creatively led hundreds of learning-focused animation projects across North America, guiding teams of animators and designers. His work blends illustration, animation, and music, using both digital and traditional media to tell compelling stories.