There’s a lot that goes into making a Digi60 season happen. From the filmmakers who bring their ideas to the screen, to the volunteers, mentors and staff who help create the opportunities around them, the festival is shaped by the people who take part in it.
This fall, that group is growing! Arden, Cassaundra and Alya are joining Digi60’s seasonal team, bringing new perspectives, interests and experiences to the work happening behind the scenes.
So, who are they? Here’s a chance to get to know them a little better.
Meet The Team!
Arden Fox (he/they) // Festival Assistant
ARDEN FOX
Arden Fox (he/they) is this season’s Festival Assistant, helping manage the main email inbox, coordinate volunteers, and support both Digi60 filmmakers and his fellow JCP staff.
Brand new to Ottawa, he is excited to learn more about the local film scene, support its filmmakers, and hopes to help facilitate Digi60’s best festival yet. With a background in digital media and video game development, they’re keen on details and deeply passionate about the power for community connections and self-discovery through film. When not working, they can be found watching a myriad of horror movies and writing about them for blogs and zines.
What kinds of stories do you find yourself coming back to, and why?
A lifelong horror obsessive, I always find myself returning to my roots. Ghost stories, gory novels, and even dollar-store Halloween décor are all sources of inspiration for me. I love how horror gives us the freedom of expression and emotional impact to tell deeply meaningful stories while also creating space for fun, bloody romps. Ideally, we get both at the same time!
Cassaundra Sloan (she/her) // Festival Coordinator
CASSAUNDRA SLOAN
Cassaundra Sloan (she/her) is this season’s Digi60 Festival Coordinator, helping manage the operational side of the festival, from logistics and coordination to supporting the smooth running of the event.
As a filmmaker for over a decade, Cassaundra has crafted compelling narratives as a writer, content producer, and creative producer on diverse global projects, including leveraging documentary storytelling to amplify the voices of nonprofit organizations and champion social causes. She founded production company, Girl North Studios, in 2023.
What do you enjoy most about being around other people who make things?
I think the world is powered by storytellers and stories are the best tools we have to influence people in ways that are deeply impactful and significant. Throughout my career, I've been fortunate enough to find my voice as a motivator and champion of storytellers, supporting them through their process in the role of a producer. When I'm around people who feel passionate about the things they make, I feel like anything we aspire to do together is possible - because it is!
Alya Bouslama (she/her) // Social Media and Communications Assistant
ALYA BOUSLAMA
Alya Bouslama (she/her) is the team’s social media and communications lead. The face of our socials, she will produce our blogs, newsletters, and social posts.
She has worked across a range of creative projects, from photographing events and producing social media content to writing and developing stories for digital platforms. She is drawn to work that brings together strong visuals, thoughtful storytelling, and a genuine sense of connection. She enjoys working alongside other creatives, learning from the people around her, and being part of projects that bring a community together.
What’s something outside of Digi60 that inspires your creativity?
Event photography! I love being in the middle of a busy event with a camera, looking for those little moments that might otherwise go unnoticed. I’m really drawn to colour, movement, and the energy of a space, and I think that’s shaped how I approach creative projects too. I’m always thinking about how a moment can be captured in a way that makes someone else feel like they were there. I love that one image can tell you so much about a person, a place, or a moment without having to explain everything.
Looking Ahead
As the season gets underway, there’s plenty already in motion at Digi60. Over the next few months, films will be made and screened, ideas will take shape, and new opportunities will bring filmmakers and the wider film community together.
Arden, Cassaundra and Alya will be part of all that happens along the way. We’re excited to see what the season brings — and what comes out of all the work, ideas and creativity happening across Digi60.
There’s lots ahead. Stay tuned.