Nicole is a filmmaker and creative arts professional dedicated to creating meaningful connections through storytelling. Her background as a videographer and designer has continued to shape her work, bringing audiences closer to the films and artists they experience while supporting the community around her.

Originally from Northern California, she has spent the past decade in Ashland, building strong ties within the region while developing her creative practice. Her documentary work has aired on SOPBS and has screened at the Ashland Independent Film Festival.

Nicole’s experience with AIFF began as an intern, an important time that revealed how her creative work and skills could intersect with the arts. She later graduated from Southern Oregon University with a focus in Digital Cinema and eventually returned to AIFF, where she is honored to help shape the future of the festival that first showed her how storytelling could become both a creative practice and a way to connect with community.

Aura Johnson has been a programmer with the Ashland Independent Film Festival since 2012. She first worked under Joanne Feinberg, and then rose to Senior Programmer under Richard Herskowitz.

Aura has also programmed for the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, and had a former career as a sound effects editor and recordist for Skywalker Sound, Zoetrope, and the Saul Zaentz Film Center. Her history with filmmaking and post-production have given her a keen sense of the art of cinema, and she is especially passionate about independent film.

Paige Gerhard is a creative arts leader who finds passion and joy in being able to collaborate with others to provide meaningful and engaging artistic experiences for her community. Native to Southern Oregon, Paige received her MBA in Marketing and Arts Administration, BFA in Painting with a Minor in Art History, and BS in Elementary Education from Southern Oregon University. 

Paige's time with the Ashland Independent Film Festival began as an Office and Volunteer Coordinator which then transitioned to a Development and Marketing Coordinator, providing a memorable experience to connect with her community while evoking an even deeper interest in storytelling and the power of independent film. With an extensive background in nonprofit leadership and development, marketing, design, and the creative arts, Paige is beyond thrilled to return to the Ashland Independent Film Festival.