Nicole is a film and arts leader dedicated to bringing people together through storytelling. Her background as a videographer and designer continues to guide her work connecting audiences with artists and the films they make all while bringing communities together.

She has spent the past decade in Ashland building strong ties within the region while developing her practice across film and visual design. Her documentary work has aired on SOPBS and has screened at the Ashland Independent Film Festival.

Nicole’s connection to AIFF began as an intern, an experience that revealed how her creative work could intersect with community and the arts. She later graduated from Southern Oregon University with a focus in Digital Cinema and is honored to support AIFF and its mission of celebrating independent film.

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.

Richard Herskowitz is a media arts curator and administrator who, for the past forty years, has presented thousands of screenings and art exhibitions for leading film festivals, film societies, and museums. Herskowitz previously served as Artistic and Executive Director for AIFF from 2015-2019.

He was Artistic Director of the Houston Cinema Arts Festival from its inception in 2008 through its tenth anniversary in 2018, and director of the Virginia Film Festival in Charlottesville from 1994-2008. Herskowitz ran Cornell Cinema, where he presented over 500 films annually from 1982-94, and also served as film and video curator at Cornell’s Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art.

Richard was the curator of media arts for the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art in Eugene from 2009-2019, and he also co-curated an annual media arts exhibition at Ashland's Schneider Museum of Art from 2016-22. Herskowitz has been a programmer multiple times and president of the Robert Flaherty Film Seminar and chair of its 50th Anniversary Committee.

Bruce has been a Producer for AIFF since 2012 and has had over 35 years working in entertainment.

Artistic Director / Producer: Portland Revels, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, CompassWorks, Carnegie Mellon New Plays Project, Anima Mundi Productions, The Backporch Theatre Company.
Stage Director: Over 170 shows: Shakespeare Santa Cruz, Opera Theatre of Pittsburgh, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, City Theatre, Powerhouse Theatre, Portland Actors Ensemble, Profile Theatre, Sun Valley Shakespeare Festival, NW Children's Theatre, Rogue Opera, Bridgework Theatre, Oregon Stage Works, Mocks Crest Productions, Carnegie Mellon New Plays Project, and many others.

Bruce has directed modern comedy and drama, European classics (especially Shakespeare), musicals, opera, light opera (G&S), musicals, and new work (in workshop and full productions).

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.

From the stages of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival to the halls of the Museum of Pop Culture, Jareth has spent years bringing stories and experiences to life. As a creative contractor in hybrid publishing and marketing, she blends strategy with imagination to help projects thrive. Outside of work, she balances life with her two sons, enjoys exploring new recipes, sketching, reading, and the occasional immersive video game adventure.

Her journey with the Ashland Independent Film Festival started as a volunteer, supporting hospitality and events before capturing the festival through her lens as a photographer. Today, she brings her experience and creativity full circle, helping the festival thrive while celebrating the stories and people that make it unforgettable.