ReFrame Film Festival has appointed Ryan Barnett as its new Creative Director, bringing aboard an award-nominated podcast producer and nonfiction author to guide the documentary festival's artistic direction.
The announcement comes as the Nogojiwanong/Peterborough-based festival prepares for its 2027 season and actively seeks documentary submissions focused on social and environmental justice themes. Filmmakers have until Friday, August 21, 2026 to submit their work through FilmFreeway.
Barnett arrives with credentials spanning multiple creative disciplines. As founder of Knockabout Media, he earned finalist recognition at the 2026 Digital Publishing Awards in two categories for podcast projects examining Canadian cultural figures: Story Girl: The Life of Lucy Maud Montgomery and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood North.
His academic background includes graduate studies in film at Concordia University's Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema, where he earned a Master's degree. Barnett has also authored two books examining historical subjects: The Raftsmen and Buster: A Life in Pictures. His projects have appeared across Canadian museums, broadcasters, and publications.
"Ryan brings a remarkable combination of creativity, curiosity, technical expertise, and generosity," said ReFrame Board Chair Dr. Melanie Buddle in a statement. "Throughout the hiring process, it became clear that he shares ReFrame's deep commitment to documentary film as a catalyst for dialogue, community connection, and social change. We couldn't be happier to welcome him to the team."
The festival also acknowledged departing Creative Director Eryn Lidster, recognizing her three-year tenure shaping the organization's artistic vision and commitment to documentary storytelling.
ReFrame serves approximately 15,000 participants annually through its festival and year-round programming. The main event takes place during the final weekend of January each year, featuring screenings, artist conversations, workshops, and special events at downtown Peterborough venues. An online component extends the festival into the following week, reaching audiences across Canada.
True to its social justice mission, the festival operates on a pay-what-you-can model for all programming, removing financial barriers to participation. Additional accessibility measures include captioning, venue accommodations, and community partnerships designed to broaden access to documentary film.
Filmmakers interested in submitting work for the 2027 festival can find details at reframefilmfestival.ca. Media inquiries may be directed to Executive Director Kait Dueck at info@reframefilmfestival.ca.
