Diane Gistal is a cultural producer and independent curator of Haitian-French descent, recognized for her dedication to promoting Afro-descendant and African artistic creation. As the founder and director of Nigra Iuventa, she works to amplify the practices of visual artists from these communities. With expertise in diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as extensive experience in cultural project management, Diane is a committed leader in Quebec’s cultural sector.Her career has led her to collaborate with prestigious institutions such as the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the Phi Foundation, the Goethe-Institut, The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery, Le Livart, and the UNESCO Chair DCMET. Her curatorial practice—at the crossroads of visual arts, literature, and the humanities—delves into the literary, visual, and cinematic representations of the Black Atlantic.

Haitian-born Emilie Lafortune is a 30-year-old woman of determination and passion. At the age of 18, she left her native Haiti for Argentina, where she began a new life, juggling studies and work.

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In 2021, Emilie emigrated to Canada, bringing with her her rich culinary culture and infectious enthusiasm. With no great expectations, she began sharing cooking videos on her social networks, simply as a hobby. However, one day, one of her recipes generated an unexpected buzz, propelling her social accounts into the spotlight.

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Her iconic slogan, "LE GOÛT DE ÇA", quickly became synonymous with her success, to the point of becoming the name of her food brand. Today, Emilie Lafortune continues to captivate and inspire with her culinary creations, while sharing her love of cooking with an ever-growing audience.

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Dédy Bilamba is a high-level marketing manager with a rich and diverse background spanning three continents, known for his unique career path.

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Throughout his journey, Dédy has demonstrated his versatility and creativity in diverse roles, including Partnership Manager at Stade de France, Communications Advisor at the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec, and Brand Manager for KFC Côte d’Ivoire. His ability to thrive in different environments is driven by a consistent thread—his creative approach to tackling challenges.

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A passionate advocate for culture, Dédy is also the author of three books and has written short film scripts.

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For the past five years, he has worked in television and cinema in Quebec, contributing to prestigious institutions such as the Vues d'Afrique International Film Festival and the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television (Quebec section).

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Dédy also serves on the Board of Directors of the Dynastie Foundation, further showcasing his commitment to cultural advocacy and community impact.

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Despite having lived in the diaspora from a young age, Dédy maintains a deep connection to Africa. In 2022, alongside his partner Éric M'boua, he co-founded Afro VFX, a groundbreaking initiative with the mission of revolutionizing African cinema and television. 

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Afro VFX aims to develop a competitive ecosystem for VFX (Visual Effects) on the continent, helping amplify African stories and bring them to a global audience.

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