On March 18th, DOC-AB held its AGM at FAVA-Film and Video Arts Society Alberta. The board delivered various reports. During our first official year, we offered 7 Screenings and Social Events and 2 workshops. We enjoyed a membership of 51 people and our lobbying committee established a presence within the province.

For 2009-10, we hope to have another financially healthy year with a strong membership. Our main focus will be on a deeper outreach to Calgary and programming for the growing number of Calgary doc-members. Lobbying efforts are continuous and we will also work towards a deepening relationship with other media organizations in Alberta such as Global Visions Film Fest, Banff Television Festival.

The new DOC-AB board of directors is comprised of:
Co-chairs Eva Colmers / Jaro Malanowski
Vice-Chair Signy Oleson-Cormack
Treasurer Franco Dottor
Secretary Ava Karvonen
Members at Large Rosie Dransfeld
Niobe Thompson

Following our AGM, we had a very big and joyful party to celebrate the achievements of filmmakers Pirkko and Albert Karvonen – two of Alberta’s most prolific and accomplished documentary filmmakers. Karvonen Films closed its doors in December 2008, after 32 years of abiding by its mission to produce world-class programming that accurately represents the natural world while encouraging environmental awareness and preservation. Since 1976 they have produced over 110 films and created an incredible stock footage library.
Several community members shared beautiful stories about their connection with Pirkko and Albert. DOC-AB was proud to present an honorary DOC-AB membership to the two Karvonens who gave some thoughtful speeches.

Special thanks went out to the event sponsors Studio Post, Matrix and FAVA.

DOC-AB invites the film community to a Tribute to Albert and Pirkko Karvonen

Albert and Pirkko Karvonen address the audience during their Tribute Evening

Co-chair Eva Colmers presents Albert and Pirkko Karvonen with a honourary DOC-AB membership