Ian Withrow
Ian Withrow is the marketing and communications manager of the Flathead Lake Biological Station, where he is responsible for generating and promoting the stories of research, education, and innovation happening at one of the world’s oldest and most renowned field stations. Born in Whitefish and raised in Missoula, Ian is passionate about the powerful role storytelling can play in making sound and complex science accessible to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Ian currently serves on the Western Montana Conservation Commission education and outreach committee, has previously been a member of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists, and is also a fiction writer.
Jess Swigonski
Jess Swigonski is a seasoned film festival and production professional with over a decade of experience shaping film exhibition and audience engagement. With a passion for independent cinema and socially impactful storytelling, Jess has curated programming for renowned festivals, including the Nevada City Film Festival as the Program Director and the Wild & Scenic Film Festival as the Festival Director and Programming Manager. As the Community Screening Manager for the docu-series “Roots So Deep (you can see the devil down there),” Jess currently develops and implements global screening campaigns, in person and online, fostering conversations on regenerative agriculture through strategic partnerships and outreach. In a previous role with The Onyx Theatre – Nevada City’s premiere arthouse cinema – Jess orchestrated large-scale community screenings and fundraisers in partnership with local organizations and nonprofits to amplify impact. Jess’s work is driven by a love for bringing people together in community and crafting impactful experiences that drive connection. She has collaborated across the industry to bring impactful stories to the forefront, ensuring that films not only reach audiences but also inspire action.
Brad Forder
Brad Forder is Director of Programming for the Environmental Film Festival in the Nation’s Capital (DCEFF), where he curates film programs screened throughout the Washington, D.C. area. Behind the camera, he captures events as a videographer for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and has served as a cinematographer for various documentary projects, including the award-winning short film Painted City. Brad’s film experience has earned him spots on film festival juries across the country, including the Wild & Scenic Film Festival, Port Townsend Film Festival, MountainFilm, Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival, and EarthX Film. He holds an M.A. in International Journalism from Cardiff University and a graduate certificate from the Institute for Documentary Filmmaking at George Washington University.