ZACH JONES

OSIF Co-Vice President

Zach Jones is an award winning film maker who has called the Okanagan home since he was a toddler. Getting his start in highschool theatre, Zach learned everything he could about being behind the scenes. Since then, Zach has made a career in film, working mainly as a props master. In recent years, Zach is a founding member of Metric Entertainment, a small production company dedicated to showing off the talent and skills of the Okanagan film community.

GEORGE POPI

OSIF Treasurer

George Popi is a director, editor, and founder of Khaos Labs — a production company based in Vernon, BC. Known for character-driven stories that spiral from grounded to unexpected, his work blends sharp dialogue, satire, and a signature dose of chaos.

He began his creative career in Montreal, leaving behind a philosophy degree to pursue filmmaking full-time. After filming portions of the feature American Dreamers (Producer, Editor) in the Okanagan, George relocated to the region in 2020 and has become increasingly involved in the local film community.

His recent short films have earned multiple accolades: Dinner Reservations (2024) won Best Film and Best Director at Snakebite’s 5-Day Challenge, while One More Thing (2025) — winner of Best Experimental Film at FABA Festival and 3rd place at the Okanagan Screen Awards — is currently on the festival circuit. He also served as Editor and Director of Photography on It’s Not Alright (2023), which won the 48 Hour Film Project–Okanagan.

George is currently working toward DGC membership and is committed to helping elevate bold, independent storytellers from the Okanagan and beyond — bringing local voices to broader audiences.

Website: Khaos Labs
IMDB: Click Here
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/georgepopi/

JESSE NELSON

OSIF Secretary

My name is Jesse Nelson and I've been working in the Okanagan film industry as an Assistant Director for over a decade. In that time I have been a part of all sizes of projects ranging from independent short films and music videos to higher budget feature films.

Born and raised in Kelowna, I have felt very early on in my career that the potential for Kelowna to become an independent arts/film hub such as Winnipeg, MB or Austin, TX.

This has influenced my decision to stay in the valley while many of my peers would move to Vancouver to pursue their career. I have always enjoyed being a fixture in the community and championing others to reach their potential.

As an Assistant Director, I am often at the heart of planning and problem solving large scale productions. I have to collaborate and contend with problems such as managing teams, mediating interpersonal conflicts, conceptualizing logistical plans along with executing them, and anticipating last minute changes.

In the film community, I have volunteered time and skills at a majority of OSIF events over the years such as the OSA's, Horrorfest, Script2Screen and many others. I also have volunteered AD work to various shorts and consulted on those that I unfortunately could not find time for.

I am also a passionate filmmaker myself, having moved more and more into the writing, directing, editing and acting side of filmmaking over the more recent years.

Outside the film community, I also have 13 years of experience leading a volunteer charity team raising funds for B.C. Children's Hospital. Through the Extra Life program, my team has maintained a presence at various conventions and community events, as well producing a 24hr live variety broadcast every year. In the past 13 years, we have raised over $110,000 for the hospital.

NATHAN PEACOCK

Director at Large

Website: Half 9 Media
IMDB: Click Here
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/half9media/

MARTIN BERTHIAUME

Director at Large

I’m a Kelowna-based filmmaker and the owner of East 2 West Productions.

I started out in sound engineering and gradually moved into filmmaking, working across documentaries and independent narrative projects.

Alongside my own work, I’ve also had the opportunity to work on medium to large-scale scripted features and series as an editor, colourist, digital imaging technician and camera operator, which has given me a broader perspective on how productions operate at different levels.

Most of my indie filmmaking experience comes from being hands-on—developing projects, working with small teams, and seeing things through from idea to completion.

I’ve also had the chance to connect with a range of filmmakers and organizations, both locally and outside the region.

KELLY VELTRI

OSIF Executive Director

Kelly Veltri is a cinematographer, producer and owner of Video.Equipment Rental House.  He has been a long time supporter of OSIF, serving on the Board or as President (and now as Executive Director) since 2006.  Kelly is responsible for creating HorrorFest, as well as being chief organizer for events like the Okanagan Screen Awards, Script 2 Screen, Snakebite 5-Day Film Challenge, and other OSIF programming staples.  Kelly is also an active filmmaker, you'll see his work playing at OSIF events throughout the year.

CHELSEA MCEVOY

Development Coordinator

Chelsea Jade McEvoy is an Anishinaabe filmmaker and writer based in the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia. A graduate of the Film Production Program at Confederation College, her work spans award-winning short films and documentaries that explore identity, inclusion, and community through lived experience.

A proud and long-time member of the Okanagan Society of Independent Filmmakers, Chelsea previously served as OSIF President for five years and now works as Development Coordinator, where her passion lies in building community, supporting independent filmmakers, and strengthening the local film ecosystem through collaboration and inclusive storytelling.