Mitchell Fullerton

(Chairman, NFI Board of Directors)

Since 1999, Mitchell has lived in Sandpoint, Idaho, engaging his interests in independent film, music, marketing and business projects, including launching a monthly magazine, launching a commercial recording studio, producing independent films, and writing and producing music.  Prior to moving to Sandpoint, Mitchell was President of MovieTime Entertainment - a technology-based motion picture marketing company with clients including Cineplex Odeon, United Artists, MGM Studios, Twentieth Century Fox, Columbia Pictures and Trimark Studios.  (... more)

(NFI Advisory Board)

Paul Castro is a proud member of The Writers Guild of America and a produced, professional screenwriter, filmmaker and an academic.

He presently teaches advanced screenwriting, production narrative feature filmmaking and visual literacy (undergraduate

and graduate level) at UCLA - The University of California, Los Angeles in The School of Film, Television and Digital Media. 

(... more)

Carol Trusz

(Member, NFI Board of Directors)

Carol Trusz, writer and marketing executive, combines over twenty years of executive level experience in both business and non-profit organizations.

Her experience in public-private cooperative ventures has been recognized by national organizations and governmental groups throughout the country. (... more)

David Hussey

(NFI Advisory Board)

David learned all aspects of basic motion picture production and post production techniques while working for First Run Video, Inc. 

Later, he attended the University of Washington's Film and Video Program, which draws upon the expertise of people working in the industry to teach screenwriting, budgeting, distribution, film production, post production, lighting and cinematography.   (... more)

Pat Ficek

(Member, NFI Board of Directors)

Pat Ficek is an entrepreneur and businessman; he got his start as a promoter and manager for local bands in Eugene, Oregon, his home town.

Pat helped create Sandpoint Films, a non-profit that provides education in film making and produces community based videos and films. He is also an active member of Kootenai North Idaho Film and Video Entertainment Society (KNIFVES), and he is involved with IFAC (Idaho Film Advisory Committee).   (... more)

Erik Daarstad

(NFI Advisory Board)

Erik Daarstad was born in a small mountain village in Norway, and he grew up in Sandnes, on the southwest coast.

Six documentaries that he photographed have been nominated for Academy Awards, and one, called “Why Man Creates,” won an Oscar in 1969. Many of the films on which he worked have been nominated for and won Emmys. (... more)

Ryan McNeice

(Member, NFI Board of Directors)

Ryan’s law practice and business background allow for participation in community, statewide and national areas of interest, including representation of non-profit organizations such the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum and membership in the Washington Lawyers for the Arts organization, as well as speaking engagements throughout the area.  

As an owner of Intermountain Leasing and McNeice Law, community involvement promoting area business interests as well as the arts community remains a priority. (... more)