JEAN- MARC ABELA 

DIRECTOR – PRODUCER – EDITOR 

A self-taught filmmaker with 12 years of experience, Jean-Marc focuses his energies in documentary productions. His first passion is cinematography to which he offers his services as a director/cinematographer.

His niche is the creation of positive and heartfelt films that seek to share solutions to the fundamentals problems of our society. This comes from his conviction to play a part in the creation of a more ecological and just society.

Jean-Marc has travelled around the world with his camera and through his explorations in film discovered a second passion in Permaculture, a science of sustainable design through the study of nature. He is gaining more experience as an educator and facilitator, giving workshops in video making and the Permaculture design process. He practices the Chinese art of Qi Gong and has produced instructional Qi Gong DVDs for two of his teachers.

Website: www.jeanmarcabela.com

ADAM THOMPSON

EDITOR – CAMERA

As a Montreal based filmmaker, Adam Thompson, specializes in production and post-production.  Working from his studio loft in the Mile-end, he has professional experience on project styles ranging from documentary; Hollywood fiction; to live events & festivals. He has collaborated with such companies as DISCOVERY CHANNEL (CAN); MOMENT FACTORY; CIRQUE DU SOLEIL; & the NFB.  Adam’s camera work has taken him all over the world and these experiences continues to be a valuable asset in his evolving sense of storytelling.

His work on DIVERSIDAD was as editor & cameraman. Adam joined the caravan after the bike trip, so he brought an outside perspective to the group. He helped explore the characters and themes of this voyage on wheels, either filming with the team in a squash patch or long nights of editing with Jean-Marc & Stefan. The journey of the DDC became one of filmmaking; politics; and friendships.

STEFAN VERNA 

DIRECTOR – PRODUCER

Born in Kinshasa of the Democratic Republic of Congo but raised in Montreal, Stefan started dancing at in his late teens and later got involved in theatre before settling for cinema as his life’s passion.

A graduate of Concordia University’s Film Production program, Stefan Verna has been active in the Montreal film community for years as a Director, Cameraman, Editor & Video Instructor to inner city youth.

As a director he has explored various forms of film-making: documentary, fiction, music videos and dance videos. His deep interest in Politics, Afro Culture and Dance has inspired the projects he has pursued.

Matt Tomlinson 

COMPOSER

Matt Tomlinson is a versatile composer and singer/songwriter whose work has been broadcast on Tele-Quebec, Radio-Canada, RDI, TV Ontario, CTV, Bravo, Smithsonian TV, Sundance, as well as at film screenings across the country. Having worked as both an actor and writer, Tomlinson is passionate about films and thrives on the nuances of composing music for documentaries. Diversidad is his second feature score. Other credits include Roadsworth; Crossing The Line, Wal-town Le Film, The Diary, Expiration, and La Cantene Afghane.

As a performer Tomlinson is known for his balance of showmanship and empathy. Frequently likened to Leonard Cohen, his latest album, Place To Stand weaves sparse ballads and epic arrangements in this record that moves like an evening train.

“Matt Tomlinson makes music to inspire. The beauty of Place to Stand is that the intimacy of the album clicks with every listener, no matter where they’re from.” Ryan Robinson MITNG.

Tomlinson is currently working with Yves Desrosiers on a French album entitled, Nouvelle Histoire.

Website: www.matttomlinson.com