Film Oxford is managed by a group of volunteer trustees:
Mark Gunther (Treasurer)
Mark has over 25 years’ experience in charity/not-for-profit finance. He has volunteered as a youth worker, festival/event steward and union treasurer, secretary, chair and representative. He’s a long-term supporter of Oxford United – which is how he first came to know Geron – and, having lived the majority of his life in Oxford, an Aunt Sally athlete! His second awareness of Film Oxford came when a colleague, for whom he had played roles in short spoofs, was screened at the then Zodiac.
Alison Smith (Chair)
Alison Smith has worked as a human resources professional for over 30 years in the healthcare, education and voluntary sectors. She has a particular interest in the role of the arts in achieving improved population health and wellbeing which is what motivated her to join Film Oxford. She has masters level qualifications in human resources and organisational development and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (FCIPD)
Shakeel Marham
Shakeel is involved with the Shadowlight Artists and has appeared in several of their films. He works in a local school at an after-school club. He has been a trustee of another local charity, the Ark-T Centre which does similar work, and provides his insight into running creative projects for young people and people with learning disabilities. He is studying level 3 British Sign Language.
Mark Ralph-Bowman
In East and West Africa during the 70s, Mark was engaged with theatre as art form and development tool. From 1984-2011 in Oxford he worked in further education teaching and managing media and performing arts. From 1998-2003 he ran Taking Part, an independent training company working with engineers, tenants’ associations, priests, independent consultants and NGOs.
Sif Laerke-Hall
Sif is an early career professional with a background in Ancient History and over five years’ experience working across heritage, arts, and community organisations. She is passionate about making creative and cultural experiences fun, accessible, and meaningful — especially for people who often feel left out of them. As a Trustee of Film Oxford, and an Oxford native, Sif is primarily interested in youth and community engagement projects centred around local heritage.
