Meet the Team

Kristen Evans

Executive Managing Director A New Jersey native, Kristen Evans is the Executive Managing Director of the Gershman Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival. She has been with the organization since 2007. After majoring in Graphic Design at the University of the Arts, she attended La Salle University where she focused on nonprofit administration. An avid music enthusiast and film lover, Kristen previously owned and operated JAM Musical Industries, a one-stop-shop for independent musicians that served a booking agency, recording studio, video production, and tour management.

Olivia Antsis

Executive Artistic Director

Olivia Antsis has served as the Artistic Director of GPJFF for nearly 12 years. As the creative force behind the organization, Olivia began her career path at the Philadelphia Art Alliance where she served as the Director of Programs. After earning an MFA from the University of the Arts, she worked as the Site Editor for InLiquid.com. OliviaÕs Russian-Jewish roots, concern for human rights, and love of the arts helped shape her artistic vision. In addition to her work at the festival, Olivia enjoys being behind the camera. Her videos and artwork have been exhibited in galleries, film festivals, and venues throughout the world.

Matt Bussy

Festival Manager Matt Bussy is the Festival Manager of GPJFF and is currently converting to Judaism! He majored in Film & Media Arts at Temple University and has been obsessed with movies for as long as he can remember. Matt also works as a film studio representative for Allied Global Marketing, a full-service integrated marketing agency, assisting with advance screenings of upcoming films throughout the city for press and patrons. You can catch him attempt to cook Jewish cuisine on GPJFF YouTube series Feed Your Face Fridays!

Ainyae Stratton

Development and Administrative Coordinator Ainyae Stratton is an actress, creator and host who attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania where she majored in Communications Media with a concentration in TV/Film/Photography. She has since started three of her own shows where she produces, casts and gets to co-direct. In addition to working with the festival, Ainyae has acted in various short films, feature films and multiple conferences, with her biggest company being Hasbro. As she continues her career as an actress, you can catch her each week on her ongoing series, Monologue Monday, giving you the BEST in entertainment! Or on her childrenÕs read-along show, It's Storytime Anytime, where she co-hosts reading popular children's book. You can find Ainyae on all platforms under Yae Stratton.