Meet Our New Producer

Furness is originally from Northern Ireland and has spent much of her career in London. Throughout her career, she has worked at the intersection of culture, technology and storytelling, collaborating with organisations including Google, the International Committee of the Red Cross and Acid Survivors Trust International.

Her work ranges from award-winning immersive productions and large-scale public events to projects focused on humanitarian causes and community engagement.

Now, she is bringing that experience to Tromsø.

– There’s something powerful about storytelling at the edge of the Arctic. The landscape, the polar night and the city itself create a setting that already feels cinematic, says Furness.

– TIFF feels deeply rooted in Northern Norway while remaining curious about the wider world. That balance is rare.

For Festival Director Lisa Hoen, it was Furness' ability to combine creativity and structure that stood out.

– Avril impressed us with her combination of creativity and structure. She brings valuable international experience from cultural projects and events, but also a deep understanding of how cultural experiences affect people. I believe we have a lot to learn from her, says Hoen.

Hoen also believes Furness is a strong match for the festival's values and ambitions.

– She is someone who works with her heart. That resonates with both TIFF and Tromsø, and we are excited to see how her experience and perspective can contribute to the festival's future development.

Although this is her first role at a film festival, Furness feels a strong connection to TIFF's approach to film and audiences.

– Cinema doesn't stop at the screening. What inspires me about TIFF is how the festival creates spaces for people to meet and experiences around film, both during the festival and throughout the rest of the year.

She points to initiatives such as TIFF Junior, Silent Film Days, and the festival's many special screenings and collaborations as examples of how film can bring people together.

– Where else can a swimming pool become a cinema, or audiences gather outdoors in the middle of winter to watch films under the Arctic sky? TIFF has a unique ability to create experiences that feel both surprising and genuine.

Now, she is looking forward to getting to know the organisation, the city and its audiences.

– I’m excited to learn more about what makes TIFF so special, and to be part of creating experiences that stay with people long after the film is over.