ILLUMINATE FILM FESTIVAL
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors brings together visionary leaders from the worlds of film, media, and conscious living. With their diverse expertise and shared commitment to transformative storytelling, they guide the ILLUMINATE Film Festival’s mission to showcase films that elevate consciousness, inspire change, and enrich the human spirit. Their collective wisdom and dedication ensure that we continue to create a platform where meaningful film can flourish in Santa Barbara and beyond.
Danette Wolpert Holman
President of the Board
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After a decade of leading the organization, founder Danette Wolpert Holman, transitioned from her role as Executive Director to assume the position of President of the Board within the organization.
During her tenure as Executive Director, Wolpert Holman played a pivotal role in nurturing ILLUMINATE’s growth and establishing it as a global force for transformational storytelling. Her passion, dedication, and visionary leadership have been instrumental in shaping the festival’s landmark annual event, its year-round film programming, and its new worldwide streaming platform.
As Wolpert Holman embraces her new role as President of the Board, she will continue to provide her invaluable guidance and expertise to steer ILLUMINATE Film Festival toward a promising future.
Paola di Florio
Board Member
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Paola di Florio is an Oscar and Emmy-nominated director, writer, producer and Sundance Jury Prize-nominee. An NYU graduate, she’s the founder of Counterpoint films—a vanguard in the conscious media space, following the launch of top grossing documentary Awake: The Life of Yogananda. Her company’s mission is to create experiences through storytelling which awaken the human spirit. Di Florio’s work has received special screenings at the U.S. Congress and the British House of Lords, and has been distributed throughout the world, both theatrically as well as on Netflix, HBO, CNN, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS, and more. The New York Times described her work as “extraordinary” and “poignant.” The Los Angeles Times found it “deeply affecting, revelatory [and] gripping;” The Hollywood Reporter said that it “should be required viewing for all Americans.” Di Florio has guest-lectured at UCLA, UCS, Stanford and Berkeley. She is a Kriya Yoga practitioner and has been certified in vinyasa yoga, kundalini, and also in Pranic healing. She is the proud mother of two young men.
Kia Kiso
Board Member
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At an early age, Kia’s passion was ignited for crafting entertainment that captivates, delights, and inspires. With over two decades of experience in the industry, Kia has become known for her dedication and versatility as a producer.
Equipped with a BA in Moving Image Arts and a Minor in Business & Marketing, Kia’s journey to producing began with roles as a union Camera Assistant, Telecine Colorist/Color Grader, Commercial Production Coordinator, and VFX Coordinator/Liaison to Director. Even before fully diving into producing, Kia had already left her mark with over 90 credits across various media platforms, including TV, feature films, documentaries, commercials, and music videos.
Through her company, Zaza Productions, Kia has quietly established herself as a respected figure in the industry. With a focus on thoughtful storytelling and quality content, Kia has overseen a range of projects, from regional Super Bowl commercials to network promos, TV pilots to educational content, docu-series sizzles to music videos, documentaries to award shows. Under Kia’s guidance, Zaza Productions consistently strives for excellence, reflecting her commitment to delivering impactful entertainment experiences.