THE MONGREL MEDIA TEAM
Hussain Amarshi
President and Founder
After graduating from University of Toronto and Queen's University he founded the Kingston International Film Festival in 1989; ran the Euclid Theatre in Toronto; worked on Atom Egoyan and Jeremy Podeswa's earlier films, before setting up Mongrel Media from his bedroom in 1994. Hussain has served on several arts boards and committees over the years. He has many favourite films from the Mongrel library of titles but the first film that Mongrel Media acquired and released in 1995-- The Silences of the Palace -- is his first love.
Jonathan Wyman
Executive Vice President
Jonathan began his professional life in mechanical and environmental engineering, but lunch with a friend fifteen years ago encouraged him to make the switch to filmed entertainment. Since then, he has worked with a select group of Canada's most successful and respected independent distributors.
Tom Alexander
Vice President, Theatrical Sales
Before joining Mongrel in 2001, Tom worked in various capacities with Alliance Atlantis Communications, Famous Players, and the Toronto International Film Festival Group, among other organizations. He holds an MBA from the Schulich School of Business (Marketing, and Arts & Media Administration).
Danish Vahidy
Vice President, Marketing
Danish has worked on numerous high-profile films at distributors such as Metro Goldwyn Mayer and Polygram Filmed Entertainment. Danish also sits on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Picture Pioneers Trust Fund. He lives in Leslieville with his wife and son.
Ai Tsuzuki
Director, Technical Services - Theatrical
Ai began her career working for filmmakers as well as in foreign film sales at Alliance Atlantis. When not shopping around the world for technical and publicity materials for Mongrel's various departments, she can be found renovating and gardening in her new home.
Natalie Sarkic
Public Relations Specialist
Natalie started her public relations career across various industries, and always wanted to combine her PR expertise with her lifelong passion for film. She now brings both together as Mongrel Media's PR Specialist. As a proud pop culture enthusiast, Natalie is the type who will happily plan her life around a movie release schedule.
Marko Orlic
Director, Acquisitions & Sales
Marko has worked in the film industry in a number of capacities: distribution, programming, journalism, and on-set production. When not scouting the finest pictures Mongrel has to offer, you can catch him blabbering about the movie he just saw at a festival or local theatre, programming films, writing, or podcasting.
Renata Czyzycka
Vice President, Finance
Renata is a Certified General Accountant and brings over a decade of experience to Mongrel. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, cooking and traveling.
Michaela Tobin
Financial Accountant
Michaela always wanted to be an Accounting Technician in Canada. After a diversion through art school in Ireland and construction in Australia she got there at last.
Kathleen Mackey
Materials and Delivery CoordinatorKathleen began her career in documentary film production. During her MFA, she directed a short documentary about the sale of her family farm in Whitby, Ontario. Her post-production expertise helps bring Mongrel’s films to audiences at home. She enjoys watching movies, especially at Toronto’s historic repertory cinemas, and cycling around the east end with her son.
