Meet the founding members of the Ottawa Film Critics Association: a group of critics, journalists, broadcasters, writers and filmmakers whose work reflects the breadth of film culture in the National Capital Region.
Founding members
Hugo Pagán Soto
Film Critic, Writer & Film Industry Professional
Links : Instagram · X · The Last Movie Guy
Hugo Pagán Soto is a film critic, writer, and film industry professional, serving as Chief Editor of Cinemaforum and The Last Movie Guy. His work explores cinema from historical, cultural, and critical perspectives, spanning classic films and contemporary filmmaking. His professional background includes film distribution at Sony Pictures Entertainment, film marketing, and participation as a jury member at international film festivals. He is also the founder of CineConcierge, a newsletter dedicated to film appreciation and critical discussion.
Jith Paul
Software Engineer, Communications Strategist & Filmmaker
Jith Paul is a software engineer, communications strategist, and filmmaker who brings two decades of systems architecture and television broadcasting experience to cinema. An editor and reviewer for film613 and co-founder of the Ottawa Canadian Film Festival, he champions Canadian and international cinema through craft-focused criticism and conversations celebrating diverse voices.
Matt Demers
Film Critic, Entertainment Commentator & On-Air Personality
Links : Instagram · The Flaming Thumb
Known as “Mr. Hollywood,” Matt Demers is the resident film critic for CTV Your Morning Ottawa, CTV News Channel, and 580 CFRA’s Ottawa Now. He is also a Senior Content Editor and host at WatchMojo, where he leads celebrity coverage and interviews actors, filmmakers, and media personalities. His accessible criticism connects audiences with new releases and the art of filmmaking.
Keith Noakes
Editor-in-Chief, KeithLovesMovies.com
Links : Instagram · X · KeithLovesMovies.com
Keith Noakes is the editor-in-chief behind KeithLovesMovies.com. A Canadian who would rather trade cold, frigid winters for the welcoming embrace of a warm movie theatre, he brings his love of cinema to a platform dedicated to celebrating movies.
Vladimir Jean-Gilles
Film Critic, Producer, Writer & Journalist
Links : Instagram
Vladimir Jean-Gilles is an Ottawa-based Canadian film critic, producer, writer, and journalist. A member of the Critics Choice Association and a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic, he is known for his thoughtful perspectives on cinema, filmmaking, and popular culture. He contributes film criticism to CBC Radio’s All in a Day with Alan Neal on CBC 91.5 FM and brings an international perspective to his coverage of film, entertainment, and the arts.
Matthew Grieve
Journalist & Digital Journalism Student
Matthew Grieve is a Canadian journalist pursuing a degree in Digital Journalism at the University of Ottawa. His reporting spans community affairs, local arts and culture, film, and entertainment broadcasting. With practical experience in editorial production, reporting, and camera operation, including work with CPAC, Ably Production, and film613, Matthew is driven by curiosity about people and a passion for impactful storytelling.
Keith Whittier
Chief Film Critic, Ottawa Life Magazine
Links : Instagram · X · Ottawa Life Magazine
Keith Whittier has been reviewing movies for more than a decade, with a passion for film dating back to childhood. He has received accreditation for major film festivals, including Cannes, Venice, TIFF, Sundance, Berlin, and SXSW. He is currently the Chief Film Critic for Ottawa Life Magazine.
