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VFF Awards Fundraising Committee
The VFF Awards Fundraising Committee is an esteemed group of supporters whose dedication and commitment are instrumental in advancing the Vaughan International Film Festival's vision. Their invaluable contributions directly fuel the festival's growing initiatives — from world-class screenings and student competitions to the prestigious Awards Night gala — ensuring that VFF continues to flourish as a celebrated platform for emerging filmmakers on the global stage.
Honourary Chair
Mayor Steven Del Duca
Steven Del Duca is a dedicated public servant committed to building a stronger, more connected Vaughan. As Mayor, he has championed key city-building initiatives, including the expansion of Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital, the Highway 427 extension, improved GO Transit service, the Yonge North Subway Extension, and greater access to housing and healthcare.
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Mayor Del Duca chairs the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Sub-Committee and the Vaughan Healthcare Precinct Advisory Committee, while also serving on York Region Council and the Alectra Board of Directors. Previously, he served as Vaughan's Member of Provincial Parliament and held cabinet roles as Ontario's Minister of Transportation and Minister of Economic Development and Growth.
A graduate of the University of Toronto, Carleton University, and Osgoode Hall Law School, Mayor Del Duca remains focused on creating a vibrant, affordable city where residents, businesses, and families can thrive.
Co-Chair
Alex Rocca
Alex is a Business Development leader in Canada’s financial sector, with extensive experience in commercial finance, strategic partnerships, and team leadership.Known for driving growth and building high-impact relationships, he brings a thoughtful and results-oriented approach to leadership.
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Outside of his corporate career, Alex has a deep passion for film, music, and the arts. As a DJ and creative, he is closely connected to the cultural landscape and values the role storytelling plays in shaping communities.
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As Co-Chair of the Vaughan International Film Festival, Alex is committed to giving back to the arts by supporting emerging filmmakers and helping elevate diverse creative voices. He is proud to contribute his leadership experience to an organization that champions innovation, creativity, and global storytelling.
Co-Chair
Raquel Zanardo​​
Raquel is a seasoned realtor and entrepreneur with over a decade of experience helping clients navigate the real estate market. Known for her dedication to excellence, she has earned numerous industry awards and built a reputation for delivering exceptional results for a distinguished clientele.
Her business background includes a leadership role with one of the largest direct sales companies in the world, where she built and developed a team of over 300 independent sales representatives to consistently achieve bi-weekly sales goals.
Raquel also serves as co-owner of her husband's landscaping company, where her business acumen has driven 20% sales growth in under a year. A true multi-hyphenate, Raquel brings relentless drive and a commitment to continuous improvement to everything she does by consistently pushing boundaries and raising the bar in every venture she pursues.
Committee Members
Rita Giancola​​
Rita is an emerging artist with experience working with large groups on musical productions. She is a Canadian and Italian citizen, influenced and inspired by her dual cultures. As a drama teacher of over thirty years, she believes in the importance and power of the arts. Rita is a contributing author to the 4th edition of Social Perspectives on Death and Dying, she wrote Chapter 8, “Death Education and the Arts.” She holds a BFA from York University, a
BEd from Brock University, and a MA in Interdisciplinary Studies from York University specializing in Italian studies, music, and theatre. In September 2026, Rita will begin her PhD in Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies at York University.
Mahnaz Bellazzi
Mahnaz Bellazzi is a community advocate and passionate supporter of arts and cultural initiatives in Vaughan. A longtime supporter of VFF, she believes in the power of storytelling and film to inspire dialogue, preserve culture, and bring communities together. Alongside her community involvement, she works as a nurse, dedicating her professional life to caring for and supporting members of the community. She was actively involved in supporting the organization of one of the largest peaceful Persian gatherings in Toronto, which brought together over 400,000 people. Mahnaz is a member of the Cyrus the Great community, advocating for the people of Iran. Through both her professional and community work, she remains committed to fostering unity, celebrating cultural expression, supporting initiatives that create lasting social impact, and helping communities come together to make memories.
Adam Mirra​​
Adam Mirra is a lifelong entrepreneur, restaurateur, coach, and community advocate with deep roots in Vaughan. He is the owner of Mirra’s Place, a family-owned Italian restaurant established in 1961 and proudly operated by the Mirra family for 65 years. Outside of business, Adam has dedicated many years to supporting youth and the local community through sport. A longtime member of the Vaughan Yeomen Rugby Football Club, he currently serves as Alumni Director, helping strengthen alumni relationships and support the club’s future.
Adam has also coached rugby at St. John de Brebeuf Catholic High School, mentoring young athletes and teaching the values of teamwork, discipline, leadership, and accountability. Passionate about giving back, Adam is proud to join the Vaughan International Film Festival Awards Fundraising Committee. He looks forward to using his business experience, community relationships, and passion for Vaughan to help support the festival and its continued growth.
Debbie Groskopf​​
Debbie was born in Toronto and left home at 16 to study at Tel Aviv University, spending nearly two years immersed in a new culture that shaped her resilience and worldview. Returning to Toronto, she earned a psychology degree from York University and a criminology degree from the University of Toronto. She later completed a master’s in expressive art therapy in Cambridge, Massachusetts, grounding her lifelong commitment to supporting children facing adversity through compassion, creativity, and clinical insight. Debbie is a disability counsellor educator at York University, nearing 20 years of service. A cancer survivor, she recently marked five years cancer-free and now speaks to women about health, inspiring strength and awareness. Outside of work, she is passionate about animals, music, and artistic expression, embracing creativity and compassion in all areas of her life.