Board of Directors for 2024 Season

The Minnesota Film Critics Alliance has voted on their Board of Directors for the 2024 season. The appointed members are as follows:

• President: Hunter Friesen
• Vice President: Tyler Strandberg
• Secretary: Joe Botten

Here are the individual statements from our Board members:

Hunter Friesen – President

I am thrilled and honored to be addressing the members of the Minnesota Film Critics Alliance as its newest president. It is with great enthusiasm and a deep sense of responsibility that I step into this role, and I am eager to continue the great work accomplished by our founder, Matthew Leidke.

For those who may not know me well, my name is Hunter Friesen and I am the owner and editor-in-chief of The Cinema Dispatch. My website has been a creative endeavor that has taken me all over the world and allowed me to meet some wonderful people right here in the state of Minnesota. Along with my new post as President of this group, I also founded and serve as the current president of The Critics Circle, an Instagram-based international organization that features nearly 50 film critics who promote their content through group reviews and lists. I’m also a member of The International Film Society Critics, The Online Film & Television Association, and The Independent Film Critics of America.

My job as president of this group is to uplift the work and passion that each member possesses. We’ve come a long way over the years, and we’ve still got so much to do until this group properly reflects the great state we call home. I’ve already had so much fun coming up with goals with fellow board members Tyler Strandberg and Joe Botten, and I can’t wait to put those thoughts into action.

As we embark on this new chapter, I invite you all to share your ideas, aspirations, and concerns. Your input is invaluable, and together, we can build a stronger, more vibrant film community. Feel free to reach out to me at any of our in-person screenings in the metro area, as there’s nothing better than sharing ideas and experiences through something we jointly love.

Tyler Strandberg – Vice President

I want to sincerely thank everyone who participated in the most recent election, and I extend my gratitude to those who voted for me. I am thrilled to be serving as Vice President on the inaugural Board of Directors! In this role, I am primarily responsible for board organization (surprise, surprise – it seems like that’s been my forte).

I’ve been writing about film on a freelance basis since June 2021, and my articles have been published on websites such as Next Best Picture, Cinefied, and Loud and Clear Reviews. Podcasting about films is another passion of mine, and I host a dedicated podcast that delves into my favorite TV show, Avatar: The Last Airbender. In 2023, my favorite film was Barbie, and my top four films on Letterboxd are Your Name, La La Land, Parasite, and Everything Everywhere All At Once.

My primary goal as VP is to officially establish us as an association. This would grant us non-profit status, opening doors for expanded outreach and support for our members. If you have any questions or concerns related to board discussions, feel free to reach out to me! I’m particularly excited about organizing and revitalizing awards voting at the end of each calendar year. Echoing Moira Rose’s wisdom, my favorite season is, without a doubt, Awards!

Joe Botten – Secretary

Hello! I’m Joe Botten, and I was born and raised in Minnesota, with a love for storytelling that first led me into an acting career post-college. During one long run of a show, I would often go to movies between the matinee and evening performances and come back with long-winded reviews for my castmates. One of them suggested I start a blog, and twelve years and hundreds and hundreds of reviews later, here we are! I’ve recently started to branch out and attend out-of-state film festivals, and I think it’s given me greater insight into the process of film selection and criticism.

I’m excited to take on the role of Secretary for the Minnesota Film Critics Alliance. This position is not merely administrative; it’s a chance to contribute actively, facilitating communication and collaboration among fellow critics and fostering a community that celebrates diverse perspectives on cinema.

As Secretary, I envision the MNFCA as a platform for meaningful discussions, collective recognition of outstanding cinematic achievements, and a source of inspiration for seasoned critics and emerging talents. The MNFCA is an opportunity to strengthen the bonds within the film critics’ community and elevate the profile of Minnesota’s film landscape on a broader stage.