Reel images for real communities
The theme at the heart of this year’s Grade 7-8 program is self-care. The seven films that make up the program tell socially conscientious fables whose subjects and characters embrace their differences with enthusiasm. Empathy, self-love, and confidence are virtues that can be taught through film and conversation.
This film explores the thoughts of a young Black girl as she negotiates her complex identity against society’s understanding and representation of blackness. Using common stereotypes associated with black identity, her aim is to illustrate the uniqueness of us all.
Zavia Forrest is a 15-year-old Black girl living in Pickering. She uses film and photography to make a positive impact on her community.
Meet Ryhana Dawood, as she challenges common perceptions of Muslim women through combative sports.
Chrisann Hessing is a documentary filmmaker, she has combined her love of travel and storytelling to produce award-winning short films.
Awaskinawason is made up of the Atikamekw words awacic (child), aski (earth) and takonawason (having the responsibility for). An animated short calling on us to respect the great circle of life.
Antony Dubé is an Atikamekw from Manawan, this is his first film.
Lucy thinks her brother, Luka, is broken. His obsessive, meticulous, infuriating arrangements of sugar cubes and thimbles prove it. Lucy thinks he should be fixed, but not in the way she imagines…
Jessica Ashman is a London based, award winning artist, animator, director and arts educator. Fixing Luka’ (2011) picked up a BAFTA in Scotland.
The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, but one father learns the way to his son’s heart is just the same. A widower is left to care for his young son, who he struggles to connect with due to cultural differences. Rice Balls seem to be the answer and the much needed bridge between them.
Originally from Japan, Shingo Usami has worked extensively in theatre, film, TV and voiceover in Australia.
Pushed by the fear of losing her friends, Silvia (10) has invited them to a sleepover… but things can be complicated when your home is not exactly what your friends may call a home.
Susana Casares is a Spanish filmmaker based in LA. She writes, directs and produces fiction and documentary projects.
In 2012, transgender filmmaker Chase Joynt sat down with Benton (12), Madeleine (10) and Dexter (6) to talk about gender, puberty, school, and parents. Four years later, he revisited the kids to see what’s changed — but not before the kids flipped the camera on the adults to ask some questions of their own.
Chase Joynt is an international award-winning filmmaker and writer.