Being Black In Toronto’s Canadian Screen Awards Win!
Poster designed by Malachi Ellis and Ivan D. Ossa. Photos: Lucas Joseph, Sharine Taylor and Yvano Antonio
Written By Ivan D. Ossa | May 24 2021.
The Being Black in Toronto directors - Omolola Ajao, Valerie Amponsah, Yasmine Evering - Kerr, Sharine Taylor, Adrian Wallace won for Best Direction, Documentary Series at the Canadian Screen Awards!!
October 30th 2020.
In anticipation for CBC’s Broadcast premiere of the Being Black In Toronto (BBIT) films, I sat down with some of the leading faces of this operation. Prompted by my questions, here are the answers people gave me about their experience in the program leading up to this success.
(Please be mindful that some of these answers are not perfect quotes but the gist of what I got through the phone interviews.)
What is BBIT and how did it come to be?
Fonna Seidu (Production Coordinator of BBIT)
Being Black in Toronto is a program offering an opportunity to a group of young black filmmakers to create a 10-minute documentary with the support of training, mentors, and professional crew members and gear. It was created in Montreal in 2014 by the Fabienne Colas Foundation and OYA Media Group was asked to run the 2019 Toronto cohort. Alison and Ngardy took a chance with me and made me the Production Coordinator/ Production Manager.
Fabienne Colas (President and Founder of the Toronto Black Film Festival/Creator of the Being Black in Canada Program)
It was important for us to bring the Fabienne Colas Foundation’s Being Black in Canada Program to Toronto since it has the largest Black population in the country. With such a vibrant, dynamic film industry in this city, it is sad to see that there is still a problem with diversity on and off screen. Being Black in Toronto is training passionate, creative Black filmmakers in the creation of their first documentary short films and we are changing the face of the film industry!
Debora Rent (Partnership and Development Director of the Fabienne Colas Foundation/Being Black in Canada)
We are incredibly proud of the work of the filmmakers and Being Black In Toronto.
Six emerging filmmakers were chosen to participate in the BBIT program in 2019.
Sharine Taylor, Yvano Antonio., Adrian Wallace, Omolola Rachel Ajao, Valerie Amponsah, and Yasmin Evering-Kerr.
For those of you who don’t know, Absolutely Canadian, (the CBC series in which the films will be premiering on), is a one-hour series showcasing the best in regional documentary and performance from across Canada. Each locally produced program highlights diverse stories and dynamic musical acts, straight from Canadian communities. Shows air Saturdays on CBC Television and are available online within 48 hours.
Why did you think the Being Black In Toronto Films were a great fit?
Adele Cardamone-Martel (Executive Producer, Absolutely Canadian/Ontario series)
I was very impressed with these six short films produced by talented emerging filmmakers from the Toronto area. The mentorship provided by industry professionals really shows in the quality of the films. It's an excellent way to support Black filmmakers as they share their community stories. It’s great to see the work of these creative storytellers as part of the Absolutely Canadian series on CBC Television and CBC Gem.
Now that we got introductions out of the way, let’s bring on the Directors of the hour!
How did you come up with the idea for your film?
Sharine Taylor (Director of Tallawah Abroad)
It started out as a photography project for a university class I was taking. Being from Jamaica in a foreign land, I started taking pictures of things that reminded me of home. So when I joined this program and they asked us to come up with an idea, I already knew the direction I was heading. I wanted to focus on legacy, creation, archiving, identity, and the feeling of belonging.
Adrian Wallace (Director of Black Sun)
Gun Violence is everywhere but it’s never told from the perspective of the people actually dealing with it. The News has a way of twisting stories and I felt like it was about time real people had a choice. I wanted to talk about how they coped with loss.
Yasmine Evering-Kerr (Director of The Onyx Butterfly)
I worked at a sneaker store with Jordan and we would have conversations about life. He told me how he studied ballet and his experience as a black male in that world. The idea really came organically. The program really just gave me the resources to bring this thought of mine to life.
Yvano Antonio (Director of #Black)
I was covering a BLM protest in 2016 where I took a bunch of pictures. One of them was pretty Iconic so I cropped it and wrote #Black in a perfect frame. This got me thinking though.. This hashtag had become more an object then a movement. Being black became a thing instead of our humanity. An Item. I realized our generation was (and still is) being used by the internet. This film became about getting back our power. Remembering who we are.
BTS on the set of Yvano Antonio’s #Black.
How was the process of making the film?
Sharine Taylor (Director of Tallawah Abroad)
It was my first time doing a film in the setting that I had. My background is in theatre and writing so it was definitely interesting and different working in such a collaborative state. There are so many moving parts. I do think my background helped me prepare for the time restrictions. I’m used to working in compressed time.
Adrian Wallace (Director of Black Sun)
The word that comes to mind to describe this experience is Invigorating. The timeline restrictions were insane. We had to secure a location and cast in under 2 months, and people kept dropping out. It was hard finding someone that was okay doing the story. The process was challenging but rewarding because it showed me what I am capable of. Pressure makes diamonds. Post was a whole different beast. It was also interesting finding your voice while still listening to Alison and Ngardy.
Yasmine Evering-Kerr (Director of The Onyx Butterfly)
During Pre Production, I was doing a school internship and working at the sneaker store. In this industry you sacrifice your social life forsure. The stress wasn’t all too bad because I had people I could vent to. The workshops I took connected me to people that could help and Sonia, my producer was amazing. In production I was ambitious so it was great to have people on my side that would support but also ground me. I was developing my voice; as a filmmaker and a woman of colour I always worried about how I was perceived. This experience taught me to go after what I want. People respect you more when you know what you want.
Yvano Antonio (Director of #Black)
The experience was definitely bittersweet. Imagine having an idea that you just can’t do. It was really painful cutting some things out. A lot of late nights and a lot of pain. I didn’t know which way to go for so long that when I finally got it I cried. It was totally worth it though because I became a voice for the voiceless. I am now in a position to do interviews like this where I can express myself how I want. I can speak my truth a little bit better now.
Did your expectations of the project differ from the outcome?
Fonna Seidu (Production Coordinator)
I won’t lie, the caliber of the film’s quality surpassed my expectations. I was thinking it was going to be maybe a bit better than a regular youtube video since the budget was so small but they turned out great. One thing that surprised me was Ngardy and Alison’s involvement in the production process. From past experience, the supervising producers don’t do as much supporting and hand holding. I also didn’t expect this much exposure! To be contracted in CBC is an amazing achievement and I can’t wait to see where these films will end up.
Sharine Taylor (Director of Tallawah Abroad)
I didn’t expect how hands on it would be. I thought a director was someone who overlooked things but I had to literally direct people. About the outcome of the film, I don’t know if I’ll ever be satisfied with a project. I’ve learned that this industry is all about negotiations. As the director, you need to make negotiations until you have the project that is the closest to your vision.
Adrian Wallace (Director of Black Sun)
I think the little experience I had prepared me for the moment so nothing was too drastic. But I do believe the best things come out of the moment so you need to be able to adapt. You can’t plan magic. I wish I had more budget to be more ambitious but the restrictions and time made us settle with the best version possible. I’m content with the outcome. There’s always gonna be that extra thing you wish you could put in but it turned out the way it was supposed to.
Yasmine Evering-Kerr (Director of The Onyx Butterfly)
It’s in post that the changes get made. One thing I’ve learned is deal with what you have not what you wanted. Ngardy once said to me “if your project hasn’t changed from when you started it then you weren’t listening.” A project grows. At some point you have to let them take a life of their own. I think the changes made it better. If I had edited how I wanted, the audience maybe wouldn’t have gotten it.
BTS shot by Malachi Ellis on the set of Adrian Wallace’s Black Sun.
How does it feel to be recognized and played in festivals?
Sharine Taylor (Director of Tallawah Abroad)
I was just expecting to make a film but it’s really cool to have a project that is published. I got into about 8 festivals and It’s really an amazing feeling that people want to share my work with others.
Adrian Wallace (Director of Black Sun)
I got into 7 as of now and the accolades are nice but it's more about the impact you created. How did it make people feel? It’s a dope feeling to get recognized, don't get me wrong, but I’m more about the impact and the networking.
Yasmine Evering-Kerr (Director of The Onyx Butterfly)
You need to Celebrate your wins. Everything is huge and deserves to be celebrated. It’s great to be recognized but I haven’t taken it all in yet because I’m always on the next thing.
Yvano Antonio (Director of #Black)
I got into about 9 festivals but it was never about the rewards. Now I can get into the rooms and the interviews to express myself how I want. I just really want to spread awareness. The distinction of blackness is a curse.
What are you up to now?
Fonna Seidu (Production Coordinator)
I’m still working with OYA Media Group on a series of different commission projects, a youth program called the Adornment stories, 2 CBC projects, a romcom named Disclosure and a queer comedy heighst. A lot of projects I work on have been tied to some sort of funding or a program. Without the programs to help us, beginner filmmakers would be searching in the dark. I’m grateful for all these programs that help me through mentors, funds, and more.
Sharine Taylor (Director of Tallawah Abroad)
I was supposed to be in Jamaica to film my second film but that got canceled because of everything that is going on. Outside of that I’m in pre production for 2 different films; A narrative and an experimental film.
Adrian Wallace (Director of Black Sun)
I just finished a feature film which is going to be in festivals for the next year or so. I got to figure out where it’s going to live at the end of the day. I wrapped another short and I’m looking to develop a TV series. I’m also in Reelworld E20 which is a bootcamp for filmmakers.
Yasmine Evering-Kerr (Director of The Onyx Butterfly)
I’m in pre production on a docu/photo series focused on black women and our sexual expression. Sis,trans, non binary, etc. I’m also an official PA at the same time.
Yvano Antonio (Director of #Black)
I’m working on a show which is in pre development right now. I pitched it and I’m still waiting to hear back. I joined OYA Media Group on some projects and I must say my growth has been amazing. I’m proving to myself everyday that I’m ready for this industry.
BTS shot by Sonya Mwabu on the set of Yasmine Evering-Kerr’s The Onyx Butterfly.
Any words for the next generation of filmmakers?
Fonna Seidu (Production Coordinator)
The biggest advice I have is to do the things that are uncomfortable. Go for grants and join programs. It will help to find your team. If you feel like you’re late in the game, trust me you’re not. When you are creating your team, stack people around you that love to do things that you hate doing. Be a kind person and be mindful. I will say, if you don’t like to collaborate or compromise, you’re in the wrong industry.
Sharine Taylor (Director of Tallawah Abroad)
Try everything at least once. We tend to think we are not good at things but the truth is you never know until you try. I didn’t think I’d have something to offer in production but now I think maybe I’d like being a producer.
Adrian Wallace (Director of Black Sun)
Reform your mentality. It’s not about clout, followers, or money but the effect your work can cause. Tell stories that matter to you and not just to be part of a wave. Forever do everything with passion.
Yasmine Evering-Kerr (Director of The Onyx Butterfly)
You need to develop a community. It’s hard to make films because of finance and etc so ask for favours. If you have an idea, that's really all that matters. Find a friend and just shoot it. You never know where things will go. Develop your voice as a filmmaker and don’t let anything get in the way of your dream. After all the hard work, don’t forget to celebrate your wins.
Yvano Antonio (Director of #Black)
Be the executive producer. If you have to give it up, make sure it’s someone you trust. It’s business before entertainment so learn about the business side. The executive producer owns everything.
Congratulations to the BBIT participants. We at OYA Media Group are exceptionally proud of you and we can’t wait to see where your careers will take you. Wishing everyone the best in their next endeavors. For the next generation on the way up, Your dreams are closer then you think. Good luck to you.
Being Black in Toronto is part Absolutely Canadian series and will air locally Nov. 7, 2020 at 8 p.m on CBC Television in the Greater Toronto Area as well as London, Sudbury and Thunder Bay. Check your local listings for details. If you miss the broadcast it will also be available free and on demand on CBC Gem starting November 6.