filmmaker Archives - Toronto Guardian

“A Day in the Life” with: Toronto Filmmaker Tamara Mariam Dawit

Joel Levy — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 07:33:04 +0000

Tamara Mariam Dawit is a filmmaker, producer, and storyteller whose Ethiopian, Eritrean, and Canadian heritage inspires her to create films that challenge dominant narratives and amplify underrepresented voices. Her work is a personal exploration of history, justice, and identity, often focusing on contemporary Ethiopian history and elevating Ethiopian stories. From uncovering family secrets in “Finding Sally” to bold new projects like “Made in Ethiopia” and “Alazar,” premiering at TIFF, Tamara’s films are insightful and impactful. Beyond filmmaking, Tamara is a passionate advocate for a more inclusive screen industry. Through her board roles with the East African Screen Collective and the Racial Equity Media Collective, she champions equitable practices and supports for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) creators. She also dedicates time to training BIPOC filmmakers in Canada, Europe, and East Africa, ensuring diverse voices are heard on screen. To those who know her, Tamara is a dedicated and tenacious individual, deeply committed to her community and heritage. She is a tireless advocate for the power of storytelling, using her platform to uplift others and create space for voices that deserve to be heard. Tamara’s work reflects her unwavering belief in the power of stories to inspire change.

Tamara at the Tribeca Film Festival for Made in Ethiopia Premier

Tamara on Bole Road Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Production Still from Finding Sally

Tamara with the industry guests and filmmakers at the East African Screen Collectives Development lab in Zanzibar Tanzania for which is the country led for Ethiopia.

Tamara with the director Beza Hailu Lemma and producers and crew at the premiere of Alazar at the Cannes Film Festival

Tamara with her group of graduating producers at the National Screen Institute Access Producers Program where Tamara is a head of studies and a group leader

Tamara with directors Max Duncan and Xinyan Yu at the Tribeca Film Festival for Made in Ethiopia Premier

Still from Made in Ethiopia a feature documentary produced by Tamara

Production still from Alazar which premiered in 2024 at the Cannes Film Festival and was produced by Tamara

Tamara with co-panellists producer Amil Shivji, Documentary Africa Executive Director Mohamed Ouma and EAVE CEO Kristina Trap at the Durban Film Market Panel on Inclusive Co-Production which she moderated

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Which ’hood are you in?

Liberty Village

What do you do?

I’m a Filmmaker

What are you currently working on?

A documentary about WW2 in Ethiopia.

Where can we find your work?

ALAZAR, screened at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival and to get screening. Details for my other films, including Made in Ethiopia or Finding Sally, they can be found on my website.

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“A Day in the Life” with: Toronto Filmmaker Gursimran Datla

Emilea Semancik — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 07:33:08 +0000

Gursimran Datla is a filmmaker and producer based in Toronto, Canada. Gursimran migrated from Panjab to Toronto in 2016 with the goal of establishing his own film company and indulging in independent filmmaking. He started his own production company, BetterHalf Films, in 2022. Gursimran is an alumni of the EAVE Producers program. His career in filmmaking spans over 15 years as an independent director and writer of various short films. His award-winning short film, “Refuge,” was screened at the Royal Cinema, Toronto. His recent short film “Cinnamon Tea” was screened at the South Asian International Film Festival, Toronto, and at the Emerging Lens Cultural Film Festival, Nova Scotia. He is currently shooting a South Asian comedy series titled – ‘Masala Love’, which was recently selected at the Export Training Asia Pacific (ETAP).

“As an introverted child, I used to spend a lot of time at the library. I was born and raised in a remote community with a large landscape. I was captivated by oral storytelling and folktales infused with creativity and fantasy aspects. Then I relocated to a big city to pursue graduate studies. During my graduation in film production, I became active in theatre and playwriting. Here, I started developing my scene-making, script-writing, and character-building skills. I moved to Toronto for further studies and continued screenwriting in the post-graduate program. I also enjoy poetry as an art form and its similarities to filmmaking.

Initially, pitching my stories to Toronto producers was difficult. During my time working in and around the Canadian film business, I saw a lack of platforms for South Asian creators. It can be challenging to get people to produce our stories since they are multi-linear and filled with myths, metaphors, and obsolete traditional forms. So I decided to establish Better Half Films. A company grants you greater creative flexibility and control over your intellectual property. It’s also a more effective approach for a producer to contact broadcasters and networks.”

Gursimran with colleagues.

Behind the scenes of Cinnamon Tea.

Poster for Cinnamon Tea.

A portrait of Gursimran.

Gursimran at the RESO event.

Behind the scenes of Masala Love.

Another portrait-style photo of Gursimran.

Another shot of the behind-the-scenes action filming Masala Love.

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Which neighbourhood are you in?

East York, Toronto – Danforth Main Street

What do you do?

I am a filmmaker and run a film company, BetterHalf Films

What are you currently working on?

I recently developed my first digital series, ‘Masala Love’ with the support of Ontario Creates and CMF. Its first episode can be seen here. We will be shooting the next episodes very soon.

Where can we find your work?

My work can be found on our website, or on my social media: Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

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“A Day in the Life” with Actress and Filmmaker Sheronna Osbourne

Tosin Ajogbeje — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 07:33:10 +0000

Sheronna Osbourne, an accomplished Canadian actress, director, writer, and producer, seamlessly weaves her multifaceted talents on and off the screen. Her journey into film commenced in Toronto’s IATSE costume department, contributing to top shows since 2009. In 2020, she garnered the Canada Arts Council Digital Creatives Grant, directing her first short film, “Silence Of The Land,” a poignant exploration of Black experiences in Toronto. Her subsequent film, “Roni,” earned the Audience Award at the Toronto Short Film Festival, propelling Osbourne towards a burgeoning interest in directing. Influenced by artists like Issa Rae and Ava DuVernay, she aspires to spotlight Black female leads in genre films. In 2021, her award-winning short film “Out of Order” showcased her prowess as a co-writer, director, and actor. Osbourne, a Black woman filmmaker, aims to create space for genre films reflecting the Black experience, utilizing her skills in costume, acting, and direction. Osbourne’s trajectory exemplifies a commitment to pushing boundaries, enriching perspectives and fostering meaningful conversations that celebrate Black voices and the artists behind them. Currently, Osbourne is thrilled to be writing her first feature film.

Canadian International Fashion Film Festival

Directing on set of Remote Paradise

Hair and makeup on set of A Christmas Serenade

Directing on set of Toronto The Good

On set of A Christmas Serenade with Skye Townsend

On set of Pretty Hard Cases with Adrienne C. Moore

Thirsty AF film poster

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Which ’hood are you in?

I moved to Scarborough right before I started middle school so I definitely consider Scarborough my hood. Some of my fondest memories, core friendships and many wild adventures are rooted in the East end of the city.

What do you do?

I am an actress, director, writer and producer but my career in the film industry began as a costume buyer, a role I still occasionally undertake. So, when I’m not in front of the camera or directing actors, you could say I’m behind the scenes dressing them! It’s a unique blend of skills and experience that I’m proud to bring to every project.

What are you currently working on?

As someone who wears many hats, I’m often in pre-production or post-production on any given day. As an Actress and Executive Producer, I am currently submitting Thirsty AF: The Adventures of a recovering sex addict to film festivals worldwide. This project, written and directed by L.A. Wade delves into the life of Cali Church (portrayed by myself) as she navigates the potential of her future while dealing with the traumas of her past. I’m extremely proud of this work and the collaborative efforts of the team and I cannot wait to share this compelling series with audiences worldwide. As a director, I am currently in post-production for my latest short film Remote Paradise, a comedy based on the woes of returning back to the office after the sweet life of working from home. As a writer, I am currently writing my first feature film… yay!

Where can we find your work?

My IMDB and Instagram are the best places to keep up with my projects.

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“A Day in the Life” with Filmmaker, Actor and Writer Ashleigh Rains

Joel Levy — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 07:33:18 +0000

Ashleigh Rains is a Canadian Screen Award-winning producer and founder of C’mon Mort Productions. She is also a friend, collaborator, and talented filmmaker. Her decade of acting experience brings on set perspective to her producing. She leads with a story-first mentality while also juggling all the logistics that production brings. She’s recently expanded even further into writing by co-creating the series WITH A TWIST, which she also produced.

Ashleigh brings a sensitivity to her feedback on story from concept to script through to editorial and launch. Her understanding of the marketplace comes from her experience at the Canadian Film Festival where she serves as Festival Director.

Her work as a producer, actor, writer and festival director embodies a truly collaborative approach to all her relationships.

Written by Lauren Grant, Director, Writer, Producer, and founder of Clique Pictures

I start every day with a ritual cup of tea and morning pages

Self-taping auditions are fun. Not pictured, my husband Erik, who serves as reader, camera op, electric, and cheerleader

My family joined me for a road trip to Stowe, Vermont, where I participated in the June Producer’s Lab. 9 hours in a car with our child was worth it because next door to this wall, the best chocolate shop. Sweet relief for us all

At the Stowe Producer’s Lab, we focused on the development of our feature film projects and discussed story, financing, the market, and how we could support each other’s work. Photo by: Jesse Schloff

Vermont, you’re beautiful

This year, the Canadian Film Fest was back in theatres for the first time since the pandemic started. Here I am with Founder and Executive Director, Bern Euler, on opening night. In front of us, a sold-out audience! Photo by: Shawn Goldberg

I’m fortunate to work with Bern and Director of Industry, Jen Pogue, at Canadian Film Fest. I love this team. We have no fun at all. Photo by: Shawn Goldberg

My favourite place is on set. I’m proud to be one of the producers on Jessica Hinkson’s short film, “Sara”. Here we are hugging between takes because there’s truly nothing better than watching your friend’s dreams come alive. Photo by: Kenya-Jade Pinto

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Which ’hood are you in?

Yonge & Eglinton

What do you do?

I am a filmmaker. I produce feature films, short films, and television series. I act in film and TV. I also write for film and TV. In 2020, I was appointed Festival Director at Canadian Film Fest, the best festival in Canada exclusively showcasing Canadian content.

I’m also a mother, wife, and Canada’s biggest Beatles fan.

What are you currently working on?

I have an active slate of projects. I’m about to deliver the television series “With A Twist” (with Troy Miller at Pendulum Entertainment) and in post-production on two short films, “Sara” (directed by Jessica Hinkson) and “Erase & Rewind” (directed by Lauren Grant at Clique Pictures). Lauren and I are also developing her feature directorial debut, “Afterwards.” I have a couple more features and a digital series in development.

I’ve just returned from Vermont where I was selected to participate in the Stowe Producer’s Lab, a four-day intensive focusing on developing feature film projects.

The 2023 Canadian Film Fest wrapped in early April. After a brief hiatus, we’re back to planning next year’s festival from March 18 – 23, 2024.

Where can we see your work?

My produced work is available via various platforms including Amazon, CBC, Crave, Tubi and Kanpoy.

You can see a list of my work on IMDB.

My most recently produced short film. “Things We Feel But Do Not Say” (director Lauren Grant) is available on CBC Gem.

You can follow me on Instagram here and here, where I announce the release of current projects and declare my eternal love for our dog, Abbey Road.

For news and updates about the Canadian Film Fest, you can visit our website and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

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“A Day in The Life” with Writer, Filmmaker, Photographer and Podcaster, Yannis Lobaina

Demian Vernieri — Wed, 28 Dec 2022 08:33:24 +0000

Yannis Lobaina is an outstanding visual storyteller. Born and raised in Cuba. The diversity of her ancestral lineage is perfectly reflected in her art: She is a mix of Caribbean Taino, Spanish, Cuban, African, Arab and Chinese.

She is a published author of creative nonfiction, fiction and poetry for young people and adults. Yannis’s work is exemplary of the unique skills of a multilingual writer. She speaks more than 4 languages.

Yannis is passionate about literary citizenship, in her creative writing workshops she brings an inclusive and intersectional approach to the programs, she is an avid lecturer, always sharing and recommending her eclectic reading lists with her audience in her Goodreads and bookshop. Yannis Lobaina is driven by a genuine need to create, connect and inspire, that is the reason she leads a Facebook group called AlbArt Collective.

She volunteers in programs and projects that resonate with her heart like Reading with Newcomer Children with IBBY Canada, David Suzuki Foundation, and TIFF.

Yannis is committed to herself to actively nurture, develop and pursue her innate creativity daily as a ritual. She is instilling this passion in her 9-year-old daughter.

Yannis is a visionary artist, change-maker and multidimensional creative being.

Written by Valentina Brown

Yannis Lobaina in her home studio

Yannis Lobaina – Morning writing in her home studio

Self Portrait + Digital art. Photo by Yannis Lobaina

Yannis Lobaina inside the Remote Gallery, ongoin series Alive, Upside Down, 2021

Mystic encounter by Yannis Lobaina

My favourite hobby to do, always explore nature with my daughter

Meditation is part of my daily routine

My beloved project just was the best digital program in Culture Days

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Which ’hood are you in?

Since 2016 I’ve been in the vibrant community of Ward 8: Eglinton-Lawrence.

What do you do?

I’m a multilingual writer. Emerging Filmmaker, photographer and Podcaster. A dreamer and global community builder.

What are you currently working on?

As a writer, I’m currently working on my forthcoming bilingual collection of creative non-fiction stories and photographs. Inspired by my process as an immigrant between Cuba, Halifax, and Toronto. I recently published one of the 12 stories in Finding The Way anthology by the Immigrant Writers Association.

As a photographer, I am currently working on my ongoing photography series Alive, Upside Down. focusing on minimalist landscapes, capturing fleeting moments, patterns, pareidolias, patterns and spirals in Mother Nature. I will have a solo exhibition in July 2023 at Remote Gallery.

I acknowledge that all this achievement has been possible because I had been recognized as an award finalist for Toronto Arts Foundation’s 2022 Space Award Recipients – Neighbourhood Arts Network and in 2021 I received the Ontario Arts Council’s “Skills and Career Development: Arts Professionals of Colour” Grant for my Hybrid short stories collections.

Where can we find your work?

You can find me almost everywhere on social media! My favourite one is my website: is my sanctuary where I muse about life, motherhood and art.

You can also follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Youtube

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