Rocco hails from a village in central Italy. At the age of eleven with his mother he migrated to Canada, to be reunited with his father. In Toronto, he discovered the profound connection between his humble upbringing and the intellectual world of academia. With a distinguished education in architecture and urban design from the universities of Toronto, Venice, and Harvard, he embarked on designing buildings and settlements on four continents.

His travels reinforced the human trait of wanting to be elsewhere. This awoke in him the travails of his first journey and the exhilaration of overcoming the many challenges. As the new millennium was approaching Rocco shifted his energy from design to migration and how the latter transforms societies, resulting in the creation of the Gallery of Human Migration.

Rocco’s story took an unexpected turn, a few years ago, during his trip to Firenze where he received a poetry prize, at the historical literary cafe’ Giubbe Rosse, for his poem “An imaginary love”. Rather than return to Toronto as planned, he decided to visit his birthplace. Unexpectedly, we saw each other, and the imaginary became real. As I pen this, I think: “… I fell in love with Rocco because of our common roots; or for his account of the power of migration; perhaps for his passion for design or at his unwavering human spirit… tomorrow I know I will find other wonderful reasons”.

-Written by Nancy Perin, loving partner

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Where do you live?

I live in the area of Lytton Park. When not promenading along the treed streets of this neighbourhood, I am enjoying a cafe’ with Nancy and/or friends under the wisteria canopy adjacent to the garden studio. In the fall I can be found trekking in the Apennines of Abruzzo, or along the shores of Lake Superior.

What do you do?

I am at a stage of my life where doing has evolved into living without working.

What are you currently doing?

I’m gathering strands and twists of anecdotes, encounters and reminiscences into a narrative that will serve as a point of impact whose ripples, like those of a stone dropped in water, may propagate albeit feebly, into the reader’s soul.

Where can we find your work?

You can find my work on my website and on Gallery of Human Migration

The post “A Day in the Life” with Toronto-based Urban Designer and Storyteller Rocco Maragna appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

As an internationally recognized, award-winning Afro-Canadian director, producer, and writer who focuses on telling human-centred stories, It’s a tremendous pleasure to see Tristan continue to make his mark as one of the premier creative Black voices coming out of Canada. Featured on platforms like Henrys Canada, Glossy Inc, and Muna Luchi. His film Dear Black Dad, has garnered critical acclaim for its authenticity and truth. Wallflower (Web series releasing summer 2023), Connecting the Dots (Docuseries 2019) and Mother To Mother are note-worth instalments to Tristan’s catalogue.

Tristan is passionate about building thriving communities through video partnerships and educating youth on telling their own stories from their unique perspectives. Co-founder of The Digital Storytellers, Tristan provides real-world opportunities for young creatives looking to build their career experience within the film, tv, and commercial industries. Because of his continuous work in education, Tristan is now a professor at his alma mater Seneca College.

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Which ’hood are you in?

MALTON! The place where real people are made. 🤣👏🏾

What do you do?

I’m a film and commercial director, Co-Founder of The Digital Storytellers

What are you currently working on?

I’m in post-production for an incredible WebSeries called Wallflower and in pre-development for two other film projects.

Where can we find your work?

Website | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

The post “A Day in the Life” with Director, Producer and Writer Tristan Barrocks appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Initially, there was an innocent confusion about why you were there. But over the weeks and months that followed, those feelings seemed to dissolve and were replaced with a sense of ease and enjoyment when you came around. Prior to moving in we often spent time together watching films, eating junk food and enjoying each other’s company. ‘Speed’ was the first movie we took in, however, seeing ‘Stargate’ and “The Fifth Element” at the old Bloor Cinema plays back like a reel in my mind. These tender movie memories were frequent during the early years and I believe they’ve come full circle.

During summers in high school, having a chance to work alongside you at your landscape design business, gave me a fresh perspective. The days were gruelling, yet the sense of pride and commitment you gave to your projects were unmatched. I learned the importance of loving what you do while still finding success- a quality in you that’s never wavered.

When my mom worked long hours, during our alone moments you always took time to reinforce the lessons of the day. Back then I never envisioned the thought all three of us would be working on a set together, so when you asked me to take on a Producer role in your upcoming project, ‘Platform’, and after hearing your vision of the film, I couldn’t pass it up.

Although I wasn’t sure how collaborating on set would impact our relationship, I was confident in your clear vision as a Director and devotion to your objectives. This was a proud moment as your stepson and a real family affair that all ties back into the many childhood memories we shared in front of the television and movie screen.

Witnessing firsthand how you’ve developed your craft as an artist and storyteller across multiple mediums from photography, to landscape design, sculpting and now to film making has been a remarkable journey.

Now we’re releasing a film together.

Bio by Sebastian Kennedy – Step-son

Ride Upside Down (Platform Movie)

Which ‘hood are you in?

My studio is located at 34 Sousa Mendes Street, in the Junction.

What do you do?

I’m a multi-medium storyteller, award-winning screenwriter and director as well as a visual artist. My work ranges from photography, landscape design, video art and filmmaking to sculpting.

What are you currently working on?

Currently, my team is working on the promotion of our short film ‘Platform’ scheduled for public release October 1st at midnight.

Where can we find your work?

‘Platform’ goes live and will be available to the public October 1st, at midnight on www.platformmovie.com. You can also find some of my sculptures at OENO Gallery in Picton Ontario.

The post “A Day In The Life” with award-winning screenwriter and director, Terry McGlade appeared first on Toronto Guardian.