BEING BLACK IN HALIFAX - CREATIVE MINDS AND BRAVE FILMMAKERS
The filmmakers from the 2021 Being Black in Halifax program, part of the national emerging filmmaking program Being Black in Canada, were tasked with telling stories about personal perceptions and aspects of what it means to be Black and live in Halifax. Unbeknownst to each other, a poignant theme develops. One that sadly reflects what is happening in our Black communities today. Four talented artists discuss their films and give us insight into their creative process, and most importantly give us hope for the future during a time in our communities when that future feels bleak.
Moderator: Kyah Sparks (Journalist)
Kyah Sparks is a Halifax based broadcast journalist. She was raised in East Preston and has a passion for conducting interviews and creating moments. Kyah shares personal stories from a range of communities in the province. She has skills on both ends of the camera. She’s been a reporter for CBC News and show producer for Eastlink Community Television.
Panellists
Deborah Castrilli (Filmmaker)
Deborah is a Director and she is thrilled to be making her directorial debut with her short film Framework. She is a Toronto-based actor and singer who is passionate about storytelling in various capacities, and as such is honoured to be highlighting stories within her hometown.
Tyus McSween (Filmmaker)
My name is Tyus McSween, I am currently a film apprentice, I enjoy filming, directing, creating and storytelling. My ultimate goal in the future is to be happy and healthy doing what I enjoy most, which is filmmaking. I have had much success in the past with sports, but as I have grown into a new life with new aspirations, I feel as though being a part of the Being Black in Canada program has been my biggest achievement thus far.
Guyleigh Johnson (Filmmaker)
Guyleigh Johnson is a published Author, Spoken Word Artist, Community Advocate and Arts Facilitator from North End Dartmouth. She has a passion for youth engagement, writing, and speaking about topics surrounding healing, leadership and implementing changes in her community. As an Arts Facilitator she teaches youth about the power of words,emotional intelligence, mindfulness and mental health. She’s published two books Expect The Unexpected and Afraid Of the Dark dedicated to youth in her community. In 2018 she won the Ancestral Roots Award for the Written/Visual Arts category presented by the Delmore Buddy Daye Learning Institute. She recently started a job at Dalhousie University as an Assistant Registrar for Admissions & Recruitment. Whether you follow her on social media or know her in real life she is starting the conversation for change. Her purpose is to encourage conversation and action oriented principles towards diversity and inclusion to create opportunities for youth in and around her community!
Jodell Stundon (Filmmaker)
SYNOPSIS OF HIS MOVIE: A self portrait of Jodell's current life, how dealing with depression and incarceration, living a certain lifestyle, brought him to a changing point. Through photography and videography, he found his way out of a lifestyle and a system he felt he was trapped in.
