Preserving Black Nova Scotian History Through Film

For generations, Black Nova Scotians have fought to preserve their rich history, culture, and resilience in the face of erasure. From the destruction of Africville to the struggles and triumphs of its descendants, film has become a powerful tool for reclaiming these narratives and ensuring they are never forgotten.

This thought-provoking discussion explores how cinema serves as both an archive and a platform for Black Nova Scotian stories. Through documentary and fiction, filmmakers are bringing to light the experiences, struggles, and legacies of a community that has shaped the province’s cultural fabric.

How can film continue to protect and elevate these stories? What role does storytelling play in the fight for justice, recognition, and healing? Join us as we examine the impact of Black Nova Scotian cinema, the responsibility of filmmakers in preserving history, and the road ahead in ensuring these stories reach future generations.

MODERATOR:

Keonté Beals - Multi-Award-Winning Singer-Songwriter, Author, Producer and Owner of KBeals Entertainment

Keonté Beals is a multi-award-winning singer-songwriter, author, producer and owner of KBeals Entertainment. A Native of North Preston, Nova Scotia, he is best known for his 2020 award-winning album \\\'KING\\\' and popular children\\\'s book \\\'I Am Perfectly Me.\\\' With his soulful vocals, captivating storytelling and inclusive children\\\'s books - Keonté is committed to using his platform to inspire and uplift others in his community.

SPEAKERS:

Harmony Adesola - Co founder, PRZM LABEL, Director, Actor & Musician

Harmony Adesola, known professionally as HARMZ, is a rising powerhouse in Canadian music, renowned for his genre-blending sound that combines hip-hop, rap, pop, and a dash of rock. Originally from Nigeria and raised in South Africa, HARMZ now calls Halifax, Nova Scotia home. With a relentless drive for excellence across music, filmmaking, and acting, HARMZ has made an indelible mark on the industry, having earned two ECMA nominations, taking home the Music Nova Scotia Hip-Hop Recording of the Year Award and ANSMA Emerging Artist of the Year. He’s shared stages with major artists like Don Toliver, NAV, Neon Dreams and Ria Mae, showcasing his dynamic performances and impactful storytelling to captivate audiences across Canada. Beyond his music, HARMZ is a skilled filmmaker whose documentary Youth Hip-Hop and Halifax was showcased at the Halifax Black Film Festival, Montreal International Black Film Festival, and is currently available on CBC Gem. In 2023, his talents behind the camera earned him an ECMA nomination for Video Director of the Year, a testament to his versatility and dedication to sharing powerful narratives through multiple creative outlets. Committed to uplifting his community, HARMZ co-founded PRZM, a Nova Scotia-based music collective that nurtures and supports local artists such as aRENYE, Jah\\\'Mila, Quoia States, Ryan Vincent, Kayo and countless others. Through PRZM, he fosters collaboration, innovation, and positivity within the arts scene, along with launching the podcast Behind the Sound to provide artists a platform for sharing their stories. HARMZ\\\'s passion, talent, and relentless work ethic make him a visionary artist to watch. His journey, filled with powerful collaborations and a continually expanding fanbase, marks him as a revolutionary force in the Canadian hip-hop and pop landscape.

Keke Beatz - Music Producer, Cinematographer

KekeBeatz, born as Marqeis Williams from North Preston, Nova Scotia is an Artrepreneur in Music & Entertainment who founded, own & operates KekeBeatz Films, a company specializing in Multimedia arts & collaborating with like minded creatives. In 2007 at age 13, being self taught, Keke recorded his first set of Music Videos with friends & began also producing music for the artists he worked with locally, from there he would upload the music videos to the at the time new video sharing platform Youtube, gaining a following both online & offline for his talents & work. In 2024/onwards, He is renowned for being one of the most thought of Independent Filmmaker/Music Producers in the Atlantic Canada Music & Visual arts scene to this today.

Kardeisha Provo - Film Director

Kardeisha Provo is a visual storyteller born and raised in North Preston, Nova Scotia. Kardeisha is an advocate for the youth of her community by creating life-long mentorship opportunities, helping youth find their own creative outlet and bridging barriers of communication. She has created a collective called Kaleidoscope Network that caters to sharing resources and expertise to creatives across the globe. She speaks her truth and challenges the perception of the experiences of Black people in Canada.