Black History Month: emerging Calgary filmmakers celebrate Black culture, diversity in cinema
Two Calgary content creators have created short films for an initiative that promotes Black film-makers and stories about Black culture.
Grants worth $20,000 were awarded to the film-makers as part of the first ever Black Creators Edition in a collaboration with Telus Storyhive and the Black Screen Office.
February also marks Black History Month.
"The stories I like to tell are stories that are influenced by the people around me and my community and how I exist," said Misha Maseka, Calgary-based creator of the short film Sweeter Blue.
She says her perspective allows for nuanced storytelling about how simple yet complicated the end of romantic relationships can be, and centres two Black protagonists in her film.
"By way of moving and existing in this body," Maseka says, "I already have a world view that is different from my white male counterparts."
She adds her film promotes awareness, appreciation and celebration of diverse communities.
ON SCREEN & BEHIND THE CAMERA
Most of Maseka's film crew were women and women of colour.
Anthony Onwardi is the cinematographer for Sweeter Blue and is pursuing his passion for camera operating in Calgary.
"The opportunity is what we always ask for. The opportunity to let us tell our stories and the opportunities to give us the chance to be as creative as possible," he says.
Anthony Onwardi is a cinematographer who shot Sweeter Blue
Onwardi said stories by Black creatives should be highlighted outside the month of February.
"I want people to understand that every day it's amazing to be Black. Every day it's an opportunity to get better at what you do. Every day it's an opportunity to show love to each and every person.
"To me," he adds, "Black History Month is every day."
DIVERSITY WITHIN BLACK CULTURE
Rochell-Ann Thomas is the filmmaker behind Scammed, a narrative inspired by her personal experience.
Thomas says that 28 days in a short month can feel crammed with celebrations of Black excellence and addressing slavery, and says that recognizing the richness of Black culture needs to become more regular and ongoing.
Rochell-Ann Thomas
Especially to share stories from the diverse perspectives that exists within Black culture, said Thomas.
"As a Jamaican, my stories are different than an African persons. Than an Asian persons. These funders give us the tools and resources to bring our stories to light."
Thomas said she was able to incorporate Jamaican expressions in an authentic way, because of her personal perspective as the filmmaker.
"Watching Scammed you can see the Jamaican part of it. Straight through each scene, you can see a reflection of my culture, some of the expressions that I would say, and that's the beauty about it."
The films are available to stream on the Storyhive YouTube channel.
Maseka plans to enter Sweeter Blue into national and international film festivals.
Onwardi continues to seek film projects in Calgary as a camera operator.
Thomas continues to manage her production company CSD Media with plans to create another film.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
BREAKING Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
'Unacceptable': Trudeau reacts after AFN chief says headdress taken from plane cabin
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief said her headdress was taken from an airplane cabin this week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the incident 'unacceptable' and a 'mistake' on the part of Air Canada.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
From faulty kids' cribs to flammable kids' bathrobes, here are the recalls of the week
Health Canada issued recalls for various items this week, including kids’ bathrobes, cribs and henna cones.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.