As we move into the world of post-production: reviewing our footage, piecing things together, conversations about what works, what doesn’t, thinking about music, animation, graphics, other things creative minds can think of, stripping things down, thinking of style and approach, considering larger ideas of representation and our goals as an organization, trying to make something that represents all the many facets of these organizations, trying to capture all the many things they do, and the spirit in which they do them. The considerations are numerous and it is incredibly challenging trying to cram them all into 10 minutes, on a shoestring budget as well. Thinking of all this, I can’t help but reflect on how rewarding it has been working with the three directors that volunteered to help out. They have put an incredible amount of effort, care and creativity into these projects. It has been an honour to work with them. Here are some brief explanations of who these great filmmakers are:
Aliyyah Fazil – PASAN – Prisoner’s Aids/HIV Support Action Network
Aliyyah Fazil is a graduate from York University’s film program. Her past films have been Toronto based stories that deal with marginalized communities. Currently she is working on post-production for a short experimental documentary that examines conceptions of tangible and abstract time, explored through the eyes of a cancer patient.
Lana Lovell – Parkdale Tenants Association
Lana began directing in earnest five years ago, after years of working as a researcher and producer for broadcast news and current affairs. Her most recent project, Resilience: stories of single black mothers, was produced by Storyline Entertainment. Resilience bears witness to the struggles, strengths, complexities and determination of black single mothers, and serves as a wake-up call to young people setting out on the path toward an exciting but uncertain future. Her other documentary titles include The Incomparable Jackie Richardson, for Bravo Television and received accolades for capturing musical performances, and Underground, the award winning short which premiered at Hot Docs in 2006. Ms. Lovell has also directed for the series Literature Alive and Heart Beat for Bravo Television. Lana is a Toronto-based filmmaker. She has a degree in anthropology from York University and studied Visual Anthropology at Manchester University.
Alejandra Montreal – Not Far from the Tree
Alejandra is a Colombian/Chilean filmmaker and visual artist based in Toronto. Since 2006 she has been involved in various independent features, shorts, commercials, and documentaries. As a multi-faceted artist she has practical knowledge in directing, producing, sound editing, oil painting, sculpting and various other art mediums. Currently she is editing her experimental doc shot in Colombia throughout 2004-2010.