Step into the Reel World; BIPOC representation at the Reelworld Film Festival, 2019

BY SELINA McCALLUM

The most incredible part about being a journalist is that you learn as you go. Until I began writing at the Toronto Caribbean Newspaper, I had no idea that some of the best films, exhibits, festivals, organizations, projects and people are products of this magnificent country we call Canada. What I discovered on October 17^th, 2019 is that this country has a rich pool of talented BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Colour), and a handful of these artists were celebrated at the Reelworld Film Festival 2019 Kick Off at the Glenn Gould Studio, the Gem of the CBC.

Now in their 19^th year, Reelworld Film Festival can proudly say that they have been responsible for launching the careers of thousands of media artists, who have moved the world with their powerful stories, gripping documentaries, and ingenious productions. What really takes this story to the next level is the fact that I am able to pay homage to a passionate, relentless powerhouse, who believes in the importance of creating a space for artists to share their stories. Before I go into the events of October 17^th, 2019, I would like to re-introduce to all of you, Tonya Williams.

You would never know by looking at Tonya, but for forty years, Tonya has worked both in front of and behind the camera, and more recently, she has been focused on empowering racially diverse talent in Canada. Our younger generation may not be aware of the importance of Tonya, but for anyone who grew up with someone who was a fan of The Young and The Restless, then you would remember her as Dr. Olivia Barber Winters. To be honest, I just remember hating on this woman who was married to my imaginary husband Shemar Moore, and I won’t lie, seeing her in person brought back some laughable childhood memories. Her role as Dr. Olivia Winters garnered her two Emmy nominations, two NAACP Image Awards, and an ACTRA (Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists) Award of Excellence.

*Quick Tonya Fact*

In 1979, Tonya was one of the first black actresses to break into mainstream Canadian television.

Through Wilbo Entertainment (founded and actively run by Tonya), and during her five years sitting on the Toronto Film Board, Tonya has successfully created opportunities for emerging talent in Canada, and in 2001, she created Reelworld Films, which will forever stamp her legacy as one of Canada’s most influential people.

Reelworld Film Festival showcases Canadian documentaries, short films, music videos, animation, and quality creations that spark conversation and fuel positive action. This year’s festival ran from October 18^th–21^st at the Famous Players Canada Square, and this takes us back to my arrival at the opening on October 17^th. Selina McCallum (Junior Reporter) had decided to be my date that night; she was the best choice, because as a filmmaker herself, I knew that she would provide great insight for this article. The night began with light drinks, and mingling; without even realizing it, I bumped into one of the stars of the opening feature film ‘The Incredible 25th Year of Mitzi Bearclaw.’ Billy Merasty (Indian Horse, Shinaab) played William Bearclaw, Mitzi Bearclaw’s father; it didn’t click in until I saw him on the screen.

What I enjoyed about the event is that is was streamlined, and from the outside looking in, the opening night was going as planned. After the speeches, we were introduced to Mitzy Bearclaw, a young woman whose life completely changes with the arrival of a letter from her dad William Bearclaw (the man that I bumped into outside). Director Shelley Niro, takes us from the day Mitzy turns 25, to the day that she turns 26; all her upsets, her pain, her creative passion, her dedication to tradition and culture is revealed to the audience. The film exposed aspects of a culture that some may not have been familiar with, and emphasizes the fact that as humans, we have a lot more in common than we think we do. I was very impressed with MorningStar Angeline, the young woman who played Mitzi Bearclaw; I enjoyed her energy on the screen, and how she was able to get me to relate to her character’s struggles in her 25^th year.

At the end of the screening, the audience were given the opportunity to have a conversation with Billy Merasty (Indian Horse, Shinaab), Vance Banzo (Indian Horse) as Ringo-Leaves-No-Shadow (actor who plays Mitzi’s Toronto boyfriend), and Director Shelley Niro. It was an interactive discussion that allowed the actors to authentically represent themselves, and for the audience to learn more about the actors process while making this film.

Overall, it was a worthwhile experience that helped open my eyes to the future of film and filmmaking; community, we have a lot to be proud of. What I have to do is continue to bring this type of positive, inspirational information to you. You can visit Reelworld at https://www.reelworld.ca/. We are being represented; we have to just get out there to see it.