BY RUSHANE FERRON

The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) has received an unprecedented number of submissions for this year’s FiWi Short Film Competition. Launched earlier this year, the competition drew an impressive 47 entries. Currently, 17 shortlisted films are available for public viewing on the JCDC’s YouTube channel, with winners set to be announced on October 24^th.

Executive Director of the JCDC, Mr. Lenford Salmon, expressed pride in the competition’s growing success, stating, “This record number of entries reflects how Jamaicans are embracing the programmes offered by the JCDC. While the Commission is well known for preserving and showcasing our culture, we also recognize the importance of using technology to engage, particularly with our youth. The FiWi Short Film Competition is a perfect example of how we can bring our culture to life in the digital age. The fact that it’s four years old and already experiencing this level of growth is a promising sign for the future.”

Drama and Theatre Arts Development Specialist at the JCDC, Mr. Shaun Drysdale, attributes this year’s spike in entries to the increasing interest in filmmaking, fueled by the proliferation of social media platforms that support storytelling through visuals.

“We are living in a digital age. Filmmaking is now in the hands of the average person on the street via his, or her cell phone. Add to that the inherent creativity of Jamaicans and you are left with a potent combination, which when given the correct environment, can reap tangible rewards. That is what we are experiencing at this time,” Mr. Drysdale said.

The JCDC FiWi Short Film Competition seeks to promote Jamaican culture through the production of films ranging from 3-5 minutes in duration. The films must be based on set criteria, and primarily centred around a Jamaican proverb.

This year’s proverbs are: “Sweet mout fly follow coffin go a hole”; “Puss nuh hab han, but him tek him foot wipe him face”; “Keep clear a ole house, les dem fall dung pon you”; “Rockstone a riber bottom nuh feel sun hot”; and “Finger tink, yuh cyan cut eh trow ‘wey”.

In addition to the proverbs, participants were also given two special themes around which to build the treatment of their films, based on concepts provided by two sponsors. These are: “SEAS IN FOCUS: Uniting for marine managed areas”- National Conservation Trust Fund of Jamaica (NCTFJ) and “Need a passport quick, Get it with just a click”- Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA).

Mr. Drysdale further noted that this year’s shortlisted films represent a variety of the possible genres with eleven dramatic works, two animation films, one comedy, one documentary and two science fiction films. Three of the participants are from the youth category, which is for filmmakers between 12-18 years old and the remaining 14 from adult category.

In addition to viewing the short films online, the public will have an opportunity to view at a special screening to be held on National Heroes’ Day, Monday, October 21^st, 2024, as a feature of JCDC National Heritage Fest and Family Fun Day being held on the south lawn at Devon House in St Andrew.

The FiWi Short Film Competition was started by the JCDC in 2021 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The competition is the brainchild of the JCDC’s Drama and Theatre Arts Unit and encourages Jamaican amateur filmmakers to examine selected Jamaican proverbs and based on their interpretation create the treatment for a short film.

BY PAUL JUNOR

There is: planning, preparation, and organization that parents, guardians and caregivers must make in York Region as they prepare their children for high school. For those who chose to send them to a high school at the Catholic board, there are open houses planned to make this process easier to navigate.

In a press release on Thursday, October 10^th, 2024, details were revealed about these open houses. It notes, “The open houses will highlight key aspects of each school, including administration, programs, graduation requirements, uniforms, school structure, student opportunities and more. In addition, information about the registration process, including registration dates, deadlines and documents needed to enroll, will be discussed.

The media release mentioned the seven regional programs, and ten Specialist High Skills Majors (SHSM) programs. They include:

Advanced Placement

Programs with an extended and enriched curriculum allow students to earn credits or advanced standing at most universities.

English as a Second Language

(ESL) and English Literacy Development (ELD)

English as a Second Language and English Literacy Development programs assist English language learners from diverse linguistic and education backgrounds in attaining English language proficiency.

French Immersion (FI)

Students who completed the Elementary French Immersion programs, or equivalent can continue with the immersion program to earn a French immersion certificate upon graduation.

High Performer Athlete (HPA)

An academic-based program for student-athletes participating in competitive-level athletics. Students benefit from a flexible timetable to help balance their academic and athletic commitments and earn high school credits for the work they put into their training.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

A rigorous and intellectually challenging pre-university course of study that allows students to earn an IB Diploma upon graduation, recognized in Canada and abroad.

Regional Arts (RAP)/Integrated Regional Arts Program(iRAP)

Students specialize in drama, dance, visual arts, digital media arts, instrumental music, or vocal music- while obtaining their high school diploma. In the iRAP, students experience their learning through an integrated model where the curriculum is explored in relation to the interconnectedness of the individual, the community, and the world.

STREAM Program

Students explore real-world challenges and use the design thinking process to develop critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication skills, guided by the traditional Catholic social teachings. This academic program uses an interdisciplinary approach to inquiry and problem-based learning.

Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)

Students can obtain a diploma with a specialist in either: Arts and Culture; Aviation and Aerospace; Business; Health and Wellness; Hospitality and Tourism; Information and Communication Technology; Justice, Community Safety and Emergency Services, Manufacturing; or Non-Profit. Every YCDSB school offers a SHSM program.

Parents or guardians who live in York Region and are interested in any programs can check: Website: www.ycdsb.ca

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

The stage was set for a night of glitz, glamour, and celebration at Toronto’s most anticipated award ceremony, honoring the very best in Black entertainment. The city’s brightest stars, from media personalities to talented artists and impactful content creators, arrived in style, dressed to the nines, and radiating excellence. With the spotlight on them, they showcased the talent, creativity, and cultural influence that make Toronto not only a hub for entertainment, but one of the greatest cities in the world.

On Sunday, September 29^th, 2024 at  HISTORY (1663 Queen Street East)  The Black Academy honoured the best and brightest in Black Canadian talent at The Legacy Awards, a star-studded live broadcast on CBC and CBC Gem, hosted by Adrian Holmes.  The Legacy Awards aired live on CBC and streams CBC Gem on Sunday, September 29^th, 2024, at 8 p.m. ET (9 p.m. AT/9:30 p.m. NT)

Honourees included Cameron Bailey (Visionary Award), Kardinal Offishall (Icon Award), Weyni Mengesha (Trailblazer Award) and a special Athlete Tribute for recent Olympic Gold medalists – hammer throw champion Camryn Rogers and the men’s 4×100 metre relay team, Aaron Brown, Andre De Grasse, Brendon Rodney, and Jerome Blake.

The night kicked off in style with the infamous Black Carpet, where celebrities arrived to dazzle under the spotlight. Cameras flashed as some of our favorite stars made their grand entrance, including Executive Producers Shamier Anderson and Stephan James, alongside charismatic host Adrian Holmes. Visionary Award recipient Cameron Bailey, Trailblazer Award honoree Weyni Mengesha, and the legendary Kardinal Offishall, who was celebrated with the Icon Award, all graced the carpet. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as these luminaries and many more lit up the night, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening!

The Fan Choice Nominees included: Access By Tay (Toronto); Citron Rose (Montréal); OT The OG (Toronto); Queeny Kuffour (Toronto); Ryan Holtz (Edmonton); and Toni Olaoye (Toronto).

The Legacy Awards Fan Choice Digital Content Creator Award was presented to OT The OG, a fitness enthusiast, fitness coach, and owner of the Female-Only fitness facility, Club Enhergy. This award allowed fans to choose their favourite Black-identifying Canadian digital content creators.

OT The OG attained her undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto for Sociology & Psychology, and her post-graduate degree in Human Resources at George Brown College. After experiencing both parents suffer from severe illnesses, she was compelled to take control of her own health at a very young age. In 2018, she left the corporate world to pursue this passion and in 2020 she created a fitness brand for women called “Enhergy,” an e-commerce business which sold fitness bands, apparel, and more. She now runs “Club Enhergy,” a one-of-a-kind fitness facility, which opened in August 2021.

PartyNextDoor was awarded 2024 Artist of the Year, for his pivotal role in reshaping the modern R&B and hip-hop sound and bringing Caribbean and dancehall influences to contemporary urban music. His personalized lyrics and chart-topping collaborations with some of the biggest artists on the planet; and for his international influence, PartyNextDoor deserves to be recognized for his achievements.

It was an unforgettable evening that celebrated both the achievements and the vibrant spirit of the Black community in Toronto, and once again the Legacy Awards did not disappoint.

Award shows like the Legacy Awards play a crucial role in promoting representation, especially for young people who need to see reflections of themselves in spaces of achievement and recognition. These events highlight the successes of individuals who have pursued their dreams and worked toward their purpose, demonstrating that with determination, passion, and perseverance, greatness is within reach. By showcasing diverse talent and celebrating the contributions of underrepresented communities, such shows inspire the next generation to believe in their potential and strive for excellence.