Racism: Problems and Solutions Documentaries are a series of videos highlighting the personal stories of individuals who have dealt with racism and discrimination. The series is intended to inspire conversation and generate support for continued advocacy. These documentary style videos highlight stories advocating for a more equitable Canada featuring heroes who have broken new ground in their views and achieved experiences that are worth sharing. We intend to inspire conversation and generate support for continued advocacy to make the world a more equitable and just place for all peoples in Canada, particularly racialized and Indigenous peoples.
All the videos can be accessed on our YouTube channel.
1. The Science of Racism | In partnership with Silvertrust Media
The Science of Racism is a short educational video exploring the ways in which our brain compartmentalizes, classifies and subconsciously discriminates in order to make sense of the world around us.
2.RDS vs. A Story of Race and Justice | In partnership with Adjacent Possibilities Inc.
This film tells the personal story of Rodney Darren Smalls’ (RDS), and his journey to shake the stereotypes that followed him as a Black teenage drug dealer and channel his entrepreneurship into community benefit. Special thanks to director Scott Baker and his team (cinematography by: Neal Hicks and Jeff Wheaton, editing by: Erin Gulas and Radojka Vrabac, colouring by: Kevin Luttman, scoring and sound mix: Jon Dobson, and Sound recordist: Josh Owen). This film features Rodney Darren Smalls.
3. Mother Tongues: The Journey of Tam Goossen | In partnership with J by J Productions
Through the lens of her life story, Toronto activist and educator Tam Goossen speaks to the challenges and triumphs of Chinese Canadian communities. Special thanks to producer: Jinung Chung and director: Cailleah Scott-Grimes. This film features Tam Goossen.
4. Walking in Two Worlds - Chloe Dragon Smith | In partnership with Artless Collective Cinematography
This film follows the story of Chloe Dragon Smith, a young Metis woman from the small northern city of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. She is of Chipewyan and European heritage and she grew up close to her Indigenous cultural values and learned traditional skills for living on the land. This northern upbringing shaped her values today. Special thanks to Pablo Saravanja, writer Jay Bulckaert, and editor: Andrew Silke. This film features Chloe Dragon Smith.
5. Accidental Activist - El-Farouk | In partnership with J by J Productions
Accidental Activist is a story of an immigrant from Tanzania who came to Canada as a young boy. In the process of overcoming personal challenges of identity and belonging, El-Farouk has dedicated himself to creating a world of wellness and oneness. Special thanks to Jinung Chung - director and producer. This film features El-Farouk Khaki.
6. Beyond Unceded Territories - Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun | In partnership with Paisley Smith
Beyond Unceded Territories dives deeply into the perspective of artist and activist Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun. Yuxweluptun, one of Canada's most outspoken and influential contemporary artists. He is of Cowichan and Okanagan First Nations decent. His work is highly political and confront issues of colonization, climate change, and oppression head-on. He recently collaborated on a virtual reality film, Unceded Territories, with director Paisley Smith, making issues of climate change tangible for audiences when they unknowingly embody the suited, evil 'Super Predator,' often depicted in his work. In Beyond Unceded Territories, Yuxweluptun shares his feelings honestly against a backdrop of climate and pipeline protests. Yuxweluptun uses his art as a tool to effect change – and change is coming. Special thanks to producer Paisley Smith, and executive producer Jason Legge. This film features Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun and was created on the unceded territories of the Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, and Musqueam Nations.
7. Inuk Butterfly - Olivia Thomassie | In partnership with Yändata Inc.
Olivia Lya Thomassie is an Inuk woman following her path through art. Beading, photography and tattooing are her defense against prejudice and difficulty. This documentary explores her complex search for identity in the face of culture shock. Her resilience and her thirst for adventure mirror the flight of a butterfly in nature or in the immense urban landscape. Special thanks to producer Philippe Sioui Durand and director of Photography Nicolas Renaud. This film features Olivia Lya Thomassie with the participation of Nancy Saunders.