
The City Life Film Project is a vessel for young people of Toronto to recognize the extent of their creative potential who otherwise, may not have the means to do so. With their focus on film and the art of story-telling, 3 talented emerging filmmakers, Tichaona Tapambwa, Anthony Swan and Hannah Yohannes premiered their short films at a one-of-a-kind screening at the TIFF Bell Lightbox.

“They gave me the best actors anyone could ask for, the best director mentors, cinematographer mentors and on top of that, gave me the confidence to believe in myself.” That was the heartfelt acknowledgement by Tichaona Tapambwa, director of “Soul’d Out”. With the guidance of mentors Shawn Alex Thompson & Clark Johnson, the film told the story of a young photographer, Will, fighting to rise above his corrupt environment which threatens to destroy his path to success.

Anthony Swan, director of, “Blow Out”, says he knew he wanted to be a filmmaker since the first time he picked up a VHS video camera at the age of eight. However, as he grew older, the dream seemed further away. “When I was 18 I was like, ‘I’m never going to be a filmmaker, this is too hard!’ And then I joined The Remix Project. They’re like, ‘It is hard, but it’s possible, here’s how you do it.’” And he did do it. With the mentoring of Aaron Woodley, Swan created a film which depicts a dichotomy between two brothers dealing with a tragedy. The raw emotion and indelible love between brothers permeated the big screen.

A personal journey led to the plot for “Home Away” directed by Hannah Yohannes. Hannah, who like her main character Sabrina, became pregnant at a young age and suffered the repercussions of prejudices. It is those experiences that have propelled her passion to direct. She says through film she hopes to “bring justice to social issues and bring awareness on different topics.” “Home Away” strikes down the prominent glamourization of teen pregnancy and delves deep into the feeling of despair and hopelessness. Yohannes credits her mentor RT! for giving her valuable advice and lessons, “He taught me the importance of hard work, dedication and persistence, he’s amazing!”
For more info: citylifefilmproject.com
Posted by Samira Zia Rehman
Previously: Vote For The City Life Film Project
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