11 BROOKLYN, NY: THE BROOKLYN Academy of Music’s (BAM) largest cinema room provided the perfect backdrop for a sold-out screening, celebrating the Jamaican contemporary film, titled Dead Lef. FEATURING THE works of Jamaicaborn and diaspora filmmakers Khalik Allah, Sasha-Gay Lewis, Ania Freer, Ryan Eccleston, Amber Pinkerton, Nathan Miller and Joseph Douglas Elmhirst, the screening was a reminder and a testament to the power of Jamaican art. Dead Lef: Visions of Contemporary Jamaica, was curated by filmmaker Joseph Douglas Elmhirst, and was the result of him reaching out via Instagram last year to the president of BAM, Gina Duncan, who is also of Jamaican heritage. Douglas Elmhirst specifically made a case for his desire to curate a screening which showed subversive visions of Jamaican life, through the lens of directors of Jamaican heritage. The screening sold out days in advance, highlighting a demand to see Jamaica represented on the screen, internationally. “I’m an admirer of the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and the artists they support across different media. It felt special to happen in Brooklyn, a borough which has a really strong connection to Jamaican history and culture. In a year where we’ve seen a wide range of depictions of Jamaica on screen, I thought it would be interesting to curate a programme of short films that offer experimental and subversive visions of the island, while also celebrating Jamaican contemporary filmmakers each exploring the heritage they have inherited,” Elmhirst shared. The programme was followed by a conversation with the filmmakers led by acclaimed, and Man Booker prize winning novelist, Marlon James, which touched on subjects from dancehall and familial relationships, to political corruption and spirituality. “A lot can come from placing artistic voices in the same space and seeing what’s shared beyond heritage, and of course reminding people how talented Jamaican & Jamaican diaspora people are across all artistic mediums, including film. I wanted the films to feel like they were coming from within, and Jamaicans to feel represented both in those films, as well as behind them. I hope that the result for the audience was a tribute to a people and a culture deeply deserving of one,” he said. The night ended with a celebration of food and dancing at Taylormade Jamaican Eatery on Greene Ave in Clinton-Hill, a Jamaican-owned restaurant. The filmmaker is currently touring film festivals with his awardwinning third short film Burnt Milk, an adaptation of his mother, Miss Ronnie’s, forthcoming novel of the same title, which premièred at the Venice Biennale. He hopes for the programme of Jamaican ‘shorts’ to travel, and of course screen in Jamaica this year. He will also be releasing a book later this year, celebrating contemporary Caribbean art, including works, interviews and essays. Neil Armstrong/Gleaner Writer TORONTO: SOPHIA FINDLAY, the Gleaner’s Canada-based journalist, advertising executive, and custom content curator was among several women who were celebrated at an annual leadership event for women at the Victoria Day weekend. TO MARK its ninth anniversary, Meet the Motivators Inc. held its symposium under the theme, ‘Celebrating Women in Leadership’ to educate, inspire and empower women and girls to pursue leadership roles within their communities and careers. The two-day event took place on May 18 at Sheridan College Davis Campus in Brampton, Ontario, with workshops and expert panels; and on May 19, a gala featuring keynote speaker, personal finance expert, Pattie Lovett-Reid. Findlay, a personal stylist and CEO of her own media agency, Sophia Findlay Unlimited, hosted ‘Elevate Your Style: A Workshop on Dressing for Success & Personal Branding’, which drew an engaging and interactive audience. Curating content, through writing, storytelling, styling, photography, and sales, are her passions. Sophia Findlay Unlimited has many elements that serve different areas of her expertise, such as content curation, style consultancy, content brand, and photography. Findlay is a strong advocate for women and children and instigates journalistic narratives on these topics. She is outgoing, and as a lifestyle connoisseur with her Sofi Style column, which appears on radio, online and in print media, her interests are varied, with a strong tie to community. As did the other presenters at the symposium, she received a letter of commendation from Premier Doug Ford who noted that “women play a vital role in building dynamic and prosperous societies. Know that the time, talent, and positive energy you shared have helped build a better and brighter world for women and girls. By working together, we are helping build a world of opportunity and achievement for the next generation of women leaders and changemakers. You’re a true champion and an all-star.” Findlay also received an award for her participation in this year’s event.“I’m incredibly honoured to be recognised by an organisation that celebrates women’s leadership and for Sofi Style to be their Elevate your Style: Dressing for Success workshop expert. Meet the Motivators has been nurturing businesswomen for years, so I’m truly in awe of working alongside them on this journey of helping others to perfect their personal brand while building confidence and networking skills to create their own opportunities. Sometimes, it starts by dressing well,” said Findlay. REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENTS Jamaica-born Jacqueline Dixon, founder of Meet the Motivators Inc., described the symposium as a transformative and unforgettable experience paying tribute to the indomitable spirit and remarkable achievements of women in leadership. She said it provided valuable skills, insights, and connections to help ensure personal and professional success. The activities on the first day included a panel discussion with female members of Peel Police Force, ‘Empowerability: Thriving Beyond Disability’ by partner and CEO at Prime Health Care Inc., Inga Tkachenko Ramage; and “Breaking Free: A Workshop on Overcoming Narcissistic Relationships,” by author and speaker, Sandy Maeck. The others were: “Unveiling Resilience: Strategies for Overcoming & Thriving Beyond Trauma” by certified grief educator, Nichole Samuels-Bell; “Women in Skilled Trades” by Tisha Grant aka The ContractHer and Desiree Smith, The Floor Diva: “Inspire & Thrive: “Motivational Workshop for Cultivating Positivity & Success” by president of Sharma-Singh Immigration Inc, Mala Sharma-Singh; “Healing Hearts: Empowering Women’s Journey to Overcoming Love Addiction,”by mental health professional, Donna Campbell: “Global Connect: A Networking Workshop for New Immigrants” by community advocate and political advisor, Jenny Kalimbet; and “Pitch Perfect: Mastering the Art of Persuasion and Closing Deals” by–president and CEO of New Era Communications, Jacqueline Dixon. The second day featured high-level talks with women leaders in politics and media. Among them were award-winning TV host Nneka Elliot, CTV news anchor Andria Case, and Dr. Jean Augustine, the first elected black female member of parliament and the first black woman in Cabinet. Popular motivational speaker, threetime former Golden Glove Champion and Canadian Boxing Hall of Fame 1996 inductee Spider Jones also shared an inspirational message. Case was the recipient of the lifetime achievement award. She was born in England to Jamaican parents, spent her early years there before moving to Canada where she studied journalism and advertising at Ryerson University in Toronto, now Toronto Metropolitan University. The aim of the day was to provide practical tips, strategies, and insights for success, as well as a sense of community and empowerment. The event was in support of The Resilient Woman Program, a monthly mastermind workshop aimed at developing female leaders within grassroots communities who have faced various hardships. Flow 98.7 FM provided live coverage of the first day and the second day concluded with a Flow Dance Party. Entertainment included performances from Sunday Singers, The Quincy Bullen Band featuring Belinda Brady, Hips Don’t Lie dance group and a fashion show by 6ix Element Designers. THE MONTHLY GLEANER | JUNE 13 - JULY 13, 2024 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | LIFESTYLE Jamaica-inspired films featured at Brooklyn festival POST MORTEM. Filmmakers and festival participants, (from left); Joe Elmhirst – Burnt Milk; Ania Freer – Strictly Two Wheel andSashaGay Lewis – The Incursion; participate in a Q & A, moderated by award winning poet & novelist, Marlon James (right), after the recent screening of Dead Lef, at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), downtown Brooklyn, NY. CONTRIBUTED Joseph D. Elmhirst, filmmaker and festival curator. Gleaner journalist celebrated among women in leadership Sophia Findlay, journalist and Meet the Motivators “Elevate Your Style: Dressing for Success” workshop expert, stopped by the symposium’s red carpet. CONTRIBUTED Dr. Jean Augustine (left) and Jacqueline Dixon (right) shared lens with Meet the Motivators’ Lifetime Awardee, CTV news anchor Andria Case. CONTRIBUTED
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUzNTI=