|
| |
Speak It! From The Heart of Black Nova Scotia (1994)
The Department of Canadian Heritage (Citizens' Participation and Multiculturalism)
continues for the sixth consecutive year to sponsor the Canada Award, a special
award created to honour excellence in mainstream television programming which
best reflects the cultural diversity of Canada. The recipient of this prestigious
award is chosen by a special jury of industry professionals:
This year the Canada Award is presented to Speak 1t! From The Heart of Black
Nova Scotia; a production of the National Film Board of Canada, Atlantic Centre,
directed by Sylvia Hamilton, produced by Mike Mahoney and executive produced
by Marilyn A. Belec. Speak It! From The Heart Of Black Nova Scotia speaks to
the experience of being young and Black today. Set in Halifax, the program follows
several Black high school students as they work to establish a Cultural Awareness
Youth Group, a vehicle for building pride and self-esteem through educational
and cultural programs.
In a predominantly white high school, the students face daily reminders of the
presence of racism, but they do not lose hope. With help from mentors; they discover
the richness of their heritage and learn how they can begin to effect change.
Whether marching in a peace and justice rally, debating interracial relationships,
or staging a play about Black history, they take on each new challenge with energy,
increasing focus, and ever-present humour.
By following these young people as they grow in confidence and discover their
potential, Speak It! From The Heart Of Black Nova Scotia offers a welcome alternative
to contemporary media portrayals of Black youth. The program meets the aims of
the Canada Award: to promote greater opportunities within the broadcasting industry
on both sides of the camera, for ethnic and visible minority professionals; and
fosters greater public awareness of the cultural diversity of our country.
|
|
|
|
|
|
