Johnathan Daniel Born and raised in the Caribbean on the small Island of Barbados, the 28 year

old has had a curiosity for videography from a young age. After

facing and overcoming some hardships in his life, he became passionate about

helping the youth through sharing his story and using the format of photography

and videography to inspire others. As a self taught videographer, a husband and an

activist now having a passion for the youth , he realized the power of videography as

a medium of expression. He creates from a place of love, making thought provoking

projects that can help give a voice to the voiceless. To tell a story not just for

entertainment, but for growth and healing in people’s lives.

Dir. Statement:

“Dear Single Mom” is more than a poem — it’s a visual offering of

gratitude. I wanted to create something that feels like both a confession and a

celebration, a cinematic letter to the women who carry the weight of the world with

one hand while holding their children with the other.

This project was born out of witnessing the quiet heroism of single mothers — their

perseverance, patience, and pain that often go unseen. Through poetic narration,

intimate framing, and symbolic imagery, the film captures moments that speak

louder than words: the flicker of exhaustion behind a smile, the strength in solitude,

and the unspoken beauty in sacrifice.

Visually, I aimed to blend realism with softness — warm natural light, handheld

shots, and reflective pacing — to mirror the emotional rhythm of the poem. The

voiceover serves as both a son and society speaking, bridging gratitude with

acknowledgment. Ultimately, “Dear Single Mom” is not just a tribute — it’ s a reflection of resilience. It

invites viewers to pause, to remember, and to recognize that love, when stretched to

its limits, can still remain unbroken.

Asiah Sparks is a polydisciplinary African Nova Scotian artist, filmmaker, storyteller, poet, and

arts facilitator from Dartmouth, with roots in the historically Black community of Lake

Loon/Cherry Brook. Their practice lives where creativity meets care, where where is more than

an action, but a way of seeing, healing, remembering, and reimagining.

Grounded in community and shaped by her lived experiences, Asiah’s storytelling navigates the

intersection of identity, love, grief, and resilience. Her work exists to disrupt the flattening of

Black narratives, choosing instead to center joy, vulnerability, and the fullness of being.

Whether on stage, on screen, or in workshop spaces, Asiah creates room for softness in places

often hardened by history.

While poetry remains her foundation, Asiah is deepening her practice through the exploration

of screenwriting and narrative filmmaking. Her directorial debut, Healing Through Poetry

documentary-style short inspired by an arts workshop she facilitated for Black women, has

been awarded Best Direction in the Emerging Lens Film Festival in 2025. With this project and

beyond, she is committed to exploring art as both a tool for transformation and communal

restoration.

Asiah continues curating spaces that invite reflection, dialogue, and creative liberation. She also

brings a background in social services, grounding her artistic work in a justice-centered lens.

A former Youth Poet Laureate of Halifax and recipient of both the Provincial and HRM

Volunteer of the Year Awards, Asiah Sparks writes not just to be heard, but to build worlds

where others might find themselves.

Directotors Statement

As the director of "Healing Through Poetry, " I am deeply honored to bring to life a project that

resonates with the heart and soul of Black womanhood. This film is not just a narrative; it’s a

celebration of the profound strength, resilience, and beauty that exists within our community.

The inspiration for this film stems from my belief in the transformative power of storytelling.

Throughout history, Black women have been the keepers of stories— and complex realities of

struggle, triumph, joy, and pain. In creating this workshop, we aimed to provide a safe and

nurturing space where these voices could be heard, honored, and amplified. I envisioned a

setting where women could come together, share their personal journeys, and explore the

intersectionality of their identities without fear of judgment.

What makes "Healing Through Poetry" truly special is its focus on connection and vulnerability.

It is a reminder that our experiences, while unique, are woven together by common threads of

culture, identity, and shared struggles. The workshop’s emphasis on poetry and storytelling

serves as a powerful medium for expression and healing, allowing participants to articulate their

truths in a way that is both personal and universal.

I wanted to create a film that not only showcases the beauty of Black women but also invites

audiences to reflect on their own narratives. By capturing the raw emotions and authentic

connections forged during the workshop, we hope to inspire viewers to embrace their stories

and celebrate the voices of those around them.

Healing Through Poetry" is more than just a film; it is a movement rooted in truth and love. Truth

and Love has never been a popular movement, but liberation comes without love and truth…

the most radical thing you can do is love truly and fully in a world that is filled with hate and

hardship. I am excited to share this journey with you and hope it sparks conversations that

uplifts empowers.

Stephen Jones is a black filmmaker from the Caribbean. My

aim is to create films with both compelling stories and high production value

that can compete on a global market.

Ron Harris is a highly talented writer, director, and producer hailing from

Greensboro, North Carolina, known for his unique storytelling and innovative

techniques. With a deep passion for filmmaking, Ron established himself as a true

force in the independent film circuit. He began his journey in California, gaining

valuable experience on various film sets, before returning to his roots to launch his

independent career, where he has since written, directed, and produced several

short films. Ron holds an MFA in Creative Producing from the prestigious University

of North Carolina School of the Arts ('21), further solidifying his reputation as a

rising star in independent cinema.

Dir. Statement: For me, filmmaking is more than just a profession; it's a calling. It's

about exploring the human experience, challenging perspectives, and creating

something that resonates long after the credits roll. I am driven by the desire to craft

compelling narratives that are not only entertaining but also thought-provoking and

impactful. I believe in the power of independent film to spark conversations and

inspire change.

I look forward to continuing my journey, collaborating with fellow artists, and

bringing even more stories to the screen. My goal remains the same: to create work

that is both celebrated for its unique storytelling and recognized for its innovative

techniques, leaving a lasting impression on the world of film.