Through five powerful short films, we invite you to see the world through the eyes of youth filmmakers from across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), raw, real, and unfiltered as they tackle stories that bring our communities closer together.

Each film offers a unique lens on both local and global issues. From deeply personal narratives to bold social commentaries, these films offer fresh perspectives.

After the screening, stay for a moderated discussion and Q&A with the filmmakers — a space for meaningful dialogue, shared insight, and connection through the art of storytelling.

FEATURED FILMS & ARTISTS

Desync, Minerva Navasca
Nalashi, Niya Ahmed Abdullahi
Fried Fish & Plantain, Paul-Daniel Torres
King’s Court, Serve Poblete
African American Express, Sydnie Baynes

MODERATED BY

Nicole Dane
Nicole is a community-driven arts professional with four years of experience in relationship building and fund development grounded in equity and social justice. She has explored her love of film through collaboration on short multimedia works as an actress, writer, director, and producer. Most recently, Nicole produced her first feature film with a Toronto-based filmmaker.
Samantha Lu
Sam Lu is a self-taught photographer and emerging poet whose work has been featured in the DesignTO Festival and the CONTACT Photography Festival. She’s newly exploring spoken word, performing with JAYU, Toronto Poetry Slam, Next Generation Arts, and Unity Charity, and continues to expand her craft as she bridges her love for images and words.

AGENDA

Doors Open 3:30pm
Shorts Screening 4:00pm
Panel Discussion 5:00pm
Event Concludes 6:00pm

Just a heads up! If you plan on staying for the feature film screening, we’ll be taking a short break from 6:00pm – 6:45pm and kindly ask everyone to step out of the studio as we reset the space, re-entry will be at 6:45pm.

JAYU is committed to hosting an inclusive and accessible event for everyone. When registering, please mention if you require any accommodations or have any dietary allergies that can impact your time in our space. Light refreshments will be available.

This event is made possible thanks to the generous support of our partners and funders. We gratefully acknowledge the Government of Canada through Canadian Heritage’s Canadian Arts Presentation Fund and the Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program Events Stream for supporting JAYU’s Annual Festival of the Arts.

These films are being screened in our studio thanks to the Ontario Trillium Foundation Capital Fund, which has helped us equip our space for events like this.

A huge thank you to all our supporters for helping us bring community, creativity, and art together!

About JAYU

JAYU is a non-profit arts organization dedicated to amplifying the voices of equity-deserving youth (ages 16-30) from the GTA. Through both year-round and festival programming, we support and elevate young, emerging artists by offering them professional development opportunities and platforms to showcase their work.

About JAYU Festival of the Arts (JFA)

JAYU Festival of the Arts (JFA) is a five-day celebration of creative expression informed by human rights, equity and social justice. Youth-produced and youth-led, creatives from across the GTA share their art with community and ignite meaningful conversations.

Contact the host of JAYU Festival of the Arts: Shorts Program

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