New Filmmaker Empowered to Drive Social Change Through Storytelling
Up-and-coming filmmaker Andre Anderson is driven by a passion for telling the stories of African Nova Scotians that haven’t been told. With the help of Dal Innovates’ Collide Validate program, Anderson is pursuing his dream of making films that educate, build connections, and inspire others to drive societal change.
Throughout high school and university, Anderson’s acting talent landed him numerous roles, including being cast in the hit TV series, Mr. D. Being an actor also enabled him to build relationships with key stakeholders in the film industry, including two-time Oscar-winning filmmaker, Ben Proudfoot.
True Passion
Andre’s true passion for wanting to craft his own stories and become a director, was ignited after watching director Ava DuVernay’s Oscar-nominated film, 13th, a documentary about the criminalization of African Americans and the U.S. prison system.
“13th really opened my eyes to the power of a documentary and to how big an African American director can become,” says Anderson. It was at this point that he pivoted from acting to directing and a desire to create films that would strike a chord with diverse audiences.
Collide Validate Success
Yet, Anderson faced the challenge of finding mentors who understood the business side of the film industry. He turned to Dal Innovates’ Collide Validate program to help him expand his business network.
“Collide Validate acted like a kindling to spark my career!” – Andre Anderson, founder of Anderson Films.
Since completing Collide Validate, Anderson is realizing his dream of becoming a social impact filmmaker. He has successfully directed his debut documentary, “Standing Tall,” featuring Senator Dr. Wanda Thomas Bernard who discusses tearing down systemic barriers to social justice and challenges us to be advocates for social change. This documentary has been nominated for best documentary short at Beyond the Curve International Film Festival.
The Impact
A recipient of the Michaëlle Jean Power of Youth Grant, Anderson’s next film project, “Through Our Eyes” will be about the need for students to learn more about our rich African Nova Scotian history in the education system.
Andre’s journey exemplifies how Collide Validate empowered him to lead with confidence in launching Anderson Films. Steadfast in his mission to pursue impactful storytelling and inspire audiences to drive societal change, Anderson is excited about the future, saying “I have a story idea that would connect with a lot of people, including Ava DuVernay. So, when I’m ready, I will ask my friend Ben Proudfoot, who knows her, to make the introduction.”