Biography

Actress, producer, and writer, Katherine holds degrees from several theatre and law schools and often combines creativity and impact in her projects. An Afro-Canadian and Quebecer, she comes from a large family in Halifax, home to the first and largest Black community in Canada. Throughout her career, she has worked with organizations such as the United Nations, the Olympic Committee, Cirque du Soleil, ATFCiné, and many others. She co-founded Les Acteurs Associés, Global Goodness, and White Wash Productions. While her acting work has taken her to numerous sets and she has collaborated as a screenwriter and producer on several productions, Mémoires Métissées is her directorial debut.

Questions for Katherine Adams

What inspired this project?

I am mixed race. My father is Black, but I am what is called "white appearing." Being mixed race is a great asset, but it also carries a degree of duality when your skin doesn't reflect it. I have often found myself caught between the tree and the bark.

Do you feel that you yourself have been a victim of racism?

Yes, of course. I experienced the violence and the resulting discrimination in a different way than if I had had darker skin, because it was directed against the most important man in my life, my father.

Did you have the intention of making a film out of it?

Not at all. The idea was to write and produce a play.

How did this turn into a movie?

After the theatrical performance, we received support from various arts councils to create a digital version, which allowed us to further explore the project by intertwining our different cultures. We delved deeper into the dramaturgy, dance, songs, and music. We produced several creative and documentary segments. Gradually, a story took shape and evolved into a cinematic form.

Is this how Mémoires Métissées came about?

Yes. A short docu-fiction that tells the story of Céleste, Clara, and Cassandre, three women who each reclaim their cultural heritage. By sharing their personal stories, they hope that these stories will become part of the larger historical narrative, the one not found in books, ensuring that they will never again be silenced.

What is silenced?

The damage caused by colonization, slavery, everyday racism, whether individual or systemic, and so on.

What did you learn while making this film?

Everything!!! I knew nothing about filmmaking. I had the immense privilege of being mentored by Yves Simoneau, surrounded by an incredibly talented and experienced team, and advised by Item 7.