What inspired you to create this project?

I am mixed. My father is black but I’m white appearing. Being mixed is definitely an asset but when your skin doesn’t show it, it can add a layer of complexity. I would often find myself between a rock and a hard place.

 

Do you feel you have yourself experienced racism?

Of course. I’ve experienced the violence and discrimination coming from racism in a different way than if my skin had been darker because it was directed at the most important man in my life, my father. I have often said ‘’I am you as well as the other one’’.

 

Were you then planning to make a movie?

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

 

How did that turn into a movie?

After the public reading, we received support from various Art Councils to produce a digital broadcast of the play. We pushed the exploration and mixed our different cultural backgrounds by working with dramaturgy, dance, and music. We produced creative and documentary videos. Slowly, a story emerged in a cinematographic format.

 

Thus was born Mixed Memories?

Yes. A short docu-drama about Céleste, Clara, and Cassandre, three women who each endorse their cultural heritage. By telling their personal story, they hope it will be embedded in the bigger story, the one that can’t be found in books to make sure it will never be silenced again.

 

What is being silenced?

Damages from colonization, slavery, everyday individual or systemic racism, and so on….

 

What did  you learn by directing this film?

Everything!!! I didn’t know anything about directing a movie. I had the immense privilege of being mentored by Yves Simoneau, as well as being surrounded by an incredibly talented and experienced team of cast and crew and also being advised by Item 7.