Elevating with Maya Bastian

Now is the time to get to know who Maya Bastian is. The queer artist/filmmaker has an extensive resume in the industry that’s not to be overlooked. She has won awards and has been the recipient of several grants from the likes of the Ontario and Toronto Arts Council. She has served as a panellist for festivals like the ReFrame Film Festival and conferences like the Reel Ideas Conference. As well as a moderator for events like the CineFam Talk Shop Series. It’s astounding what she has achieved and accomplished within the film industry. She has used her time effectively over the past decade. It’s full steam ahead when it comes to fulfilling her vision. Which is getting those the opportunity that they deserve.

Black Market Releasing

Maya Bastian is the lead programmer for Black Market Releasing. She recently spoke to us here on FERNTV about their recent premiere of the film With Wonder from director Sharon Lewis. Black Market Releasing is part of the CarribeanTales Media Group led by Francis-Anne Solomon. Over the years this group in Toronto has celebrated and supported films from BIPOC filmmakers. Bastian is excited for Sharon Lewis who has been a member of the family within CarribeanTales. With Wonder focuses on the members of the BIPOC and QPOC communities. It’s their stories and struggles with their connection with their Christian faith that is at the forefront of this film. These stories are one of a kind which will emotionally move audiences globally. This is why the subjects of the film are all from all walks of life throughout the world.

Bastian first spoke of D’Lo when asked as to which of the members of the film she related to. D’Lo is a queer/transgender Tamil-Sri Lankan-American actor/writer/comedian. She then spoke of the two reverends that being Reverend Jide from London/Nigeria and Reverend Winnie from New York. These stories were moving and a sense of urgency is needed to bring them to this platform. With the direction of Sharon Lewis, With Wonder will provide a safe space to share these stories. It is rather difficult to have these voices heard especially when your own country does not embrace your sexuality. For example, the film introduces Maurice who has been an activist for LGBTQ rights in Jamaica and has fended off violence. Lewis gets down to the truth right away without any hesitation.

Cross-Country Tour

With Wonder will be screening in other cities across Canada as it goes on tour within the next several months. BIPOC and QPOC communities will be notified to celebrate this screening in the cities of Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax and Montreal. It’s the first film serving the mission and vision for both Black Market Releasing and CarribeanTales Media Group. It is a duty for these films to not get lost in the shuffle when it comes to marketing and distribution. Black Market Releasing’s hands-on and grassroots approach will make sure that these films will be seen.

This is what lead to the frustration of filmmakers like Maya Bastian regarding the distribution of films. It is difficult for these filmmakers to get their voices heard and their stories told regarding their communities. Getting picked up for distribution is a step forward but this has not been the case when it comes to BIPOC and QPOC films. Maya Bastian knows that these valuable films are getting lost in distribution. Hence, a valuable solution and movement must be curated to move forward. Filmmakers have been suffering long enough with hard work going unnoticed. It’s time to swing the pendulum the other way.

The Big Pitch

Maya Bastian spoke positively about the Big Pitch during this year’s Toronto International Film Festival. The competition drew from the CarribeanTales Black Incubator and Studio Access Program. It was held at TIFF Bell Lightbox and the jury consisted of many of the industry’s experts and professionals. Nevertheless, the Big Pitch chose three winners. The first place went to Kristen Lambie, second place to Fenella Bruce and 3rd place to Asis Sethi. The event was a success, especially having TIFF bring back the in-person festival this year. FERNTV felt the enthusiasm from Maya Bastian that this event and its momentum will grow bigger and bigger every year.

With that said, Maya Bastian has all the tools to move the needle in a much-needed different direction. You would think this trailblazer would have enough on her plate by committing herself to so many avenues of film. This is not the case with Maya. She sets the standard when it comes to curating movements for the BIPOC and QPOC communities in the industry. She will keep the wheels in motion for Black Market Releasing and the cross-country tour of With Wonder. There is no stop button when it comes to Maya Bastian’s goals. There never was.

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