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Cancer While Black

Cancer while Black is a docuseries showcasing the hardships and triumphs Black community members, in Ottawa, have overcome in relation to cancer. Cancer disproportionately affects Black community members. Although many studies in the United States and United Kingdom demonstrate this disparity, Canadian studies of this nature are rare; thus increasing the risk of cancer amongst Black Canadians. Cancer While Black is a small snapshot into the lives of Black Canadians who have directly and indirectly been affected by this disease. Through these stories, we want to share what a day or a time period in the life of Black Canadian families look like; as well as begin the conversation about cancer in Black Canadian communities. Cancer while Black is the launch of a series of conversations that will allow us to investigate the lives and stories of Black Canadians, as a means to create more data, research, support, advocacy and funding in hopes to look into eradicating this illness.

  • Anthonette Jacob
    Director
  • Myriam Georges-Estigène
    Director
  • Anthonette Jacob
    Writer
  • Myriam Georges-Estigène
    Writer
  • Anthonette Jacob
    Producer
  • Myriam Georges-Estigène
    Producer
  • Anthonette Jacob
    Key Cast
  • Myriam Georges-Estigène
    Key Cast
  • Kerwin Duggan
    Key Cast
  • Natalie Lynda
    Key Cast
  • Diana Brown
    Key Cast
  • Loukensy Thélusma
    Key Cast
  • Tatiana Thélusma
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Genres:
    Docuseries
  • Runtime:
    14 minutes 55 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 8, 2022
  • Production Budget:
    1,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Canada
  • Country of Filming:
    Canada
  • Language:
    English, French
  • Shooting Format:
    Medium Closeup
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Distribution Information
  • Youtube
    Distributor
    Country: Canada
    Rights: All Rights, Internet
Director Biography - Anthonette Jacob, Myriam Georges-Estigène

Anthonette Jacob, born in St-Vincent and The Grenadines, immigrated to Canada at the age of eight with both her mother and father. She obtained a diploma in business administration and has sat on multiple boards aimed at serving Ottawa’s Black communities. Her experience in working and living in the community for over 40 years, has allowed her to create the first and only Black-led holistic community centre in Ottawa: the African, Caribbean & Black Wellness Resource Centre. This centre, a vision that she had since her adolescence, is a safe space for Black community members living in Ottawa to learn, connect, and development their skills in a manner that contributes to their wellbeing and the socioeconomic advancement of Ottawa’s Black communities.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Cancer While Black is a testimony to my own journey as a Black woman diagnosed with breast cancer. Finding the lump in my right breast, in the year 2020, set me on a new path to self-discovery and self-mastery. My intention with this first docuseries is to highlight some of the challenges Black community members, including myself, have faced throughout their own personal encounters with cancer. Although many studies in the United States and United Kingdom have shown high rates of cancer amongst Black communities, Canadian research and data of this nature are rare; thus increasing Black Canadians chances of getting diagnosed with cancer. That being said, I created this short-film to highlight the impact of this disease in Black communities, as well as the strength and resilience that can arise as Black folk learn to heal themselves. I hope that you all enjoy this short-film, and that we continue to work towards creating safe and inclusive spaces for Black folk to tell their stories.