Espwa

On the 11th anniversary of the devastating earthquake in Haiti, Daruna recounts her experiences through the tragic event and its lasting impacts on her life.

  • Mackai Sharp
    Director
  • Daruna Jean
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Animation, Experimental, Short, Student
  • Runtime:
    3 minutes 23 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 30, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    0 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Canada
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - n/a
  • Vancouver Island Youth Film Festival
    Vancouver Island
    Canada
    September 26, 2021
    World Premiere
    Best Cinematography
Director Biography - Mackai Sharp

Visual arts quickly made its way to the forefront of my life as a way of expressing myself and showcasing my perspective. I strive to capture authenticity and vulnerability in my work. Slowly over time I discovered the value that is found within connecting images to a greater narrative. What I hope to manifest for the future, is the opportunity to highlight the people, places and stories that have gone unrepresented, without an audience. These hopes and manifestations have taken over the importance of my life and have become the reason I wake up in the morning; to share stories.

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Director Statement

Over the past 12 months, my hope has dissipated exponentially. As the world turned upside down, my own faith, motivation and hope began to dwindle. Especially as I approach the end of high school, the lack of direction and my own existential spiralling made my future feel very bleak.

However, the past 12 months has also taught me patience, empathy and how to ride the wave. I learnt that not knowing what will happen in the future is actually just as comforting as it is terrifying. And luckily enough, I still find solace within my creativity.

Daruna's story is proof that hope is an intersectional concept that transcends all context and definition. Her experiences of perseverance despite the horrors she faced highlights the power we possess as human beings as much as it showcases her own humility. This gave me perspective. This gave me hope.