S.A.D.

A young Latina is diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.) during the depths of a Toronto winter. However, as a newcomer to Canada, her struggles might be more profound than just a lack of sunlight.

  • Vanessa Sandre
    Director
  • Vanessa Sandre
    Writer
  • Vanessa Sandre
    Producer
  • Ashley Cowie
    Producer
  • Priscila Paes
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    15 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    May 10, 2025
  • Country of Origin:
    Brazil, Canada
  • Country of Filming:
    Brazil, Canada
  • Language:
    English, Portuguese
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Vanessa Sandre

Vanessa Sandre is a Brazilian-Canadian filmmaker based in Tkaronto (Toronto). She is an alumnus of the 2025 Directors’ Lab of the Norman Jewison Program at the Canadian Film Centre (CFC). She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Film and a Master’s degree in Literature, with a focus on Women and Gender Studies.
Over the past 15 years, Vanessa has cultivated a diverse career as a screenwriter, director, producer, and performer. As a Latina immigrant artist, she finds inspiration in crafting narratives that amplify underrepresented voices through a decolonial and intersectional feminist lens.
Her films have been screening in over 60 festivals worldwide and have received more than 30 awards.

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Director Statement

What happens when no place feels like home?