Experiencing Interruptions?

Wallflower (Episode 1)

Wallflower is a coming-of-age drama set in Toronto, Canada. When a shy teenage girl is gifted a family heirloom, it sparks the courage she needs to live life on her own terms. But when she becomes unrecognizable to the people closest to her, she is forced to decide who she wants to be.

  • Tristan Barrocks
    Director
  • Safia Bartholomew
    Writer
  • Kern Carter
    Writer
  • Carlos Anthony
    Writer
  • Leah Rifkin
    Producer
  • Corey Kareem
    Producer
  • Kayla Kuhnke
    Key Cast
    "Belle Woods"
  • Ayan Elmi
    Key Cast
    "Sharon Woods"
  • Andrew Charles James
    Key Cast
    "Michael Woods"
  • Shirley Jackson
    Key Cast
    "Jade Johnson"
  • Grace E Mcdonald
    Key Cast
    "Granny"
  • Romello Griffith
    Key Cast
    "Jason"
  • Olecia Obarianyk
    Key Cast
    "Julia Jones"
  • Project Type:
    Web / New Media
  • Runtime:
    14 minutes 56 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 31, 2023
  • Country of Origin:
    Canada
  • Country of Filming:
    Canada
  • Language:
    English
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Tristan Barrocks

Tristan has been internationally recognized as a documentary filmmaker and cinematographer with a focus on digital storytelling. He has produced films for distinguished organizations like the Canadian Cancer Society, Elevation Church and the Peel District School Board as well as worked with internationally recognized brands like Apple, and Foresight Group. He was awarded the New Emerging Artist Award and Best Music Video director at several Independent Film Festivals.

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Director Statement

The person we dream of being doesn't always align with the person we become; our choices shape our path. This is the core message of Wallflower, a series I had the privilege of directing. Initially, Belle, the protagonist, felt distant from me due to her introverted teenage nature. However, delving into her story enabled me to understand her struggles.

Wallflower isn't merely about a shy girl's transformation; it's a profound story about family dynamics, tragedy, self-discovery, and resilience. The heart of the story lies in the relationship between two friends trying to be there for each other while also prioritizing their own needs. Our choices often conflict with the desires of others, and Wallflower explores this theme.

As a director, I wanted to create a unique yet relatable story that would resonate with audiences. Wallflower encourages viewers to empathize with Belle's journey of self-discovery and recognize that we all have moments of fear and self-doubt. I aimed to peel back the layers of the story and bring these themes to life.

Historically, Black women have been portrayed in a limited way on screen, either as sexual objects or as strong, angry, and jaded. With Wallflower, we wanted to tell a new story about Black womanhood. Belle's vulnerability and uncertainty add a fresh perspective to Black women's representation in media. Life can be messy, and we don't always know what to do, but that's okay.

Visually, I wanted to showcase Toronto in a modern and urban way, representing the city where Drake lives. The series' aesthetic shouldn't distract viewers but draw them into Belle's world, allowing them to feel right at home.