As the director of the documentary film Steadfast, I had the privilege of leading a team of gifted individuals who were passionate about telling the story of a Canadian icon, The Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine.

It all began with a casual gathering of friends, where we discussed the importance of Black History Month and the need to celebrate the accomplishments of Canadians of African descent. From that conversation, we knew that we had a shared goal. We poured our hearts and souls into this project, spending months planning, researching, and writing the script. And just as we were making progress, the pandemic hit, which presented significant challenges in terms of filming and production. But we were determined to press on, to bring our vision to life.

Throughout the process, we collaborated closely, sharing ideas, feedback, and inspiration. We were united in our passion for the project and our commitment to seeing it through to completion.

Finally, after months of hard work, we had the film in our hands. The premiere at the Scotiabank Theatre in Toronto was a truly special moment – a culmination of all our efforts. It was heartwarming to see the diversity of the audience, from film lovers to business leaders, professionals, and dignitaries, all coming together to celebrate the achievements of Canadians of African descent.

As a filmmaker, I am proud of what we have accomplished with Steadfast. We have told an inspiring story, one that sheds light on the many contributions made by Canadians of African descent and celebrates the life of Dr. Jean Augustine. It is my hope that this film will inspire audiences to recognize and celebrate the diverse communities that make up our country, and to work towards a more inclusive and equitable society.