Portfolio Work
Breaking Free Writers Workshop
2023 Cohort
Our talented writers from this year’s workshop have poured their hearts into creating stories that will truly connect.
Get to know the minds behind the stories and watch their final projects!
Tahjay Richard-Brown
Meet Tahjay, a dedicated enthusiast of the arts, with a deep-rooted passion for cinema and music. His journey into the world of creativity led him to establish two review pages, where he shares his insights and perspectives.
In 2019, Tahjay took a significant step towards his passion by enrolling in the Media Fundamentals program at Sheridan College, where he earned a well-deserved certificate of completion, enhancing his creative toolkit with valuable knowledge.
While life took an unexpected turn due to the pandemic and personal loss, Tahjay's love for the arts remained unwavering. Now, he's ready to rekindle his creative fire and take the next step towards building a fulfilling career in the world he adores.
Film: All Here
Chelsea Osei
Chelsea, the youngest of three siblings, was raised in a vibrant Ghanaian-Canadian family in and around Toronto. Her journey into the world of words began early, as she discovered writing as a means to unleash her boundless imagination.
Fascinated by languages and eager to explore the world, Chelsea embarked on a Bachelor's degree in Linguistics. Her adventures took her across the Atlantic to England, where she spent her weekends exploring European cities, soaking in their cultures.
In 2016, she set her sights on Montreal, where she launched her studies and career in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP). Alongside her blossoming career, Chelsea continued to nurture her passion for writing.
Chelsea's creative spark shone brightly in 2022 when she was selected to participate in the "Being Black in Canada" program. Here, she birthed her first short film, "Water from a Stone."
In 2023, Chelsea returned to her Toronto roots, ready to further her career in SLP and continue her inspiring journey as a writer.
Film: Bird Without a Song
Begum Nathoo
Begum, originally from Dar es Salaam Tanzania, is a writer and filmmaker with a profound love for the art of storytelling. Her creative spirit finds inspiration in the world of film festivals and their collaborative spirit.
Her creative journey is deeply intertwined with her belief in filmmaking as a powerful tool for resistance and revival. She's dedicated to exploring themes that resonate with the human experience, particularly those shaped by ongoing colonial landscapes. Her lens is focused on the intricate dynamics of familial and found relationships, delving into the essence of intimacy.
Through storytelling, Begum brings these profound narratives to life, creating a written and visual experiences that challenge, provoke thought, and celebrate the resilience of the human spirit.
Film: Matoke
Anna-Marie Jackson-Koufie
Anna-Marie is a British production coordinator, originally from London, UK, embarked on her entertainment journey as a production secretary on Channel 4's "Make Me Prime Minister" in 2022.
Later that year, she made the leap to Toronto, where she's contributed her skills as an assistant stage manager for the Alumnae Theatre and local community productions.
Anna-Marie's artistic pursuits don't stop there. She enthusiastically attends acting workshops, gracing web series and stage performances with her talent. What makes her stand out is her ability to blend creativity with her extensive accounting and finance background, skillfully managing budgets and logistics. Currently, she's passionately engaged in short film projects.