Jaleah Taylor’s documentary “To the Soul” is one of two projects by the recent film grad selected to air as part of “Reel Shorts: Windsor.”
Having films in the Reel Shorts: Windsor showcase is a great opportunity for students, says producer Mike Stasko, a professor in the Department of Communication, Media and Film.
A compilation of works by local independent producers and student filmmakers from the University of Windsor, it is part of Absolutely Canadian, a national CBC series featuring documentaries, short films, and unscripted programs that tell unique stories from across Canada.
The sixth installment is now available through the broadcaster’s video streaming platform, CBC Gem. It brings together stories about a migrant love story, a local bakery, finding your way in a complex world, technology addiction, and a special spotlight on a local musician and community theatre.
“Having this continued support from CBC is really unique for a film program in Canada,” notes Stasko.
He points to recent graduate Jaleah Taylor (BA 2023), who has earned a place for two projects: the documentary To the Soul and the fiction work Beyond, both produced as assignments for a class she took with Stasko last year.
“Providing an opportunity for students like Jaleah to get their first professional credit while just coming out of school provides a huge jumpstart into the industry,” he says.
Stasko says the increasing quality of film produced by UWindsor students is a testament not only to their talents, but the focused support of instructors.
“The professional calibre of selected films in this year’s showcase is a result of years of hard work of curriculum design and students’ enthusiasm to learn and improve,” he says.
Besides Taylor, grads with featured selections include Sydney Cremasco (BA 2023), Welcome to Nana’s; Calum Hotchkiss (BA 2018, MFA 2021), Continuum; and Shahad Al-Haddad (BA 2022), Behind the Curtain.