Regent Park Focus

 Focus Media Arts Centre’s Documentary Program is equipping youth with the skills, confidence, and support needed to tell powerful stories about social justice and issues impacting young people today. Through this hands-on program, participants are guided through the full documentary filmmaking process —from developing initial concepts and story ideas to producing and editing a final film. Youth receive training in camera operation, audio recording, video editing, and storytelling, while also learning how to research topics, storyboard their ideas, and pitch their projects. With access to professional equipment and dedicated mentorship, participants are supported at every stage of their journey. For many, the program is not just about learning technical skills, but also about building confidence and finding their voice. As one participant, Tracy, shared in her reflection, the experience was “an amazing eye-opening experience” that introduced her to the world of filmi...

Zahra Oman reflects upon the Changing Culture Course: a partnership between Focus Media Arts Centre and U of T involving U of T students and residents of Regent Park.    "This course brought me happiness I didn’t expect to find in school. For the first time in my academic journey, I could fully intertwine my lived experiences in Regent Park with my academics and share them in a way that felt authentic and deeply meaningful. It wasn’t just about doing research or producing media; it was about telling a story that’s mine and my community’s in a space where people were ready to learn. It was a space where my voice and knowledge felt valued. Before this class, I often thought I didn’t belong at U of T. I used to rush home after lectures and back to my community, where I felt most like myself. But this course changed that. For the first time, I wanted to stay. I looked forward to each class because it felt like a place where I was seen and my experiences mattered. It reminded me ...