Maïlis & Aïsha C. Vertus
2024
Canada - (Québec)
English, Haitian Creole, Portuguese
Drama, Biography | Documentary
21 minutes
Mascarade Origin Story unfolds the chapters of Aïsha's life. From her upbringing as a young Haitian girl in Montreal-Nord to her journeys in Brazil, the film reveals her encounters with her chosen family and the discovery of her identity as a woman and musician. A new sense of belonging emerges from these experiences, nurturing her inspiration. Aware of the wounds she carries, Aïsha embarks on a learning process aimed at transforming her traumas into objects of healing.
Thus, it delves into the depths of her journey, shedding light on personal transformation and resilience in the face of life's challenges.
Aïsha C Vertus | Gayance
Oxanna Deverze | Young Aïsha
Bernardo Laureano and Jullia Roque | Kids
Valexia Boulianne | Little girl drawing
Sumé Vasconcellos, Fernanda Liberti, Uriel Dames, Déborah Zapata | Friends
J. Style - Mukoma Nshinga | Dancer in the field
Cathia Cariotte | Mother
Thomson Oliveira | Boyfriend
Anaïs Chloé Gilles | Dancer in the church
Fidah-Jamy Julien, Aimé Shukuru Tuyishime, Paul Alexander Désiré, Joshua Désiré, Jamee Grayce Désiré and Nawej Weva | Kids in the alley
Janice Mascarenhas | Woman braiding
Andrea Silvestre | Pregnant woman
Louise Trépanier | Horse owner
Zeke | Horse
Cynthia Valiente Lopez | Mom in church
Julio Lemieux | Valiente Baby
Sirena Cataleya Jean | Sister
Telma Gomes, Sueli Miranda, Eliana Dias and Claudia Leopoldo | Women at baptism
Véronique Boulianne, Rachelle Jean, Emilio Lemieux Valiente, Hilari Mejias, Maïna Rose Cameus and Yonia Felix Perez | Extras
Director by Maïlis
Creative Director & Music by Gayance - Aïsha C. Vertus
Cinematographer by Antoine Ryan
Post-Production by Outpost
Editors by Xavier Lévesque & Travis Komarnisky
Color Grading by Simon Boisx - Arketype
Online Editors by Amélie Santerre & Martin Gaumond & Celia Dehouche
Post-Productrice / Post-producer by Julia Aubry
Production Design by Alexia Roc & Emem Etti & Janice Mascarenhas & Bida Sarô & Eva Bensiman
Costumes by Racky Sow & Eunice Huot & Yolanta Szalwinska
Hair and Make-up by Michal Harewood & Gérardine Jeune & Victor Manoel & Janice Mascarenhas & Afrontoso Styles
Original Music by Gayance de son album ‘Mascarade’
Sound Designer by Michaël Anctil
Sound Mix by Stephane Carreau & Ivann Uruena - Studio Bakery
Narrator by Roen Higgings
Writers by Roen Higgings & Maïlis & Kelsey Nichole Brooks
Clermont Ferrand International Short Film Festival | Official selection
São Paulo International Short Film Festival 2024 | HORIZONS SHOWCASE
Maïlis, a French and Canadian director based in Montreal, fearlessly explores the delicate interplay between strength and vulnerability, infusing her work with an emotionally charged perspective. Her subversive projects, infused with a strong feminist lens, ignite meaningful dialogues and captivate audiences while showcasing her unique creative voice.
She firmly believes in her role as an image-maker, embracing the responsibility of crafting narratives that contribute positively to the world by using her artistic platform to amplify underrepresented voices.
This film was born out of a passionate collaboration, but above all, from a desire for feminine emancipation, an overflowing that demands expression. It's a tale of strength, resilience, and solidarity. It represents a cry for freedom, a creative impulse fueled by a profound need to share authentic and powerful narratives that transcend borders and inspire discussion. By uniting our voices, this project becomes a collective act of liberation, a means to celebrate the diversity of women's experiences and challenge preconceived norms.
May this film resonate with each and every one of you and spark meaningful conversations about emancipation, equity, and the collective strength of women. May the images and emotions captured on screen provoke deep reflection and nurture the shared desire to evolve in a world where every woman feels free to flourish, express herself, and fully occupy her space as she sees fit.
- Maïlis
A glimpse into my previous trips to Brazil and my childhood in Montréal- Nord. This film is a devotion, a spell, a body of work made with care by women from various ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds with the same spiritual intent: emancipation. Through making this piece, I've encountered new friends and family members and spirits guided our way.
Mascarade was first the soundtrack of a moment of my life. It's how I saw the world, as a big parade where we were all wandering, celebrating, numbing ourselves with various distractions, and being the loudest.
This is a spiritual testimony that your rebirth can start with fire and will transform into water. It's a letter to myself and to all women who were told their dreams were too big.
- Aïsha
