Sylvia Hamilton

Black Mother Black Daughter

Claire Prieto, Sylvia Hamilton

Sylvia Hamilton

Black Mother Black Daughter explores the lives and experiences of black women in Nova Scotia, their contributions to the home, the church and the community and the strengths they pass on to their daughters.

We Are One

Sylvia Hamilton

Making Movie History: Sylvia Hamilton

Joanne Robertson

Sylvia Hamilton

Director Sylvia Hamilton reflects on her work with the NFBs Atlantic Studio and the birth of New Initiatives in Film - A Studio D initiative for women of colour and aboriginal women.

No More Secrets

Sylvia Hamilton

Portia White: Think On Me

Sylvia Hamilton

Biography of Nova Scotia born contralto Portia White, who in the 1940' and 50's was often compared to the American Marian Anderson, covering her singing and teaching careers. Uses archival film and TV footage, excerpts from recordings, and interviews with family, friends, pupils and her accompanist, to portray a talented, dignified woman, her career shortened by mismanagement and ill health, but who left an important heritage that is remembered by those who knew her.

The Little Black School House

Sylvia Hamilton

Award-winning filmmaker and writer Sylvia Hamilton painstakingly unearths the story of the children, women, men who were students and teachers in Canada’s racially segregated schools in The Little Black School House. The film is a compelling illustration of how many of the students who attended Canada’s all-Black schools look back on the experience with conflicted feelings: fondness for the dedication of their Black teachers, and outrage at being denied a right, fundamental to democracy in Canada: equal access to quality education.

Speak It! From the Heart of Black Nova Scotia

Sylvia Hamilton

In their predominantly white high school in Halifax, a group of black students face daily reminders of racism, ranging from abuse (racist graffiti on washroom walls), to exclusion (the omission of black history from textbooks). They work to establish a Cultural Awareness Youth Group, a vehicle for building pride and self-esteem through educational and cultural programs. With help from mentors, they discover the richness of their heritage and learn some of the ways they can begin to effect change.