Becoming Edmonton

Community-based Documentary Project Shares Stories from Newcomers

“I create cinematic storytelling that peers into the lives of others through a compassionate lens,” explains Becoming Edmonton filmmaker Jason Gondziola. The project, funded by an Edmonton Arts Council Community Arts Grant and Edmonton Heritage Council Project Grant, explores the lived experience of people coming to Edmonton principally from First Nations reserves or as immigrants and refugees. To seek out participants, Gondziola connected with the Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society, Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers, and Edmonton Multicultural Coalition.

“We live in a time when there seems to be increasing intolerance, and we’re hoping that this project can bridge some of the gaps that are appearing in our culture today,” says Gondziola.

Jason Gondziola with host Shawn Tse and Becoming Edmonton Participants Sarah and Rose.

The first part of his process was developing a collaborative relationship. Gondziola is a member of Concordia University’s Centre for Oral History and Digital Storytelling (COHDS), which drives his passion for ethical oral history. All interviewees have the authority to stop, withdraw and edit their story “giving back the power to the participants.” Gondziola believes this approach to documentation create stronger storytelling as the stories’ owners dictate its presentation.

Becoming Edmonton participant and local Cree elder, Gilman.

The participants he features have come to Edmonton for different reasons – safety, opportunity, or further education – but they all experience a challenge to their identity. “Indigenous people moving to an urban centre often experience a certain amount of trauma,” says Gilman, a local Cree Elder who took part in the project. “They are leaving behind their friends, communities and services.” Differences in pace, food, beliefs, institution structure, and even humor make connecting to the city a challenge.

“Issues that newcomers are facing and the issues all Edmontonians are facing is identical,” Ahmed, one of the project’s participants, states. He observes similarities regarding issues like the rate of youth dropping out of high school, family support, and racism. “It is unfortunate that we do not talk to each other and don’t express our collective concerns.”

Communities back home and in Edmonton play an important role. Finding or creating your own connections helps to relieve the stress and anxiety experienced by many of the participants. The challenge of coming to a new place and creating a new life has been a catalyst for many participants to push themselves. “We couldn’t have done in Italy what we did here,” says Silvia of the Vaughan String Quartet expressing their desire to challenge themselves and explore all the possibilities of this new place. From creating businesses, earning degrees, and pushing for human rights, Edmonton’s newcomers are building a vibrant city.

Vaughan String Quartet cellist and Becoming Edmonton participant, Silvia.

The goal of Becoming Edmonton has always been to highlight the city’s invisible stories. River, a local photographer and participant in this project, shares her story of being outed as trans in Edmonton. She reflects on her changing identity and her search for a new community, which mirrors the experience of many newcomers. Gondziola sees that this project maybe able to expand further than his initial approach and is eager to plan a second phase.

Becoming Edmonton’s mini documentaries are being shared across Edmonton. Currently you can watch all the videos online at becomingedmonton.com and they will soon be broadcast through Shaw’s Community Television. Keep your eyes open as these films may be popping up at the Metro Cinema, Garneau and other local events!

Stay up-to-date on this project by liking Becoming Edmonton’s Facebook page.

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