Shonna is an award-winning director-producer who is on a mission to leave this world a better place through the art of film and television. She received an Honors B.F.A from York University. Shonna’s creative talents along with her well-rounded employment experience, have made her a sought after individual and a valued asset at award-winning production companies and deeply rooted organizations in Canada. Shonna made her directorial debut with the short film Residue which was swiftly licensed by the CBC for both national broadcast and streaming through CBC Gem. Her latest film, Mothers: Out Of A Pandemic, which she directed and produced, as well as, executive produced in association with Jennifer Podemski, and Red Cloud Studios will be release in January 2023. She has also directed impactful branded content, including the national campaign for Gold Series by Pantene. As an emerging director, Shonna has been awarded the Richmond Hill Arts Award, the OAC Skills and Career Development Grants, and the Artscape Launchpad Award. She has successfully completed mentorships with acclaimed directors Dawn Wilkinson, Hubert Davis, and Jasmin Mozzafari. In 2022, Shonna completed Black Women Film Canada’s inaugural BIG UP Producer Residency, Her producer credits include the award-winning short films He Murdered Sleep, Noor & Layla and I Lost My Mind, as well as, The Absurdity of the Black Female Experience and The Future Above Us. In 2021, Shonna successfully completed a producer mentorship with acclaimed producer Bob Teitel.
Awards & Nominations
2022, 2018 ONTARIO ARTS COUNCIL
Skills and Career development grant as an emerging director.
2018 ARTSCAPE LAUNCHPAD BURSARY
Honoured as an emerging director.
2018 RICHMOND HILL ARTS AWARD
Honoured as an emerging director and for commitment and contribution to the arts.