Henry Mak
Filmmaker & video artist
What the Nominator shared: Henry's artistry is equally exceptional. Creating dance film is a unique artform and some of Henry's contributions are in the conception and creation process. Behind the camera Henry dances, moving with the dancers with great skill (using a gimbal to stabilize his camera). As an editor Henry's visual storytelling is tender, nuanced, poignant. He brings forward the fierce vulnerability and complex layers of the dancers in his films. Henry also collaborates with organizations that bring forward experiences and voices of Newcomers, Immigrants and artists who identify as BIPOC or living in the margins. His collaborations include working with: MABELLEarts, CultureLink, Litmus Theatre, Shadowland Theatre, The Toronto Fringe and others.
Henry is a kind, generous, filmmaker who has worked on many projects involving dance
In their own words: For the longest time, I dreamed of making films in community. I worked alone, in quiet rooms. Getting the chance to work with others and share stories has been an incredible dream for which i am so very grateful. I look forward to the days ahead.
Photo by Henry MakCanAsian Dance is situated in Tkaronto, a Mohawk word meaning “the place in the water where the trees are standing.” It is the traditional territory of many nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinaabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples, and it continues to be the home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
This land is under the Dish with One Spoon covenant, an agreement between the Anishinaabeg and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. This land is a dish to be shared and cared for and we all share one spoon; the spoon is to be used to take only what is needed and to leave enough for others, thus ensuring a viable and abundant future. We recognize the enduring resilience of Indigenous peoples and we acknowledge that we are accountable to these relationships and these agreements.
We carry these values of responsibility in sharing and caring in abundance with consideration of not only ourselves but of our communities that we share together.
Land Acknowledgement
We are grateful to the following funding partners for their ongoing support
