Ian Simon
Toronto-based filmmaker and movement artist
What the Nominator shared: His passion for directing films is visceral and visually poetic, often rooted in meaningful intention complementary to his artistic movement practice and style. Ian's visual aesthetic with commercial and creative work is often characterized by his visually striking and unorthodox yet compelling creative editing choices creating a unique and immersive experience showcasing the versatility in his overall skillset.
Ian's ability to capture the Filipino spirit on film should be celebrated. His gift for storytelling reaches audiences in an honest and meaningful place, evoking a sense of connection and belonging within our community.
In their own words: As an artist, my mission has and always will be to uplift the voices of the community around me and my people, within the Asian diaspora and beyond. I do my best to uplift and support the narratives of each person that has contributed to my identity, upbringing, and overall view of life. Creating stories from these personal experiences has made me aware of the intersections of our shared experiences & supports the overall purpose of my manifestations in an objective manner — or at least that's what I hope to achieve each time :)
Photo by Anael DomingoCanAsian 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.
