Ayana O'Shun
Acting
Born in Montreal, Ayana OâShun (aka Tetchena Bellange) holds a degree in Cinema from the UniversitĂ© de MontrĂ©al. Her documentary Les Mains noires â ProcĂšs de lâesclave incendiaire (2010) was selected in over 40 national and international festivals. Ayana continued her directing career with the short fiction Lazyboy. and several short films, including the NFB documentary MĂ©decins sans rĂ©sidence. The film was the most viewed documentary on the NFB website for several weeks. A few years ago, Ayana was among the winners of âLa Table de lâHistoire des Noirs de MontrĂ©alâ for her advances in the arts. In addition, Ayana is one of the creators selected across Canada for the âNetflix Diversity of Voicesâ program. In 2022, her feature-length documentary Le Mythe de la femme noire denounces the stereotypes she herself has observed throughout her career. The film is widely distributed and wins the Magnus Isaacson Prize at RIDM 2022. Ayana OâShun is also an actress who has appeared in some forty productions in film, television, theater and advertising. Whether behind or in front of the camera, this artistâs aim is to create powerful stories that promote connection between people and peoples, while breaking down barriers of gender or race.
