Masa is a visual artist and filmmaker based in the Greater Toronto Area
Sydnie, a Montreal-born visual artist and animator now based in the Greater Toronto Area, is a dynamic creative force with a rich academic background and a profound artistic vision. Holding a degree in Cinema Communications from Dawson College and a recent graduate of Concordia University's esteemed Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema, she has honed her skills in both traditional and digital art mediums. Sydnie's artistic practice is deeply rooted in her experiences as a young Black creative, delving into the multifaceted dimensions of Black history and ancestry. Her work intricately weaves together narratives that reflect her personal journey and cultural heritage.
Central to Sydnie's body of work are themes of self-love and empowerment, with a particular focus on celebrating and elevating Black femininity. Through her animated films, she serves as a catalyst for positivity and self-acceptance, offering audiences a transformative journey into embracing identity and heritage. Sydnie's art resonates with authenticity and depth, inviting viewers to engage with stories that celebrate the richness of Black culture and the beauty of individuality. Her aim is to inspire and uplift, encouraging others to embrace their unique narratives and find strength in their roots.
In addition to her contributions to the animation community, Sydnie is expanding her professional repertoire by incorporating visual effects knowledge into her practice, further enriching her creative expression and technical expertise.
Sydnie has been fortunate to have participated in several group exhibits and collaborative projects, including:
Festivals/Screenings
2025
Toronto Animation Arts Festival International (TAAFI) - City Shock (2024)
Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) Next Wave Film Festival - African American Express (2024)
REGARD International Short Film Festival in Saguenay - African American Express (2024)
2024
Cineclub Film Society; Animation Celebration Screening - African American Express (2024)
FOFA Gallery & NouLa Center & VCR’s Black Arts Series; Collective Symphonies Screening - African American Express (2024)
Lift-Off Sessions-Lift-Off Global Network-Vimeo on Demand - City Shock (2024)
Lift-Off Sessions-Lift-Off Global Network-Vimeo on Demand - African American Express (2024)
Dublin Animation Film Festival - African American Express (2024)
Fantasia International Film Festival - African American Express (2024)
Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) Next Wave; 48 Hour Film Competition | Special Jury Mention - City Shock (2024)
Animated Black Film Festival - Rhumbouge Cowgirl (2022)
Concordia Film Festival | Special Jury Prize Winner - African American Express (2024)
2022
Kwanzaa Film Festival - Rhumbouge Cowgirl (2022)
Women’s Canvas Festival - Rhumbouge Cowgirl (2022)
Manufacturing Entertainment’s Unbound A/V Art: Redefining the Undefined Online Exhibition -Rhumbouge Cowgirl (2022)
Black Web Fest (The Black Web Festival) 6th edition - Rhumbouge Cowgirl (2022)
The Black Panther International Short Film Festival (BPISFF) | Animated Shorts Nominee -Rhumbouge Cowgirl (2022)
Calcutta International Cult Film Festival (CICFF) | Outstanding Achievement Winner - Rhumbouge Cowgirl (2022)
The Black Swan International Film Festival (BSIFF) | Student Film Winner - Rhumbouge Cowgirl (2022)
2021
Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF) | Canadian Student Competition - For White Folks Only (2020)
2018
Dawson College: Arts Literature and Communication (ALC) Festival 2018 - Unity in the Early Morning (2017)
Dawson College: Arts Literature and Communication (ALC) Cinema Communication’s Media Night 2018 - Good Morning Mr. Moon (2017)
2017
Dawson College: Arts Literature and Communication (ALC) Cinema Communication’s Media Night 2017 - Unity in the Early Morning (2017)
Visual Art
STEPS Public Art, CreateSpace Public Art Forum, Participating Artist (2024)
Participating artist in the Concordia University FASA’s “-And It's Just Because I Love You” Black Artist Vernissage (2022)
Participating artist in the Concordia University Undergrad VAV Gallery’s Black History Month Exhibit (2022)
Participating artist in the Concordia University Undergrad VAV Gallery’s As We Are Exhibit (2021)
Contributing artist for Plateau Astro’s 2021 event/activities coloring book (2020)
Collaborating artist for Head & Hands 50th anniversary merchandise and design (2020)
Participating artist in ‘Reclaiming My Peace’ exhibit presented at the Warren G. Flowers Gallery, Hanging Sculpture Mobile titled Unity Through Emancipation (2019)
Participating artist in ‘Container’ exhibit hosted by Flohmarkt Pop- Ups, Sculpture piece titled Mary Ciceron (2019)
Participating artist in Dawson College ALC Festival (Arts Literature and Communication Festival), Group Interactive Media Piece of cloud storm (2018)
Participating artist in Dawson College S.P.A.C.E. (Sciences Participating with Arts and Culture in Education), Animation titled Unity In the Early Morning, GL.TCH Exhibit (2016)
Participating commissioned artist for A.L.L. (Art Links Lives) PCHS Inter-generational art project, Several painted works (2012, 2014)