CBC Canada Reads 2025
I'm excited to finally share a special project I had the privilege of working on! I got to combine two of my greatest passions: reading and animation for Canada Reads. This annual literary debate hosted by CBC celebrates some of the most thought-provoking books of the year, and being a part of it was such an incredible experience.
Watch Out for Her by Samantha M. Bailey trailer by Sydnie Baynes
About Canada Reads:
Canada Reads is an annual CBC literary event where five celebrity champions debate the merits of five Canadian books, with the aim of determining "the one book all Canadians should read"
Women in Animation Montreal Chapter "Why Choose Animation" Feature
As a board member of Women in Animation, I was invited to share why I chose animation as my career. Here’s my response:
About Women in Animation
Founded in 1995, WIA operates as a non-profit organization established with the purpose of furthering, promoting, and supporting female animators in Animation, VFX and Gaming sectors.
WIA brings together its global community to empower and advocate for people of underrepresented gender identities, inspiring excellence and justice in all facets of the creative professional landscape.
About Women in Animation Montreal Chapter
Our Montréal Collective was established in 2019, with the goal of bringing WIA’s global support and expertise to our local industry. We work with international collectives whose programs are available to our members in Montreal while adding our own touch - with local networking events, screenings, panels and scholarships.
ASIFA-Hollywood Special Mention
Amplifying Voices Initiative Introduces Sydnie Baynes
Thrilled and honoured to have received a special mention in the ASIFA newsletter! What an incredible surprise—grateful for the recognition and continued support from the animation community!
About ASIFA-Hollywood
ASIFA-Hollywood, an American non-profit organization in Los Angeles, California, is a branch member of the International Animated Film Association. Its purpose is to promote the art of film animation in a variety of ways, including its own archive and an annual awards presentation, the Annie Awards.
The original text is only available in ASIFA-Hollywood weekly.
Concordia Great Grads Spotlight
After completing my five-year studies at Concordia University, I was honored to be spotlighted as one of Concordia’s "Great Grads'. This recognition provided me with a platform to share my journey, reflect on my experiences, and highlight the impact of my time at Concordia.
Read the full article here:
Fantasia International Film Festival 2024
"African American Express" will be screened at the Fantasia International Film Festival as part of the Fantastiques Week-ends du Cinéma Québécois category, and the Circo Animato category.
About Fantasia International Film Festival
Fantasia is a legendary 18-day blow-out of worldwide fantastic cinema taking place each July in the heart of Montreal. An event hell-bent on showcasing the most exciting, innovative and individualistic examples of contemporary international genre cinema from every corner of the globe.
Black Animators Matter Montréal (BAMM) Featured in Montréal Guardian
"Charitable Choices: Sydnie Baynes for Black Animators Matter Montréal"
Black Animators Matter Montréal (BAMM), is a collective which focuses on making animation and storytelling more accessible to the BIPOC community. This organization was founded by Sydnie in August 2023.
About Montréal Guardian
Montréal Guardian is a Montréal-centric online lifestyle magazine focusing on arts, culture, food, history, lifestyle & more. Highlighting local talent the city has to offer, such as: new musicians, businesses, charities, chefs and comedians.
Read the article here:
Article written by Star Bunzigiye
Sydnie Baynes (Right) photographed with L.A. based animator, Ariana Greenidge (Left) at the Black Community Resource Centre's, Where They Stood: The World Premiere
Le Cinéclub: The Film Society Feature
This International Women's Day (2024), Sydnie received a feature from the local Cinéclub. This was a great honor as Sydnie's work is based around the celebration of women.
About Le Cinéclub: The Film Society
Open to all cinephiles since 1992, we have been bringing Montrealers the best of cinema from around the world and from all eras. With films dating from the 1890s to today. From local experimental works to Hollywood Blockbusters in cinemascope, there is something for everyone. We don’t just watch films, we experience them…on the big screen in genuine motion picture film! Part of our activities include the conservation and preservation of precious reels of celluloid in our archives.
More information about Le Cinéclub: The Film Society, can be found on their website:
Guest appearance on CBC Radio Quebec Noon
Following the heightened interest in the Animated Black Film Festival, Sydnie was invited to make a guest appearance on CBC Radio Quebec Noon for the segment "What do you love about animation?" with Tamu Townsend and Shawn Apel!
Listen to the show here:
Testimony on the Animated Black Film Festival, featured in Animation Magazine
Awards & Events: ‘Simpsons’ Dominates WGA Noms, ‘Chicken Run 2’ Wins Oscats, Animated Black Film Fest Returns, Jorge R. Gutierrez Headlines Autism in Entertainment
The Animated Black Film Festival is back!
The Black Community Resource Centre (BCRC) will hold the second annual Montreal Animated Black Film Festival this Saturday, February 24, in celebration of Black History Month and showcasing the artistic talents of Black animators. This edition is presented in partnership with Ubisoft, Cinesite and Annex Pro. The festival will take place from 1-4 p.m. at the PHI Centre on St. Pierre Street; free registration is open now through Eventbrite.
The event will feature screenings of five films spanning various animation genres, crafted by animators Ranee-Inez Henegan-Comeau, Étienne Jean-Baptiste, Kofi Oduro, Esandi Amarakoon and Jeffrey Tawiah. With a guest speaker panel moderated by Sydnie Baynes. The festival also highlights networking opportunities, fostering collaboration and mentorship among industry peers.
Read BCRC Film Festival Coordinator, Sydnie Baynes' testimony here:
Interview with Tamu Townsend Moderated by Pat Dillon-Moore
Sydnie does an interview with local animation fanatic, Tamu Townsend discussing the Montreal Black animation community.
Watch the full version of this interview on YouTube!