Award-winning Actor, Sharma MacDonald: Making A Difference

By Michael Van Cooten
Publisher/Editor

TORONTO, Ontario (Thursday, March 4, 2021) — “2020” — a short film, starring Sharma MacDonald, an award-winning Canadian actor and filmmaker, of Jamaican parentage — is quietly making a difference in how to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The idea for the film was born out of the mental and emotional anguish and impact, the predominating public health event of 2020 (and possibly 2021?) exerted on MacDonald, who believes there are, actually, two pandemics occurring — Covid-19 and racism.

Following on the success of MacDonald’s first short film, “No Way Out”, which she also directed, “2020” tracks the life of a Black psychologist, who is forced to confront her own suppressed emotions, amid the rising COVID-19 and racial tensions.

“2020” was an official selection at New York’s Kwanzaa Film Festival, Ritu Rangam Festival (India), Toronto Black Film Festival, and the Halifax Black Film Festival.

A familiar face to Canadians, MacDonald’s television credits include: host of “Urban Report” on YES TV’s Let’s Talk; National Geographic/Discovery Channel television series, “Breakout”; and CTV/NBC’s “Saving Hope”.

The always-evolving and energetic MacDonald has also brought her honed artistic skills to the theatre, stepping onto the stage in Nora and Delia Ephron’s “Love, Loss and What I Wore”.

MacDonald was recognized by The Black Canadians Network as one of the top 150 Black Canadians, in honor of the “Canada 150” celebration.

Deeply faithful and responsibly-connected to the Black Canadian community, the resourceful filmmaker and on-air personality is doggedly committed to bringing the issues confronting it, to the forefront.

“2020” reflects that commitment, and exemplifies and solidifies MacDonald’s passion in her performance as a lead actor.

Fueled by that passion, the actor continues to inform and uplift her community, through creating and directing “I Rise”, an online series that aims to empower and provide tools and solutions for social change.

“I Rise” also provides coverage of events, throughout the city, including the TD Toronto Jazz Festival, African Fashion Week Toronto, AFROFEST and the Toronto Raptors championship journey.

It is becoming increasingly and undoubtedly clear, Sharma MacDonald is not only focused, but is determined to make a positive difference with her many, and varied, artistic talents.