Kenyan-Somali, black, Muslim and Canadian: new doc explores Canada's hyphenated identities

A new documentary by a 22-year-old Toronto filmmaker is analyzing what is means to be an immigrant in Canada.

Directed and produced by SamahAli, Hyphen-Nationfeatures a 14-minute conversation between five women of colourthatis inspired by her own cultural experience.

The women discuss how their cultural heritage influences their identities as Canadians and immigrants.

"The whole conversation is what's your hyphen?" explained Ali, calling her debut film a "nuanced" discussion about what black Canadian identities look like.

"And that's what opens it up to so many people to identify with becausewhether it's themselves or their family members who have an immigration story, everybody typically has a hyphen."

The women are asked if they identify with being black Canadians.

Ali explains this is both liberating and tragic. She identifies as a Kenyan-Somali woman, along with a Muslim woman and a black woman.

"I don't know if I identify strongly as a Canadian, but definitely when I leave CanadaI identify as a Canadian," she said despite being born and raised in Toronto.

"The other parts of my identity, the ones that are more visible, the ones that I practice everyday are definitely the onesthat are onthe forefront of my mind. Compared to my Canadianness, it's something that I'm not really aware of until I have my passport and I'm travelling to other countries."

Hyphen-Nationis screening at the 15thannual Regent Park Film Festival.

SojinChun, programmer for Regent Park Film Festival,says the short documentary captures the theme of the festival.

"We really want to show different narratives that you wouldn't normally see through other means, through the mainstream media," she said.

The three day event is free and showcases the work of women of colourwhich reflects Toronto's east end neighbourhood.

"We really make sure we represent all the cultures that are present in Regent Park," said Chun.

Ali explains this is why she wantedHyphen-Nationto premiere at the film festival.

"I want this film to foster a greater community, not only in Canada, but also worldwide."