Cinematography in Canada Since 1957

#ZoeDavidson #AssociateMemberCSC @zdavidson

And that’s a wrap! A huge shoutout to Carolyn Wong for the honor of hosting—thank you for this incredible opportunity!

This journey has been a dream come true, and I’m beyond grateful that I get to pursue my passion as a career.

Of course, it’s not always smooth sailing. There are long days, late nights, and moments of uncertainty. But when you love what you do and have a clear goal, there’s no such thing as “too much effort.” You go all in.

For those just starting out or interested in becoming a Director of Photography, here are some tips:

1. Gear doesn’t define you: I’ve seen stunning films shot on a 5D IV and disappointing ones filmed on equipment that cost ten times more. At the end of the day, every DP’s goal is the same: tell the story.

2. People are kind: I was so nervous meeting experienced DPs at first. But they’re just people—rockstars, yes, but also kind people who are genuinely interested in seeing others succeed. If you’re starting out, reach out! You’d be surprised how willing many established DPs are to offer advice or mentorship. Just ask.

3. Just get started: The hardest part of any new journey is taking that first step. It’s easy to doubt yourself, but trust me: action is the best way to improve. Put in the work, and you’ll grow into the DP you’re meant to be. Time and effort will get you there.

Thanks for following along! Until next time, and Happy Black History Month!

Zoë Davidson

#ZoeDavidson #AssociateMemberCSC @zdavidson

I’m in the final stages of making a film that dives deep into Jamaica’s turbulent 1970s—a time marked by political unrest and fear. This story is told through the voices of Jamaicans who, for the safety of their families and hopes of a better future for their children, chose to leave their homeland.

As they built new lives in Canada—starting businesses, raising children, and creating generations who now call Canada home—their journey bridges two worlds.

While this is a story rooted in Jamaica, it’s also a powerful testament to the strength and resilience that defines the Canadian experience.

Jamaica’s motto, “Out of Many, One People,” speaks not only to Jamaica’s rich diversity but also to Canada’s. It’s about unity in the face of adversity.

Here’s a glimpse of the film.

#ZoeDavidson #AssociateMemberCSC @zdavidson

One of the most pivotal moments of my filmmaking journey was shooting and directing my @howard1867 MFA thesis film, Canada’s Unchecked Racism.

The short documentary explores the experiences of two young Black Canadians and the challenges they’ve faced growing up in Canada.

It was a personal project, and creatively, it pushed me further than any other film I had worked on up to that point. I constantly asked myself: How do I best tell this story? What message do I want to share?

The goal was never to simply revisit the painful moments of the past but to inspire change—challenging Canadians to do better and be better as we move forward.

Canada’s Unchecked Racism went on to screen at over a dozen festivals worldwide and won several awards—an achievement I was incredibly proud of. At the time, it felt like my biggest success.

But, as Nelson Mandela wisely said, “Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”

Success isn’t just about the big wins—it’s about the countless times we fall, get back up, and keep going. This wasn’t my first film; it was the culmination of years of late nights, failures, and perseverance.

Success isn’t instantaneous. It’s built on a foundation of setbacks, resilience, and the willingness to rise after every fall. It may take weeks, months, or years, but success is only achievable if you don’t give up.

#ZoeDavidson #AssociateMemberCSC @zdavidson

Here are a few stills from “Things at Rest”, an experimental short directed by @kalei_des_scope. This film offers a stunning reimagining of the Black aesthetic, deeply inspired by the matriarchs of classic African-American literature.

Each scene is a visual ode to a different literary classic, which resulted in unique vignettes that each felt like a new film. This dynamic approach challenged us to experiment with our techniques, all while maintaining a cohesive narrative.

We filmed during the height of the pandemic, which brought its own set of challenges. With actors and crew members getting sick, we were constantly adapting to unforeseen changes.

But despite these hurdles, we managed to make a beautiful film, and “Things at Rest” remains one of my favorite projects.✨

#ZoeDavidson #AssociateMemberCSC @zdavidson

Filmmaking is a team sport, and one of the most important lessons I’ve learned as a cinematographer is the power of the right team. If you’re able to surround yourself with people you enjoy working with, who you can trust, and whose work you truly admire, it’s easy to create something unforgettable.

Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to be a part of some incredible teams, and work on many amazing projects. Even when things don’t go according to plan—whether it’s a tough subject, a lack of equipment, or other unexpected hurdles—it’s the team that pulls you through.

Getting to do what I love is a gift in itself. Getting to do it with friends is like winning the lottery.

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

#ZoeDavidson #AssociateMemberCSC @zdavidson

Like many cinematographers, my passion for film began with photography. In high school, I joined the photography club, where I spent countless hours in the darkroom, watching images come to life as they developed.

What I love most about film photography is how it challenges you to embrace limitations. You only have a limited number of shots, so each frame becomes an intentional choice. That mindset is something I’ve carried into my digital work as well—working within those constraints pushes me to be more thoughtful and ultimately create better images.

One of the self-imposed limitations I love to work with is focal length. While a zoom lens offers convenience, sticking to a single focal length, like a 50mm prime, forces you to think outside the box and challenge yourself, creatively.

I took these photos several years ago while visiting three of my favorite cities—New York, D.C., and Toronto—each shot captured with a challenge in mind: limiting myself to black and white, experimenting with long exposures, or capturing a single frame that tells an entire story.

Every shot was captured with a 50mm prime lens. 📷