In Development

Projects In development

|  Short Films

Welcome to A.N.N.A.

Directed by Sydnie Baynes

Welcome to A.N.N.A. is a surreal animated short film that explores the dark history of sundown towns in Canada and their lingering impact on marginalized communities. This project seeks to educate audiences about the existence of these racially exclusionary towns while fostering critical discussions on systemic injustices, surveillance, and collective healing.

The film incorporates symbolic imagery, particularly the motif of lighthouses as tools of surveillance, to emphasize the tension between visibility and control. By drawing inspiration from Surrealism’s fascination with the uncanny, Welcome to A.N.N.A. creates a haunting and thought-provoking atmosphere that mirrors the fear and oppression faced by Black individuals navigating these spaces. The narrative examines the theme of surveillance in sundown towns, connecting it to contemporary concerns about over-policing and the security disparities affecting Black communities today.

Beyond historical education, Welcome to A.N.N.A. serves as a platform for dialogue and reflection, challenging audiences to confront ingrained assumptions about race, space, and history. By blending experimental storytelling with striking visuals, the film not only sheds light on a little-known part of history but also advocates for a more inclusive and just society.