Our Project
Kensington Market: The FIRST 150 Years is a feature documentary that will tell the 150 year story
of Toronto’s Kensington Market. Its the story of the many lives of the market village, as its grown and been re-envisioned through the decades.
We will share stories of the generations who have lived here in the past, those that live here today and explore the
forces that are impacting the Market’s future.
Kensington Market has long been one of the
most unique neighbourhoods in Toronto, in Canada, and in fact – the world. Over the years, this six-block market in
Toronto’s downtown core has been a harbour of safety for new immigrants to
Canada from Jewish, Portuguese, Caribbean, Eastern European and Asian
communities. For many, Kensington is the first step in their journey to Canada.
Today, Kensington is a delightful,
colourful alternative to the skyscraper-draped metropolis that is growing up
around it. Despite its numerous incarnations, the market manages to hold onto
its uniquely eclectic charm and free-spirited nature, but, as always, the
times are changing.
We are inspired to make this film now, as
the market is in the crossroads between what it has been and what it will
become. Every month, a heritage
business leaves the market. Some of the oldest members of the community are passing on and now is the time to capture their stories so we can share them into the future. And its an amazingly rich story, from all over the globe, a story of community and creativity.
The newest arrivals in the
neighbourhood are not arriving with a single suitcase - but come in construction
cranes and high-rise condo towers. The market is again facing a state of change and who knows where it will take it. We
want to capture the personality and colour of the Market now as we know it and love
it, and share some of the magic for the whole community to share and cherish.
The film includes interviews, archival
material, community activities and events. Most of all, it will include the people, arts and
personalities of Kensington Market.
The Impact
Kensington Market: The First 150 Years will knit together many unique and heartfelt journeys. We will meet the people of the market, and illuminate the vibrant roots of this
neighbourhood, and this city at large.
The story of Kensington mirrors the story of Canada. We will share it with audiences and students
in Toronto and across Canada.
This project is more than just a film – we
hope it also becomes a digital movement. The twenty-first century documentary is a platform for connecting people and engaging them in conversation and dialogue. It is an online community. We’re telling the story of
the market, but we also want the community to share their stories and
impressions of Kensington.
Neighbourhoods
are built on the people who live within them and the whole city has had a deep
love affair with Kensington. There’s no guarantee that the market we know today will be around forever. This
film will act as a digital archive for the rich history of our market and our
city.
It’s
going to start a conversation about what has made Kensington special, beloved -
and what we will choose to protect & cherish as the city mushrooms up around
it.
Project Needs and How You Can Help
Raising our fundraising goal of $12,000 will
allow us to invest in shooting interviews and events. Costs include renting equipment and paying modest production crew fees for shooting days. Your sponsorship helps us pay for the first phase
of the film’s production. Funds will also cover archival research and image
capture so we can bring to life images that span over 150 years of Market
history.
This phase of fundraising
will go a long way towards ensuring this documentary will complete production
and allow us to show future funders material to secure post production
resources.
In addition to financial support, we also
invite you to join us in other ways.
If you have roots in the market, or a
special tie to it that you think is worth sharing, we’d love to hear your
story. We are looking for archival film,
video and photos, video and other materials that show the different eras of the
market. Please email us at
Kensington150@gmail.com
We want this project to be the best it can
be. We want it to be something the community can truly be proud of and connect
to – but we can’t do it alone.
Every dollar you provide brings us closer to completing the film and helping us share it for generations to come. We’re
grateful for all support and any help is greatly welcomed and appreciated. Please check out our perks to see the Kensington inspired gifts we’ve set aside for you.
Thank you fellow Kensington supporters! We look forward to sharing our stories of
Kensington with you soon!
From the folks at The Mission Media Company
Stuart Clarfield, Director & Producer
Madelaine Sawyers McKechnie, Production Manager Steven McDonnell DP Joshua Henderson Special Assignment DP Sean Singh Sound Recordist & Designer Laura Fry, Social Media & Campaign Manager