SHARMA MACDONALD

Award-Winning Actress & Filmmaker

We caught up with actress, Sharma MacDonald.

Tell us a little bit about yourself Ms Sharma MacDonald?

I am an award-winning actress and filmmaker born and residing in Toronto, Canada. I am also passionate about serving my community. My television credits include Breakout series on National Geographic/Discovery Channel and CTV/NBC’s Saving Hope as well as Host on YES TV Canada’s Let’s Talk. Moreover, I have stepped onto the stage in theater performances of Nora and Delia Ephron’s Love, Loss, and What I Wore. In honour of “Canada 150”, I was recognized as one of the top 150 Black Canadians for my contributions as an actress, filmmaker, and community role model. My current short film titled 2020, which I co-wrote and star as lead actor, is a winner at New York’s Kwanzaa Film Festival, and an official selection at Ritu Rangam Festival in India, Toronto Black Film Festival, and Halifax Black Film Festival thus far. I am born to Jamaican parents who always instilled in me the importance of using my platform for good and it has been my goal through life to tell untold stories. with an acting agency at the time; we had a mock audition workshop with a notable casting director in the city. The casting director was impressed with my audition, so much so, that I got booked on the spot for my first television role. However, as I started to audition for more roles, I realized that not as many were being offered to BIPOC. This is when I became involved in filmmaking as I began writing my own scripts and creating my own films, telling stories that were reflective of the multicultural community around me.

How did you get started?

I started in the industry as a model, actually. Through modeling I got a hint of what it was like going to castings but acting was always my first love. Thus, I did some cold calling to different acting agencies, went to audition for them and finally found an agency that I felt was a good fit. Then, as they say, the rest is history.

What pushed you to become an actor/actress?

I’ve always been interested in acting. When I was younger, I would love watching soap operas like The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful. To this day, it is a dream of mine to have a role on B&B! I remember that my teacher in Junior High loved the dramatic arts and developed a show to perform in front of the school; that was my first performance, but a career as an actress wasn’t even a thought at the time. My father was always supportive of me and my passion for television and film, so when he passed away a few years ago it taught me that life is too short and that I needed to pursue my passion!

How do you feel about directing a movie?

I love creating camera shots and being involved in the direction that a movie is going so I definitely see myself taking on more director roles in the future. Tell us about “No Way Out” which you also directed? No Way Out is the first short film that I wrote and directed so I was elated to have it selected at the Women’s Director International Film Festival. The short film is about a young boy named Aiden growing up in an at-risk neighborhood in Toronto. It is set inside his home and we see his family come in and out of the family room while Aiden watches television. He is being ignored by those around him; only to find out that he was a ghost all along who lost his life in crossfire. The topic of gun violence was prominent in Toronto during the making of the film and I wanted to draw attention to that. It was a tribute to all those in the community who senselessly lost their lives. I approached a friend of mine to be cinematographer, scouted locations, and conducted casting calls while selecting black youth that may have never gotten the opportunity to experience the film and tv industry. It was amazing to see something that I had written c ome to life!

Can you tell us about the film, 2020 and the psychologist?

2020 is a film that that exposes the ‘two’ pandemics, Covid-19 and Racism, that occurred during the year 2020 through the eyes of a black female psychologist, my namesake. The irony is that the psychologist, whose profession is to help others cope mentally, is now forced to confront her own suppressed emotions and mental state amid the rising tension. The film is a reminder that as black people, it doesn’t matter what our contributions are to society or how ‘successful’ we are; unfortunately, what others see first is the colour of our skin. 2020 showcases the present as well as past thoughts of this black female psychologist as she narrates the film. For example, she experiences being pulled over by police and the anxiety that comes with that, in addition to a racially motivated loss. I believe her character represents the mental exhaustion that many, if not all black people experienced that year, especially as a black woman. My hope is that this film serves as a ‘blueprint’ for 2020 and that it ultimately allows people of all races to come together and heal.

Are you working on any movies right now?

Yes, I am Assistant Director on an upcoming feature film, called Mary. It is a Dark Comedy about a middle-aged, truck-stop sex-worker of the same name, who feels lost and unwanted in the area of romance; a definite change from the projects I usually work on, so should be interesting! I am also in the process of developing a drama television series surrounding Generation Z and Mental Health titled Jade, with the goal of hopefully getting picked up by a streaming service like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video…fingers crossed!

What field do you like best?

The field that I like best is acting because of the human connection that it represents, meaning how the audience members can see themselves through an actor’s performance. Furthermore, there is nothing more liberating than acting with a scene partner. What do you prefer theater acting or movie acting? I prefer movie and television acting over theater acting. However, I must admit that I learned what it truly takes to be an actress by being on stage. I view theater acting as the foundation, and I highly recommend every actor to experience it. Theater is as real as it gets, no retakes, and no edits. If I were to mess up (and trust me, it has happened), I have no choice but to recover right there on stage; it is a challenge like no other yet freeing at the same time. It also doesn’t hurt getting live reactions from the audience whether it’s a gasp, laugh or applause!

Who is your favorite actor?

My favorite actor is Denzel Washington. He is a trailblazer, especially for black actors and actresses in the industry.

Who is your favorite actress?

My favorite actress is Viola Davis. The rawness and vulnerability that she brings to the screen is awe-inspiring.

What is some advice that you would give to someone aspiring to become an actor?

The advice that I would give, is to understand that rejection is inevitable in this industry. Becoming an actor is hard work. You’ll need to maintain your skills by taking good acting classes, learn how to breakdown scripts and listen to your scene partner; also go on as many auditions as you can and practice! Take advantage of resources online if you’re not financially able to take a class, there are plenty of online groups (even on Facebook) where you can join a community of actors. Find scripts online from your favorite television show, grab a friend and practice. Furthermore, find a reputable agency who will get you into auditions. Always remember that you can even write your own film and be the lead! That said, understand the importance of self-care in the process to prevent burnout; I am an advocate of mental health for creatives.

Is it true the saying “if you set your mind to it you can do it”?

Yes, absolutely. Perseverance is key. When I felt that the opportunities weren’t coming my way, instead of quitting I shifted my focus to creating my own work. As a result, more acting roles opened up for me. I constantly reminded myself that “If I don’t believe in myself, why would anybody else?” Contrary to what others may say, you deserve to be in this space just as much as the next person. Obstacles will get in the way, but it is important stay focused.

What advice will you give to upcoming filmmakers / Actresses?

My advice to upcoming filmmakers and actresses firstly, would be not be afraid to share a little about your project or ideas with others in general because you never know ‘who knows who’ and can help make your project happen! Secondly, there’s no need for fancy equipment; get started just by shooting and editing on your smartphone! Thirdly, actresses should always be prepared because you never know when you’ll be approached to audition for a role or even offered a role. This includes having your information up to date, such as recent headshots, a demo reel, and resume of your work (this applies to filmmakers as well). Fourthly, especially for female filmmakers and actresses, know your worth. Learn as much about the industry on a whole as possible. The film and television industry remains male-dominated which is why now more than ever our presence needs to be known.

Do you have a website or an IMDb?

Website: www.sharmamacdonald.com IMDb: imdb.me/sharmamacdonald FB/IG/TW: @sharmamacdonald