Ron Dias | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Ron Dias October 2, 1989 Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 2008–present |
| Notable work | |
| Website | youtube |
Biography
Ron Dias is a Toronto-based filmmaker, writer, and producer known for his authentic storytelling and commitment to highlighting underrepresented communities. His works often explore themes of resilience, gentrification, and cultural identity.
Early Life and Education
editRon attended York University where he joined a band called BFDM while studying Radio and Broadcasting.[1] In 2008 Dias dropped out of University when he was employed by a local Toronto Radio Station called Flow 93.5 FM. He then released his first single called "Toronto" [2].which also had a Music Video that was popular within the local Toronto hip hop scene. [3][4][5] [6]
In February 2011, Flow 93.5 was purchased by CHUM FM and nearly laid of the entire staff including Dias, [7]He then started making YouTube videos with YouTube Star Latoya Forever as they both attended York University together. Using YouTube as a platform to hone his skills, while amassing a vast and diverse fan base that continues to grow, he soon developed into a dedicated Director. Alongside his companion creator Joanne Jansen, they created a successful web series “Friends with Benefits”, with over 7 million views and four nominations at the LA Web Fest. .[8]. He also wrote, directed, and produced a short film "Mariposa", that received praise for the quality of work on a shoestring budget, and made it into the Cannes Film Festival in 2018.
Filmmaking
editDias began his career in filmmaking with the short film Mariposa, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival short corner in 2018. His first feature-length film, Bite of a Mango, premiered at the American Black Film Festival and won several awards, including Best Audience Choice Award and Best Actress at the Reelworld Film Festival.
Dias’s first feature-length film, Bite of a Mango, premiered at the [9] American Black Film Festival and was celebrated for its authentic portrayal of Toronto’s communities. It won the Audience Choice Award and Best Actress at the ReelWorld Film Festival.[10].
Morningside is a love letter to the Scarborough neighborhood, showcasing the resilience of its community amidst the challenges of gentrification and gun violence. The film features an ensemble cast including Kiana Madeira, Olunike Adeliyi, Alex Mallari Jr. Lovell Adams-Gray, Joanne Jansen and Fefe Dobson. The film premiered at the 2024 Cinéfest Sudbury International Film Festival,[11] and was subsequently screened at the ReelWorld Film Festival.[12] [13]
Awards and nominations
edit| Year | Award | Category | Nominated work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | American Black Film Festival | Best Feature Narrative | Bite of Mango | Nominated |
| American Black Film Festival | Best Screenplay | Nominated | ||
| American Black Film Festival | Best Director | Nominated | ||
| ReelWorld Film Festival | Outstanding Actress "Jayne Kamara' | Won | ||
| ReelWorld Film Festival | Audience Choice Award 'Ron Dias and Joanne Jansen' | Won |
Discography
editAlbums
editSingles
edit| Title | Year | Album |
|---|---|---|
| "Marlon's Intro" | 2012 | Everything's Possible |
| "Lay Me Down" | Everything's Possible |
External links
edit- Ron Dias at IMDb
- Ron Dias's channel on YouTube
Media related to Ron Dias (director) at Wikimedia Commons
See also
editSee also
edit
[[:Category:Canadian film directors]]
[[:Category:21st-century Canadian male actors]]
[[:Category:Living people]]
- ^ "The Story of "Brothers From Different Mothers" (BFDM)". 26 May 2009. Retrieved 2016-07-06.
- ^ "Toronto – Ron D." Torontoist. Retrieved 2008-12-29.
- ^ "Throwback Thursday:Toronto – Ron Dias ft. Blake Carrington". Retrieved 2012-02-09.
- ^ "Hype Spotlight: Ron Dias". Retrieved 2011-01-19.
- ^ "T-o-r-o-o-n-t-o". Retrieved 2008-12-29.
- ^ "TORONTO – RON D FT. BLAKE". Retrieved 2008-11-08.
- ^ "Changes Flowing In Toronto". RadioInsight. 2011-02-03. Retrieved 2019-02-13.
- ^ "Web Series Reviews". HuffPost. Retrieved 2024-12-18.
- ^ Marriska Fernandes (June 18, 2022). "Toronto film 'Bite of a Mango' to make world premiere at American Black Film Festival". Toronto Star.
- ^ "2022 ReelWorld Awards". ReelWorld. Retrieved 2022-10-20.
- ^ "Cinéfest Sudbury International Film Festival Details 2024 Lineup". Exclaim!, August 27, 2024.
- ^ jamie casemores (October 2, 2024). "'Reelworld Film Festival unveils lineup for 24th edition': Reelworld Film Festival returns to Toronto and online". Playback.
- ^ "'Morningside': Fefe Dobson, Kiana Madeira & Brandon McKnight Among Cast For Indie Pic Which Gets Underway In Canada Next Week". Deadline. November 30, 2022.
- ^ "Way Past Love". Bandcamp. Retrieved 2010-11-23.
- ^ "everythings-possible". cityonmyback. 2012-04-27. Retrieved 2012-04-27.