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Series 1

In 2021, eight filmmaking teams from across Canada were selected to create short films about bold and unlikely changemakers who inspire us to jump in and get involved in civic issues close to our homes and hearts. Series 1 was produced by Lisa Jackson (Door Number 3 Productions) and Lauren Grant (Clique Pictures).

Community Engagement Toolbox

We are pleased to provide a Community Engagement Toolbox for those who are interested in bringing the Citizen Minutes series to their community. This toolbox can be used to prompt discussions and activities related to the themes seen in the film series.

The Community Engagement Toolbox was created in partnership with the Toronto Metropolitan Democratic Engagement Exchange.


body politics cover photos

Body Politics

Educator, activist and politician Dr. Jill Andrew takes her fight for body justice, human rights, representation, access and equity to the legislature.

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wall covered in posters

Excluded by Design

Writer and activist Dave Meslin shares his vision for a democracy where citizens feel invited and empowered to engage.

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illustration of parent with child

The Gift

A lesson in compassion and generosity results in a lifelong gift as a father passes on important teachings to his daughter.

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Woman in yellow raincoat

Jean Swanson: We Need a New Map

Vancouver city councillor Jean Swanson works alongside the next generation of anti-poverty activists fighting systemic inequality.

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group of Somali-Canadians

Mending a Crack in the Sky

Two Somali-Canadian mothers have organized a group to collectively combat gun violence and hardship while facing cultural and racial barriers.

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woman walking on train tracks

Militant Mother

In 1971, after months of advocating for a safe crossing, twenty-five mothers made their voices heard by blockading CN rail from delivering goods.

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child walking past globe

Nourrir les Rêves

Meet Paul Evra, the young altruistic director of Lasallien Center who is leading the center and their mission to help feed the numerous families in the area who are food insecure.

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eyes in rearview mirro

Ride Fair

Three fearless community organizers embark on an uphill political fight to regulate Uber and Lyft in Toronto.

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Audience Feedback

The impact all of you are making will be felt for generations. Thank you so much for sharing these stories and bringing them to this medium so beautifully.

The power of our voices cannot be denied. The most powerful solutions arise when we come together to support each other.

It is inspiring to see the difference one can make in others' lives with the courage to speak up and participate.

Impact Survey

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We want to learn more about how the films made an impact. Please take a moment to fill out our Audience Impact Survey.

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Producers

Lisa Jackson

Lisa Jackson

Lisa Jackson is an Anishinaabe (Aamjiwnaang) award-winning creator of documentary and fiction film and television, VR, and multimedia installation work. As a director, her projects have won a Genie and Canadian Screen Award, been nominated for a Webby and Canadian Association of Journalists Award, broadcast throughout Canada, and screened at Sundance, Tribeca, SXSW, Berlinale, and Hot Docs. In 2020 she launched Door Number 3 Productions and is currently in post-production on feature hybrid documentary Wilfred Buck and was a producer of Hot Docs' Citizen Minutes in 2021. She was awarded the 2022 Chicken & Egg Award, the 2021 Documentary Organization of Canada Vanguard Award, sat on the NFB’s Indigenous Advisory, and is a member of the Indigenous Screen Office’s Membership Circle. She lives in Toronto, has an MFA from York University, and attended the CFC Directors Lab and TIFF Talent Lab and Writers Studio.

Lauren Grant

Lauren Grant

Lauren Grant owns Clique Pictures, a vibrant film and television production company that focuses on working with female creative talent in front and behind the camera. In 2021, Clique Pictures released the feature films Sugar Daddy and The Retreat, as well as Lauren’s directorial debut Things We Feel But Do Not Say. Previous films include Riot Girls, Wet Bum, Picture Day, as well as the documentaries On the Line, Metamorphosis, and Traceable. She won a CSA for the short documentary Take a Walk on the Wildside and a Genie award for Savage. The Hollywood Reporter named Lauren one of 15 Talents to Watch. Lauren is an alumna of ACE Producers, Trans-Atlantic Partners, Rotterdam Lab, Berlinale Talent Campus, TIFF Studio and the CFC Producer’s Lab.