RISING | LIL BERETE
Short doc dives into the personal story of Yaya Berete p/k/a Lil Berete, a young rapper from Regent Park, Toronto's most notorious and violent neighborhood. After one of his songs goes viral at the tender age of 16, Berete becomes one of the youngest rappers in Toronto's history to receive an international record deal. Despite his success early on, growing up in Regent Park still took it's toll and was the catalyst for many personal tragedies, stemming from systemic issues like gentrification as well as the constant threat of violence, crime and murder. Through his love of music and rediscovering his Africanity, Berete paves the way for other in his community to follow in his footsteps as he liberates himself from the hood.
Awards:
Best Documentary - Canada Shorts - Canadian & International Short Film Fest 2022 (Winner)
Semifinalist - Indie Short Awards Cannes 2023
Official Selection - Halifax Black Film Festival 2023
Best Music & Sound - Toronto Short Film & Documentary Film Festival (Winner) 2022
Official Selection - Bronx Social Justice Matters International Film Festival 2022
Official Selection - Open World Toronto Film Festival 2022
CREDITS
Archival Footage: Reed King Bee
LX Designers: Sean Thompson & CJ Hinds
Sound Recordist: Dane Kelly
Sound Mixer: Brian Gallant
Key PA: Sid Grover
PA: Diana Quintana James
Set Photographer: Mike Adhihetty
Editor: Leah Lalich
Colorist: Patrick Samaneigo // Darling
Special Thanks: Jonathan Shamar, Tomas Kanene, Thomas Lafeuille, Reed King Bee, Sandy Pandya & Arthaus.
Produced by the JUNO Awards. Presented by TD. Funded by Ontario Creates.
Client: JUNOS
Director: Avery Stedman
Written by: Avery Stedman & Lil Berete
Exec Producer: Danielle Sanford
Producer: Meika Wagner
Production Coordinator: Keisha Beattie
DP: Dennis Grishnin
Gaffer: Andy Youn
Key Grip: Gianluca Basile
1st AC: Eric Schweiger
2nd AC: Alex Nunes