In recent years, actress Rukiya Bernard has spoken publicly and frequently about the blatant racism and racist micro-aggressions she’s experienced as a Black woman in the film and television industry. She’s sat on numerous diversity and inclusion panels. She’s written about it, including in a creative essay titled Dear Becky that we published on the YVR Screen Scene site. She’s spoken about it in multiple media interviews. In short, Rukiya has done a lot of work for a lot of years to make her point – but with The Blactor, she’s taking us further than she’s ever taken us before. She’s not only telling us about the realities of life for Black actors; she’s showing us. She’s pulling us in and stirring our hearts and minds and souls in a way that only art can do.

Rukiya wrote and directed The Blactor, which will have its world premiere at the 2021 Vancouver International Film Festival. Here’s how VIFF describes the film: “On her way to another demeaning audition for another stereotypical role, a Black actress is stopped by an undercover cop who believes she’s involved in a break and entry.” The film features an astounding performance by Keeya King as Kadija, AKA the Blactor, as well as Mark Hildreth, Teana-Marie Smith, Ali Liebert, and Enid-Raye Adams.

In this poignant interview, Rukiya speaks about her journey to this moment, and the changes she’d like to see moving forward. Episode sponsor: Fish Flight Entertainment