Nina

Mainstream depictions of women and a diet-crazed mother have made eight-year old Nina increasingly self-conscious about the way she looks. When a boy at school kisses every girl but her, Nina takes matters into her own hands and starts a dangerous habit.

Creative team

Writer/director/producer: Rheanna Toy

Filmmaker’s statement

“Never has it been more pertinent that artists, especially artists in the media, drive home the importance of body acceptance and self love.

Too many women in the media are portrayed as nothing more than perfect bodies, distorting young viewers’ sense of self. Nina is my reaction to a lifelong struggle with eating and body image.

Through the creation of this short film, as well as the blog I kept during the process, I learned a lot about myself and about the distorted ideas I grew up with.

I immersed myself in this topic, volunteering weekly with an organization for young girls that promotes health and positive self-esteem.

I learned that making honest work can bring many talented people to you.

I am so thankful for the talented cast and crew that helped me to create this film. Through everything, I discovered how much of an impact the media has on us, and the importance of positive role models. As a young filmmaker trying to find my voice, this realization will impact all of my future work.”

About Rheanna Toy

Rheanna is a new filmmaker, currently earning her BFA in film at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver. Nina is her first narrative film.