Claire Prieto facts for kids

Claire Prieto is a famous Canadian film director and producer. She was born in 1945. Many people know her as one of the first Black filmmakers in Canada. She worked with Roger McTair. They had a company called Prieto-McTair Productions. It made films from 1982 to 2007.

Growing Up

Claire Prieto was born in Trinidad in 1945. Trinidad is an island country. In 1970, she moved to Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She moved with Roger McTair.

Making Films and Helping Others

Claire Prieto's films tell important stories. They explore Black history, culture, and experiences in Canada. Her movies were very new and exciting. They were made by Canadian women and people of color.

Her film Some Black Women (1977) was special. It was the first film made by independent Black filmmakers in Canada. Later, her TV show Lord Have Mercy! (2003) was also a first. It was the first Caribbean-Canadian comedy show.

Another important film was Black Mother Black Daughter (1989). Claire Prieto helped produce it. This film was made by an all-female crew. This was a big step for the film industry.

Claire Prieto also helps other filmmakers. She has guided many Black filmmakers. She supports them in their careers. In 1988, she helped start the Black Film & Video Network (BFVN). This group helped Black producers, directors, and writers.

Claire Prieto's Films

Here are some of the films Claire Prieto has worked on:

• Some Black Women (1977)
• It's Not an Illness (1979)
• Home to Buxton (1987)
• Black Mother Black Daughter (1988)
• Older, Stronger, Wiser (1989)
• Jennifer Hodge: The Glory and the Pain (1991)
• Love Songs (1999)
• Lord Have Mercy! (2003)
• How She Move (2007)

Awards and Recognition

Claire Prieto has received many awards for her work. Her TV series Lord Have Mercy! (2003) was nominated for a Gemini award. It was also nominated for an Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television Award for Best Comedy Series.

Her short film Survivors (1992) was nominated for a Gemini award. Her documentary It's Not an Illness (1979) was nominated for a Genie award. In 2010, she received a special Lifetime Achievement award. This award was from the Caribbean Tales Film Festival. It honored her long and important career.