Some things about me and my interests!
INTRODUCTION
Allyssa Dalton, (Ally, Al, Aj, little Dalton, or simply: Dalton) has been immersed in the world of filmmaking since the tender age of 6, when her dad introduced her to the wonders of media player on their family computer. Together with her sister, she would craft mini-movies using her dad's camcorder, burning their creations onto CDs that still roam around the house; including a memorable Barbie film featuring Hannah Montana characters in a unique rendition of The Hunger Games.
She is currently a fourth-year film student at Brock University in Ontario, and spent a semester abroad at Queen Margaret University - Scotland. Allyssa has delved into various realms of filmmaking. Notable highlights include producing educational videos spotlighting Indigenous histories for Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons historical park, and winning the Best-Line Use award at Brock University's 72-hour film festival in 2023. Proficient in editing, filming, directing, and scriptwriting.
Filmmaking has always been her passion, stemming from childhood endeavors to recreate the magic of cinema with friends. Her fascination with the art form grew with each visit to her local Cineplex movie theatre, leaving her exhilarated and curious about the filmmaking process (and always grabbing a Cineplex magazine as she left). The moniker XLVI pays homage to her Papa Moe, a beacon of inspiration, gentleness, and kindness, who encouraged her to pursue her dreams and instilled valuable lessons that continue to shape her journey.
As an Indigenous Person with French Canadian roots, she is deeply committed to illuminating the rich tapestry of her cultural heritage. Through storytelling, she aims to showcase the beauty of her upbringing and the profound influence of her community of Penetanguishene, Ontario on beautiful Georgian Bay. Through storytelling and filmmaking, Dalton strives to evoke the same joy and wonder that creating them brings her. Her journey is fuelled by a deep-rooted passion for knowledge seeking, her culture, community, and upbringing. She eagerly anticipates embarking on new creative endeavours.
She is currently a fourth-year film student at Brock University in Ontario, and spent a semester abroad at Queen Margaret University - Scotland. Allyssa has delved into various realms of filmmaking. Notable highlights include producing educational videos spotlighting Indigenous histories for Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons historical park, and winning the Best-Line Use award at Brock University's 72-hour film festival in 2023. Proficient in editing, filming, directing, and scriptwriting.
Filmmaking has always been her passion, stemming from childhood endeavors to recreate the magic of cinema with friends. Her fascination with the art form grew with each visit to her local Cineplex movie theatre, leaving her exhilarated and curious about the filmmaking process (and always grabbing a Cineplex magazine as she left). The moniker XLVI pays homage to her Papa Moe, a beacon of inspiration, gentleness, and kindness, who encouraged her to pursue her dreams and instilled valuable lessons that continue to shape her journey.
As an Indigenous Person with French Canadian roots, she is deeply committed to illuminating the rich tapestry of her cultural heritage. Through storytelling, she aims to showcase the beauty of her upbringing and the profound influence of her community of Penetanguishene, Ontario on beautiful Georgian Bay. Through storytelling and filmmaking, Dalton strives to evoke the same joy and wonder that creating them brings her. Her journey is fuelled by a deep-rooted passion for knowledge seeking, her culture, community, and upbringing. She eagerly anticipates embarking on new creative endeavours.
EARLY FILMMAKING JOURNEY/PASSION FOR FILMMAKING
Film is something that I have been passionate about for as long as I can remember. Whenever my friends and I would hangout growing up I would always get them to make music videos or shortfilms with me. As I got older, whenever we had a project at school, I would always ask if I could do it as a film. I would go to the movie theatre with my mom or dad almost every month, and I would always leave feeling elated, and with millions of questions on how the film was made. These experiences fueled a desire within me to be able to recreate the joy I felt when watching movies, and be able to provide that feeling for others. The moniker XLVI is derived from the birth year of my Papa Moe, a significant source of inspiration in my life. He consistently encouraged me to follow my passions. Using his birth year as the name is my way of paying tribute to him and preserving his legacy. Papa Moe was not only a kind individual who brought joy to my life and the lives of others, but he also imparted valuable lessons to me. His profound knowledge in his areas of interest served as a model, and I aspire for my films to similarly enlighten and educate others just as he did.
CULTURAL CONNECTIONS AND PROJECTS
As an Indigenous individual with French Canadian roots, hailing from a petite community deeply embedded in the same cultural heritage, my desire is to illuminate the world about the beautiful culture and land that shaped my upbringing. I aim to share captivating stories that not only showcase my deep love and gratitude for the exceptional community that raised me, but also serve as a means to express my ongoing connection and support from this remarkable place.
There are two large projects that I have been holding close to my heart and working on for a combined 3 years total that I hope to bring to light soon, and I hope to work on many more projects to come.
I have created films in both french and the english language which can be found on the works tab of this website as well as on my YouTube account.
PERSONAL INTERESTS
Outside of film, I enjoy reading, video-games (such as the Uncharted series and Red Dead Redemption II), I have a huge love for stand-up comedy (particularly Russell Howard), as well as have a love for being on Georgian Bay.
CLOSING AND FUTURE ENDEAVORS
Thankyou for taking the time to explore my portfolio! Overall I hope that my passion for storytelling and filmmaking (whether it be from early childhood creations on my dads camcorder, or educational school videos) shares the joy with you that creating them brought to me. I truly aim to showcase the beauty of my culture and upbringing, and the love I have for my home on the beautiful Georgian Bay. I cannot wait to embark on more creative endeavors. Stay tuned for updates on my works and future projects!
To me, watching films, TV, and moving images are all forms of storytelling. The warmth that storytelling brings -like sitting by a campfire on a summer evening- is what I aspire to achieve in my own work. Stories, like the fire, can be gentle, coaxing you closer with their glow, inviting you to find comfort in their light. At times, the fire burns too cold, causing you to reflect on your own thoughts, aches, and discomforts, and leaving you longing for more embers. Other times, it flares with intensity, warning of the dangers of getting too close, or the risks of ignoring voices, stories, and wisdom of those around you. The smoke of the fire is always reaching for the stars, creating a path that connects us to the light of the past, and inspiring anew as it reaches ever upward.
In the end, storytelling, much like that campfire, warms the heart and soul. It creates a place of gathering, a circle where we can understand one another, passing on lessons, knowledge, hopes, and dreams from one person to the next. It’s this sense of timeless connection that I hope to kindle through my work– a flame that, whether fierce or gentle, remains a steadfast source of light for all of those who wish to join me by the fire and listen to my tales.
A young Allyssa and her Dad with the first camcorder she used to make films
Allyssa and her sister exploring Georgian Bay
Allyssa and her Papa Moe (the inspiration for the XLVI moniker)
Allyssa and one of her first "big catches" on Georgian Bay
Allyssa's Poppa Robert (who also loved to travel)
