This is VIBE Spotlight: a weekly series that celebrates and shines a light on VIBE Arts’ roster of talented artists. Each Monday, our Instagram and website feature a different VIBE Artist and provide a look into their craft. Stay tuned and get to know the diverse talent that makes up our organization and community with #VIBESpotlight.
On this VIBE Spotlight, we’re shining a light on Paul Daniel Torres, a director, screenwriter and poet, and a new member of the VIBE Artist roster.
VIBE: Is there anything you are currently working on that you would like to share?
Paul: If you check out my instagram, you can see all my films and poems!
VIBE: What has been one of your greatest accomplishments to date?
Paul: Having a film screen at Tiff Next Wave and being mentored by Director X.
VIBE: What has been one of your favourite moments while being on the VIBE roster?
Paul: I’ve just started, so I can’t wait to see what’ll happen!
VIBE: What are some of your future goals?
Paul: I want to run a non-for profit film school/studio for underserved youth that produces racialized directors, screenwriters and other crew members. My goal is to use that to start a little Toronto New Wave of film where working class racialized people are in control of our narratives. For my career, I just want to make movies that connect with people and hopefully pay off my osap in the process.
VIBE: What is one of the greatest lessons you have learned thus far?
Paul: Kill the ego before it kills you! When you’re nothing you’re everything.
VIBE: What changes would you like to see in Toronto’s Art community?
Paul: I want to see more spaces for more conscious and progressive art from racialized people. I feel like we’re shuffled into a box aesthetically or we’re taught hard skills to make other peoples art but not our own.
Support Paul: @pauldanieltorres
Stay tuned for more VIBE Artists on VIBE Spotlight