Author: Kevin Bourne

Kevin Bourne is the co-founder and editor of SHIFTER magazine. Born and raised in Toronto, Kevin currently resides in Ottawa with his wife Koliah and their three children. He's a big fan of hip-hop, pop culture, and urbanism and spends most of his time keeping up with the Kardashians.

Over the past few years, we have seen how women have taken on the role of leading ladies on the big screen. These heroines have exemplified courage, bravery, intelligence, and a whole lot of sexy! What a combination! These ladies certainly don’t sit on the sidelines, no: They kick some serious ass! It’s encouraging to see strong female role models in cinema that young girls can admire for reasons other than having long hair and wearing sparkly dresses. Personally, it makes me proud to see when a strong woman being able to hold her own through battles challenges and tribulations.…

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As most of our readers are aware, we seldom review short films. Personally, I don’t have any sort of bias against them but I find that a good majority of them fail to use their short format to deliver enough of an impact. Now, from time to time, I find myself pleasantly surprised, which brings us to D E J A V U, directed by Christopher Massardo and starring Antonia Juric. What most short films fail execute in ten minutes, D E J A V U manages to do it in two. “The concept behind the film is being trapped;…

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Name: Megan Thorp-Levitt City: Ottawa, Canada Biggest accomplishment so far: My biggest accomplishment so far creatively is winning the Best Portfolio Award at the 44th Annual Photo Grad Show at Algonquin College. Winning was such an honour. My portfolio is the culmination of two years of blood, sweat and tears. It’s the progression of me finding my style and brand of photography as a photographer. And to be recognized and awarded for that feels so good! What creativity means to me: Creativity has always been a big part of my life. It means for me an endless source of satisfaction…

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Ishmil Waterman, also well known as The Professional Light Catcher! Shares his story on how he started and what it’s like being a creative. Ep. 10 – Ishmil Waterman Photos by Jodianne Beckford For more photos of Ishamil Waterman visit jodiannebeckford.com ISHMIL WATERMAN SOCIAL MEDIA Website: ISH Instagram: ISH VIDEO FILMED & EDITED BY: O’SHANE HOWARD Instagram: O’shaneHoward Website: O’shaneHoward Facebook: O’shaneHoward PODCAST INTRO/OUTRO MUSIC PRODUCED BY: JOE IMPALA Soundcloud: JoeImpala PODCAST ENGINEERED BY: UNIQUEKA WILSON Instagram: UniquekaW PODCAST RECORDED AT ST. ALBANS BOYS & GIRLS CLUB Instagram: StAlbansbgc Facebook: StAlbansbgc

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I often say I was born in the best generation. According to some experts I’m a GenXer and according to others I’m a part of Generation Y, aka the Millennials. There’s no real agreement on when the different generations begin and end, but when I look at the tendencies of both GenXers and Millennials I tend to fit both. Now, I say I was born in the perfect generation because over the past 36 years I’ve had the opportunity to experience some amazing innovations- the internet, smartphones, smart homes, and there’s so much more to come. I’ve also experienced the…

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I hate the Golden State Warriors. Even more, I hate Kevin Durant for joining them last year after almost beating them while being a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2016 NBA playoffs. Durant seems to have taken the phrase, “If you can’t beat’em, then join’em” literally and now stands as an NBA champion. When Durant initially made the move it was followed by scathing articles and commentary from the press. Big names like Stephan A. Smith and others vocalized what the majority of the sports world were thinking, calling the free agent’s decision a “weak move” and…

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Philip Isaacs is an international motivational speaker, clinical counselor, and consultant. Philip always had this innate drive to help others, and as he grew older he was able to make it his full-time career. Ep. 9 – Philip Isaacs of Isaacs Guidance & Consulting Photos by Jodianne Beckford For more photos visit jodiannebeckford.com SOCIAL MEDIA Website: PhilipIsaacs Instagram: PhilipIsaacs Facebook: PhilipIsaacs Twitter: PhilipIsaacs VIDEO FILMED & EDITED BY: ARTUR ZAITSEV Instagram: ArturZaitsev Facebook: ArturZaitsev PODCAST INTRO/OUTRO MUSIC PRODUCED BY: JOE IMPALA Soundcloud: JoeImpala PODCAST ENGINEERED BY: UNIQUEKA WILSON Instagram: UniquekaW PODCAST RECORDED AT ST. ALBANS BOYS & GIRLS CLUB Instagram: StAlbansbgc Facebook: StAlbansbgc

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Bloggers have taken social media by a storm, being spotted on front rows at fashion shows, collaborating with brands and, of course, selfie-ing it up with top fashion icons. Many national brands are turning to fashion influencers, with their legions of followers, to advertise their products instead of mainstream celebrities. What started as a hobby and side hustle has become a career and business venture. In fact, today’s top bloggers and Instagrammers aren’t just pretty faces; they’ve become brands and entrepreneurs and the world is taking notice. Here are 10 fashion, beauty, health and travel bloggers to follow now across Canada! …

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Koliah Bourne recently had the opportunity to chat with actress Amanda Brugel of the new Hulu/Bravo TV series The Handmaid’s Tale. Her other credits include “Marci Cotes” in Orphan Black and “Officer Parker” in last year’s Oscar nominated film Room. Koliah asked her about her latest role, as well as what keeps her going in the industry. Listen on Soundcloud Koliah: So, thank you so much Amanda for doing this interview. Amanda: You’re welcome. Koliah: Okay. So you’re currently in the TV series The Handmaid’s Tale. Amanda: Yes. Koliah: So The Handmaid’s Tale is based on the book by…

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When I was in high school, my English teacher gave out an assignment to perform a speech in front of the entire class. We were given the freedom to talk about anything we wanted to, as long as we kept everyone awake during the presentation. As a grade 10 student in the 90’s, there wasn’t much more to think about other than music, girls, sports and clothes. The latter always had a bearing on the type of social status you’d have during your high school career. What you wore and how you wore it was the difference between sitting at…

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Pauleanna Reid, is an author and co-founder of an amazing mentoring program “new girl on the block”. She overcame many obstacles to get to where she is today. Pauleanna has achieved countless success and helped many young women achieve their own. Pauleanna discusses her journey to success, dealing with mental illness, and how she never allowed her battles to hold her back. Ep. 7 – Pauleanna Reid of New Girl on the Block Photos by Jodianne Beckford For more photos visit jodiannebeckford.com PAULEANNA REID SOCIAL MEDIA Website: PauleannaReid Instagram: PauleannaReid Facebook: N.G.O.T.B Twitter: PauleannaReid PODCAST INTRO/OUTRO MUSIC PRODUCED BY: JOE IMPALA Soundcloud: JoeImpala PODCAST…

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Over the past few weeks the topic of cultural appropriation has dominated the headlines. Last week Write Magazine editor, Hal Niedzviecki, wrote a controversial opinion piece stating he didn’t “believe in cultural appropriation”. That piece led to his resignation. Steve Ladurantaye, managing editor of the CBC’s The National, was reassigned to another department because of his tweet in support of an appropriation prize. Just this morning the Toronto Star posted an article about a First Nations man decrying the sale of dreamcatchers inspired by Canada’s 150th birthday at Dollarama and just a few weeks ago a band that will be…

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