Tristan Barrocks

Barrocks INC

About

Tristan Barrocks is a powerhouse in the film industry, and he’s just getting started. A Jamaican-Canadian director, writer, and producer, he’s based in Toronto but reaches audiences worldwide with his human-centred, Black-centered stories that break the mould. You might know him from "Dear Black Dad"—a digital release that’s hit home for so many, or from projects like the 2023 web series Wallflower, the documentary series Connecting the Dots (2019), and Mother to Mother (2022). Each of these projects highlights a unique blend of storytelling and realness that’s unmistakably Tristan’s. His work has been featured on platforms like Playblack, Glossy Inc., Loop News, and Medium, where people can see firsthand how his acting chops and storytelling talent translate into a directorial style that feels authentic and fresh. Tristan’s focus is clear: putting powerful Black narratives front and center. And he’s been recognized for it, landing a spot in the Sundance Writers Collab program and earning premieres at places like the American Black Film Festival and Essence Festival. Tristan’s dedication goes beyond the screen. He’s been part of the Diversity of Voices Initiative not once but twice, showing his commitment to amplifying BIPOC stories and building a community where BIPOC creatives can truly shine. He’s also a judge for the CMF Radicalized Production Portfolio and a professor at Seneca College, teaching the next wave of filmmakers how to tell stories that matter. His work has travelled far, from the American Black Film Festival to the Swedish International Film Festival. And right now, he’s making waves with his latest, A Letter From The Fathers Chapter II, and he’s in post-production on Sugar Dumplin, a self-funded film with deep Jamaican and Caribbean roots. Tristan is all about creating, regardless of recognition from traditional funding sources, believing that if a story lives within you, it deserves to be told—funded or not. As one of Canada’s leading emerging Black directors, Tristan Barrocks is shaping the future of cinema. His mission? To bring authentic, meaningful Black stories to life in a way that resonates, represents, and inspires. Whether as a director, writer, or educator, he’s setting a new standard in film—one story at a time.

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THE 14TH ANNUAL SHORTY AWARDS

The Shorty Awards honor the best of social media and digital. View this season's finalists!

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Strategy & Engagement

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