Bronwen and Yaffa
Moving Towards Tolerance

Against a vibrant soundtrack of punk and rap music, two extraordinary young women from Halifax create change at the grassroots level by organizing benefit concerts to raise money for EAR - Eastcoast Against Racism.

Bronwen Trim and Yaffa Elling have both experienced racism in their own lives and are determined to make a difference. Their message is simple to those who promote racism and those who struggle against it: "The world is getting way out of control. We don't have to live this way. We can change it."

Together they reach out to local bands to help raise money for EAR, knowing that the universal language of music will speak out to, and help unite, the community. At the same time they struggle to renew their friendship with Scott, a former Klu Klux Klan member. He is trying to reform but he admits that there is still a conflict in him. He talked about how the Klan provided him with a sense of belonging and how that can be tempting to many young people. His encouragement is further encouragement for the two young activists to continue to fight against racism and to practice the tolerance they preach. As Yaffa tells Scott, "If we don't accept you back, there's no motivation for you to leave the Klan."

Bronwen and Yaffa: Moving Towards Tolerance chornicles the efforts of these two determined young women as they successfully rally against racism: booking a variety of bands, putting up posters, writing an information booklet, organizing a writing contest so that young people can speak their minds, talking to people in the streets and even encouraging Scott to speak at the concert. After the show they realize that even though the battle is huge, "It is possible to get your message across and people do listen ... and that's worth everything!"

The film is directed by Peter d'Entremont, produced by Michael Mahoney and was written by JoAnn Napier. It is a co- production of the National Film Board Documentary East Studio and Triad Film Productions.

For further information check the NFB's Bronwen and Yaffa: Moving Towards Tolerance page.