Last year, Colette Johnson-Vosberg’s Unusually Normal world premiered at Inside Out. This year, she is world-premiering her LGBTQ+ follow-up feature doc Unlabelled about three trans people in Toronto at the same festival. I caught up with my prolific collaborator after hearing the news of her film’s world premiere.
Literally within a year of world premiering Unusually Normal last year at Inside Out, you’re world premiering your latest feature Unlabelled at Inside Out. That’s impressively quick. How did Unlabelled come about and what was the production process like?
CV: I was super lucky how it all came together. OUTtv, the commissioning broadcaster for both Unusually Normal and Unlabelled, loved Unusually Normal’s rough cut when it was delivered in November 2023. They asked if I had any other stories because they had commissioning budget and Canada Media Fund envelope monies to spend (which rarely happens). From Unusually Normal, there was a heart-wrenching testimonial from a Trans high school student who eventually underwent transitioning. Initially, I wanted to share their story, but they declined. So, I approached a colleague well-connected in the Toronto LGBTQ+ community, and they put me in touch with Emery and Lucah. At the time, I was working on another production as Line Producer, where I met Lucy, who became the third Trans person I interviewed. It was crucial to tell stories from their different perspectives; while they may have shared similar experiences growing up, their journeys to where they are today are very different. This diversity makes the film relatable to a broader audience. I also wanted to make the film more artistic rather than just talking heads. Emery’s burlesque dancing allowed me to incorporate performance art with dramatic lighting to tell the story metaphorically.
Can you talk about one most important message you have for the world in making Unlabelled?
CV: As the title indicates, “Unlabelled” – wouldn’t it be nice to live a world that didn’t have any labels – why do we need pronouns, why can’t we just accept people for who they are without having to explain themselves. Just Be… That would be my ideal world.
From Unusually Normal to Unlabelled, what is something new that you learn about humanity or the LGBTQ+ community that you didn’t know before?
CV: From both films, fear was a central theme for everyone involved. Fear of discovery, fear of not being accepted by peers, fear of loving someone but its taboo in society and fear for their own safety. I don’t think the average white cisgender person experiences the same kind of fear in their daily lives. While we all face challenges and must rise above difficult experiences, having a deep sense that something is different within us without knowing what it is or how to overcome it can be very debilitating. Fortunately, Lucy, Emery, and Lucah have all found happiness in their lives, and the film ends on a positive note.
Why are you passionate about making documentaries as a filmmaker?
CV: It might sound lofty, but I love the documentary genre for its ability to bring stories about humanity, our society, and the world around us. It broadens our awareness of current events, which can help us feel less alone, learn something new, or satisfy our voyeuristic instincts by delving into someone else’s life. Documentary storytelling has evolved significantly from the early days of dry, narrator-driven documentaries that preached to viewers. Now, we can see beautiful, lush cinematography and a wealth of archival materials. With travel and technology, we can explore diverse stories from around the world and bring them to audiences at home. As a documentary filmmaker, I cherish the interview process, as it requires building trust to be authentic to the interviewee and their story. I take this responsibility seriously and feel honored when someone shares their most intimate moments and thoughts with me, as it’s crucial for them to reach a larger community.
Compared to the U.S., would you say LGBTQ+ and trans people are less marginalized in Canada? And why is it important for you to give voice to these subjects as a filmmaker?
CV: Considering that the current US president has taken actions to dismantle LGBTQ+ rights and criminalize Transgender well-being, it’s frightening. In Canada, LGBTQ+ rights exist and barriers are gradually being broken down, but discrimination still persists. I hope my films reach broader cis audiences with the intent to be more accepting of people who identify gay, trans or non-binary.
Can you talk about the nuts and bolts of financing Unlabelled? Has it been challenging or easy and why?
CV: Because OUTtv had funds already to spend, this one was easy to fund. It’s a small budget – under $200,000 which comprised of a broadcaster license fee, Canada Media Fund, Federal and Provincial tax credits and producer investment. We are very blessed in Canada to have the funding layers that we have with government grant & equity financing and tax credits. However, it’s hard to access until a broadcaster comes on board with a license fee and triggers funding opportunities.
What project are you working on next as a filmmaker?
CV: I’m very interested in telling marginalized stories. My next documentary will focus on Deaf and hearing-impaired musicians and performers, including ASL music interpreters. These interpreters may be deaf themselves or incorporate ASL into their performances. The documentary will highlight individuals who were born deaf or lost their hearing early in life. ASL interpreters are becoming more prevalent in today’s concerts, allowing for rich stories of musicians overcoming obstacles and thriving through their love of music. Music is universal, making it a compelling subject for storytelling while being entertaining.
What is one dream / passion project you have that you can share with the world?
CV: There is a story that I am very compelled to tell, highlighting the important work of Rangers who protect their country’s environment and animals. We often hear about elephants and rhinos protected in parks, but who are the individuals committing their lives to safeguarding their homeland? These men and women risk their lives daily to fend off poachers and companies that exploit lands for wealth, often without support of their work from their own countries. I would love for a broadcaster to champion these stories, but it’s been tough to gain traction. Broadcasters only seem interested in lush wildlife stories narrated by David Attenborough, without human involvement.
Join the world premiere of Unlabelled at Inside Out on May 25, 2025!
