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From Durham Region to some of the world’s most prestigious film festivals, Tamar Bird is quietly reshaping Canadian cinema one story at a time. An award‑winning producer, writer, and creative force, Bird’s work is deeply focused on social change, pushing the boundaries of filmmaking and amplifying the voices of unrepresented people. Though her projects now reach global audiences, her creative roots remain firmly planted in Durham.
From Ajax to the Producer’s Chair
Growing up in Ajax, Ontario, Bird’s journey into film began as a local community theatre and television actor. That early exposure sparked a love of storytelling that soon expanded beyond performance. As her career evolved, Tamar transitioned into film production, steadily building an impressive and diverse portfolio that would come to define her voice in the industry.
Her leap into filmmaking began with her short film titled The Night Session, followed by Haven (2018), which premiered at South by Southwest (SXSW) and the critically acclaimed film Black Bodies in 2020. The latter premiered at both the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and Sundance, earning significant recognition, including the inaugural TIFF Changemaker Award and the 2021 Canadian Screen Award for Best Short Film. Each project reinforced Bird’s commitment to supporting voices that are often unheard.
A Feature Film Debut from a Child’s Heart
Tamar’s creative vision reached a new milestone with the debut of her feature film When Morning Comes (2022), directed by Kelly Fyffe-Marshall. The story is a poignant coming-of-age drama about sacrifice and the definition of home. A 2022 TIFF Official Selection, this debut feature is a heartfelt exploration of the immigrant experience through the eyes of a child left behind.
Set against the lush backdrop of Jamaica, the film centres on nine-year-old, Jamal, whose life is suddenly upended when his widowed mother chooses to send him to Canada in hopes of a better future. When Jamal learns of the news, he devises a plan to stay by visiting all his friends and family—and finally the grave of his father one last time.
Collaboration, Craft and Creative Trust
When Morning Comes hits especially close to home for Tamar as it gave her the rare opportunity to work alongside her best friends. “Being able to work with people you love and admire, who truly understand one another is one of the best feelings in the world”, shared Tamar. Hand selecting a team is uncommon in the industry, but resulted in an authentic, trust-driven experience for creative storytelling.
Tamar also highlighted how much of an honour it was to receive a post-production grant from David Cronenberg. She was able to meet him in Cannes and the two shared their great respect for each other's work and their love of the craft which left a lasting impression on her.
A Young Star is Born
Among the film’s many memorable elements is the debut performance of Djmari, the young actor who plays Jamal. Tamar noted that Djmari is one of the most professional people she has ever worked with and believes that his early skill development has put him on the trajectory for exciting opportunities in the future.
Only ten years old during filming, he memorized not only his own lines but the entire script—an achievement Bird describes as “remarkable” especially since this was his first acting role. Djmari’s instinctive performance lent the film its genuine emotional flow not often seen in the industry, and Tamar has expressed hope to collaborate with him again in the future.
Looking Ahead: Creative Change Through Cinema
As her career grows; Tamar remains focused on creating systematic changes in the industry by acting as an advocate for diversity and inclusion. Through her cinematic pieces she aims to provide audiences with not only an enjoyable experience, but a lasting impact that will remain with them long after the credits roll.
When Morning Comes was screened at a Durham Region International Film Festival “DRIFF in a Jiff” event to a sold-out audience. It is also available on Crave. Want to attend a future DRIFF in a jiff event? Get your tickets to an upcoming screening.
