
MEET US ON august 19, 2023.
ABOUT SANDBOX
SandBox is a comprehensive digital and media training hub aimed at empowering BIPOC creatives and fostering diversity in the media landscape. While open to everyone, we are placing an additional focus on BIPOC youth who may not realize the opportunities available to them in the media industry. Sandbox initiatives will be delivered via workshops, training, mentorship programs and showcases in various fields within media, such as journalism, digital storytelling, media production, and more.
ABOUT The YOUTH MEDIA SHOWCASE
The Youth Media Showcase will include a variety of speakers and a screening of “Undocumented” a powerful mini documentary that follows the life of Akil Augustine’s journey to Canadian citizenship. Along with the film, we will host four speakers who will give our audience a glimpse of what life is like in the media industry. Our goal is to spark interest in arts, film, and marketing related fields.
The theme for this edition of SandBox is “The Power of Media”. Every speaker will demonstrate a different perspective and, to close, Akil will introduce his documentary.Join us for a 90-minute educational series that will close with a 30-minute Q&A session with the panel of speakers. This will allow the audience an opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue about the viewing. Onsite we will have Lenz Films which will set up a mini experience center to give our participants a firsthand look at the tools used and available through this BIPOC owned company.
ABOUT THE DOCUMENTARY "UNDOCUMENTED"
Synopsis
There are an estimated 500,000 undocumented persons believed to be living in Canada. Half are reported to live in the Greater Toronto Area. “Undocumented” attempts to illustrate the many contributions this group can make to Canada through the story of one.
Event PROGRAM
Opening Intermission
Hear from our expert speakers
Keynote Speech
“Undocumented” Documentary Screening
Documentary Q & A
Event PARTNERS
Sandbox is made possible through partnerships and collaboration with organizations like Unilearnal and Afro Decent Network (ADN). The program is governed by a committee that will establish program objectives and milestones, leading to the development of a diverse skilled workforce in Canadian media.

Event speakers

Akil Augustine-NBA TV
After attending Seneca College’s Broadcast Journalism Program I began a career that has spanned 16+ years with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. As the Maple Leafs, Raptors and TFC digital host/producer I was responsible for original programming shared across the internet and television on the companies many networks and digital channels. I was also part of the team that launched the Raptors and Leafs into the social media space and have been collaborating and creating content for the team channels ever since. During that time I was also able to host and produce events and content for the likes of Nike, Indigo/Chapters, Canada Basketball and Octobers Very Own.
I have appeared on the CBC’s “Canada Reads” and as a recurring contributor on the CBC and CP24 news programs. I have worked with the NBA, ESPN & the Toronto Raptors as a side line reporter, analyst and play by play announcer as well as a pre and post game show host. I am also fortunate to be the official host of the Leafs and Raptors playoff tailgates parties at Maple Leaf Square and Jurassic Park.
Outside of my roles at Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment I have spent time as a youth outreach worker in Scarborough’s Tuxedo Court with East Metro Youth Services and have been a part of the TDSB’s Boys 2 Men program, the city of Toronto’s Midnight Basketball initiative, and have developed programming for incarcerated youth with the not for profit Amadeuz.



EVENT LOCATION
The Kailash Mital Theatre, CARLETON UNIVERSITY
1125 Colonel By Dr, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6