by MATTHEW HAYS

“I need unconditional confidence in the people I’m working with,” says Mahalia Verna, when I ask her about her choice of projects. Trusting the team would be important for Verna, herself a crucial team player in a number of Montreal-based film and TV projects over the past few years.

Now, after working her way through various film vocations - from publicist to costume designer to associate producer - Verna is stepping into producing film projects as well. This year, Verna’s production company, Clara Communications, will begin overseeing the shooting of Lapsus, a documentary project about the harsh conditions faced by Haitian refugees and immigrants as they settle into Quebec society. The project, to be coproduced by Daniela Pinna, will be directed by Maryse Legagneur. “I’ve seen a number of documentaries on the immigrant experience,” notes Verna. “But I’ve not seen much done on second-generation Haitians, which is something we’re going to look at too.”

And Saved by the Belles, Ziad Touma’s feature directorial debut about a gay amnesiac, will hit cinemas this spring, a project Verna associate produced. “Ziad’s film is so fierce,” she says. “I’m very confident it’s going to catch on with audiences.”

Long a film buff, Verna says she’s always maintained broad artistic interests. She’s one of the producers and the host of Coco Café, Montreal’s longest running poetry series. As well, she says going to the theatre can often provide her with inspiration for her next project.

“Producing is about trusting my instincts and feeling truly passionate about the project,” she says. “I never really know where or when I’m going to be sniffing out my latest endeavour.” :

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