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Canadian by birth, Melanie spent her formative years in Haiti as her parents were involved in international health development work there. Living in Haiti, a country often misunderstood by the outside world, Melanie has become a unique embodiment of blended influences. Immersed in a culture not her own, she has seamlessly woven together the values from her upbringing with those of her adopted home. This rich tapestry of experiences has deepened her understanding of community, resilience, and the beauty of human connection. Her time in Haiti ignited a passion for storytelling that extends beyond mere documentation; it’s a mission to help correct the mainstream narratives that often misrepresent or overlook the complexities of marginalized cultures. She recognizes the power of visuals to challenge stereotypes and share authentic stories, and she channels this understanding into her work.
 

Jean Philippe, born in Haiti, found his passion for sound amidst the vibrant cacophony of Port-au-Prince's urban landscape. Growing up, he was captivated by the rhythmic pulse of the city—street vendors calling, music spilling from open windows, and the lively chatter of neighbors. This rich auditory environment inspired him to explore the art of sound, leading him to blend traditional Haitian music with contemporary genres. Today, Jean Philippe creates immersive soundscapes that reflect his roots while pushing the boundaries of musical expression. His work celebrates the unique tapestry of sounds that shaped his childhood and continues to influence his artistic journey. ​

Melanie and JP returned to live in Haiti to assist with reconstruction efforts following the massive Earthquake which devastated Port-au-Prince in 2010. Those years living in Haiti amidst a population who had been devastated by natural disaster brought them closer to the stories of people who were forced to discover a deep level of resilience to rebuild their lives. Melanie would say this is what triggered in her a desire to help people immortalize their stories on film. The earthquake stole a collective history - hundreds of thousands of stories - in a matter of seconds. This is the devastation beyond the physical devastation that was left in the quake’s aftermath.  

Roberto is a Haitian American who was born and raised on Long Island, New York but spent his summers with family in Haiti. Roberto's passion for storytelling through film was sparked by the tales of his Haitian heritage shared by his family. This deep-rooted connection to his cultural roots propelled him to seek a deeper understanding of his ancestry and the land that shaped his identity. Embracing the challenges and beauty of his homeland, he joined forces with the Ayasha Media team and became dedicated to producing documentaries that highlight the intricate human experience and the landscapes that surround them.

With their move to Toronto and filming stories of other immigrant groups the team realizes that this desire to preserve cultural heritage is a shared one-immigrant groups who either forcibly or voluntarily left their countries of origin, express a desire to pass on culture and a world perspective- film is a way for communities to preserve heritage- to immortalize lived experiences for the generations coming. This is a human desire to remember, to pass things on…..our mission has simply been broadened. Melanie and the Ayasha team gravitate towards any film project that will be a contribution to collective memory of a place, of a culture….of a people however that collective is grouped together or defined. 

From the bustling streets of Port-au-Prince to the multicultural neighborhoods of Toronto, their documentary projects capture the profound essence of life’s beauty and challenges, revealing the universal truths that connect us all.