Ebony R. Gooden is an emerging artist, filmmaker, and activist based in Calgary, Alberta. With a passion for storytelling and a commitment to social justice, Gooden uses film as a means of exploring and exposing the experiences of marginalized communities.
Gooden received a BA in digital communication and visual/multimedia arts from Gallaudet University, a bilingual institution for deaf and hard-of-hearing students in Washington, D.C. Since then, she has become an emerging filmmaker and has been the recipient of numerous grants from organizations such as the Canada Council for the Arts and the Calgary Arts Development. Gooden’s films often focus on issues facing the Black Deaf community, as well as broader themes of identity, communication, and relationships.
In addition to her filmmaking work, Gooden is a co-founder of the SURVIVANCE Collective, an collective that aims to support and promote the work of Black Deaf artists. She is also a board member of the QuickDraw Animation Society and an EDIA consultant for Inside Out Theatre, both based in Calgary. Gooden’s dedication to her craft and her commitment to social justice have made her an unique filmmaker and speaker. She has been invited to speak at numerous events and has served as a panelist and consultant for organizations such as the Calgary Development of Arts and the Black Arts Development Program.
With a growing body of work and a reputation as a passionate and insightful filmmaker, Ebony R. Gooden is poised to become a major force in the world of independent film. Whether she is exploring the complexities of the human experience or shining a light on issues that are often overlooked, Gooden’s work is a testament to the power of storytelling to create change and foster empathy.