Carnival Queen Joella Crichton's story subject of new film
August 28, 2021
Blown-up mas’ photos and carnival headdresses and chest pieces caught award-winning director Chris Strikes attention when he visited perennial Carnival Queen Joella Crichton’s residence in the summer of 2017 to table read a film script.
Greatly impressed by the amazing collection and aware that she was an eight-time Carnival Queen, he politely inquired if she was ever approached to tell her story.
“But for a few newspaper and television interviews,” the answer was no,” said Strikes who was a participant in the Reelworld Film Festival incubator program in 2019.
Chris Strikes (Photo contributed)
With the annual Toronto Caribbean Carnival just a few weeks away and Crichton seeking her ninth title in a decade, Strikes suggested the timing was right for a documentary to coincide with her vying for a 10th crown in 2018 when she was the face of the festival.
Crichton had already indicated she was considering taking a hiatus if the milestone was achieved.
“We laughed it off after I made the suggestion,” recalled Strikes who graduated from Kipling Collegiate Institute that offers video broadcast courses. “After Joella won for the ninth time, I told her we should really think about doing this documentary now that she was going for 10 which is a big achievement.”
The persistence paid off and she agreed to tell her story.
Joella Crichton captured her fifth Queen of the Band crown in 2014 (Photo by Ron Fanfair)
‘Becoming A Queen’, a 90-minute documentary, screened at the 23rd Roxbury International Film Festival in Boston last June.
Crichton, 34, saw the film for the first time just before the festival.
“I loved it,” she said. “Not only did Chris tell my story beautifully, but he shed light on carnivals around the world and the female body. It’s such a heartwarming and lovely film that I really enjoyed. I am so glad I put my trust in him.”
The film makes it Canadian premiere at the 16th annual Caribbean Tales International Film Festival in Toronto on September 8.
2016 Queen of the Band winner Joella Crichton (Photo by Ron Fanfair)
Festival Director Diana Webley said ‘Becoming A Queen’ was the programming jury unanimous choice.
“For our Sweet Sixteen anniversary, the focus is on Canadian content and amplifying that,” she said. “We also were looking for a way to uplift Canadian and Caribbean filmmakers who have been affected by COVID. We had to have an opening night that showcased a Canadian film and ‘Becoming A Queen’ is just perfect and fitting. It landed in our laps. It made sense and hit all of the checkmarks we were looking for.”
Strikes’ first feature-length film explores expressions of identity, love and family through Caribbean artistry.
With the actor/director relationship being a key element in filmmaking, communication and trust are critical.
“Joella was extremely helpful and open,” he said. “When we were filming scenes that she wasn’t part of, she directed me to those people who have been integral in her journey and she assisted with the co-ordinating of schedules. In the process, I learned how much Carnival means to her and the family.”
Older sister Mischka Crichton is a three-time Female Individual title winner while their mother, Lou-Ann Crichton, played mas’ in Sr. Vincent & the Grenadines before migrating to Canada in the 1970s and playing a pivotal role annually in helping to prepare her daughters’ costumes.
Joella Crichton (r) with older sister Mischka and their mom Lou-Ann (Photo by Ron Fanfair)
Playing mas’ since age three, Crichton finished eighth in her first Queen of the Band competition at age 18 in 2005 as a member of Toronto Caribbean Connection (TCC).
After a third-place tie the following year, she was last in a field of 16 in 2007 when her costume metal frame bent and toppled while she was performing for the judges.
“The welding and the frame were unable to hold the weight of the costume,” said Coombs.
A devastated Crichton couldn’t hold back tears.
“That was a low point for me because we worked so hard and then everything fell apart and I was disqualified,” she said. “We spent hours working on it and the goal was to win Queen that year. When I got strapped in at the edge of the stage, I felt an immense amount of weight on my body. It felt like I had four men standing over me. I had never felt like that before. When I got on stage and made a big turn, the lights hit the costume and everything started glittering and shining and the crowd went wild. I knew it was the winning costume in that moment for sure. As I made another turn, the costume bent and I started to fall backwards as if I am falling into a bed.”
Everyone gets knocked down at some stage in their lives.
Some find it hard to get up off the canvas while others quickly bounce up on their feet, vowing not to let it happen again.
Taking part in Trinidad & Tobago’s Carnival for the first time in February 2008, Crichton was 11th in the Queen category and third in the Road March competition using the same costume that was repaired and enhanced.
Five months later, she clinched her first Queen of the Band title in Toronto.
Joella Crichton (Photo by Ron Fanfair)
“The first couple of years, Joella was a bit tentative and unsure of herself,” said Kenny Coombs who has designed all of Crichton’s costumes. “I told her she had to perform with an attitude for the audience who were there to see her do her thing in the flowing costume. Winning for the first time really boosted her confidence. Though I have built costumes for other mas’ players, I was always on the lookout for someone who would be the perfect fit for my designs. Joella is tall, personable, competitive and aesthetically pleasing.”
In 2009, Crichton and Coombs -- considered one of the best costume designers in Canada – joined Carnival Nationz after TCC folded.
The formidable combination made an immediate impact, winning the Queen of the Band title for a second straight year.
With some costumes carrying considerable weight, maneuvering them can be a bit tricky as Crichton found out four years ago when it a was windy.
Kenny Coombs (Photo contributed)
“Those costumes are heavy and you need someone who can take the weight and proudly display them with a smile on their face,” said Coombs who played mas’ in St. Vincent & the Grenadines before coming to Toronto in 1976 to further his education. “Being a former competitive skater, she has the leg and lower body strength to keep going. You just don’t show up, put on a costume and perform. You have to physically prepare for the competition and she puts in the hardwork that very few see. You have to be fit and strong.”
Crichton, who recently became a mother with her son’s birth on June 22, hasn’t ruled out the possibility of returning to competition.
She played mas’ with Carnival Nationz in 2019.
“I had a really good time,” the York University Fine Arts degree graduate and actress pointed out. “I however miss the preparation that goes into making the costume and the competition. That’s in my blood. Since having my son, I also think it would be cool for him to experience a mas’ camp and see his mom perform. I would also like to do something that I have never done before. I think that would be quite exciting and fun.”
Joella Crichton and her first born (Photo contributed)
Coombs is ready to welcome Crichton back into the fold.
“In 2019, I remember making eye contact with Joella who was sitting in the stands during the competition and I sensed she missed the competition,” he said. “She left on top with a legacy that no one has come close to reaching. Fame is fleeting and I believe she would love to be out there competing for the crown again.”
Caribbean Tales film screenings will take place virtually this year.
