The Waterlily Project's collection features 20 short music films reflecting cathartic reflections inspired by the life challenges faced by Waterlily and their closest friends. Each film is a result of collaborative efforts, created with the support of filmmakers, producers, musicians, rappers, singers, dancers, videographers, actors, athletes, and choreographers whom they admire and respect. Contributions came from artists based in Canada, the United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden, Sicily, the United States, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates. 

The development of this collection spanned two years and was made possible by the trust, dedication, and generosity of each contributor, including a benefactor who generously covered the rental costs of the Abbeydale Picture House, where the premiere was initially scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2020. However, due to the pandemic, the screening was moved online. This unexpected change allowed our global community to engage with the work, creating greater connections during the challenging transition to the initial lockdowns.
"For me, Hip Hop has always been synonymous with a sense of community. This quality of togetherness is essential at this time in human history. So, from that understanding, the essence of Hip Hop inspires every aspect of the collection, even if the musical connections aren't always obvious. Many musical genres have influenced me, leading to a blend of singing and spoken word to various soundscapes."
Waterlily's decade-plus background as a professional street dancer that started in the 90s deepened their passion for the sense of community found in the music and movements of Hip Hop dance. For this reason, Waterlily wishes to express their humble reverence, respect and appreciation of the founders of the five elements of Hip Hop, particularly the contributions of female-bodied artists. ​
"Thank you for nurturing an evolving art form that continues to inspire and sustain the souls of many around the globe. Through any emotional weather, it is a vibe that quenches our thirst."
In December 2021, an intimate live screening event took place in T'Karonto (Toronto), Turtle Island (North America). Waterlily performed a live aerial hoop piece set to a Hip Hop track created in collaboration with Sterzy, beatboxer and rapper on "Shanti hOMe" and "Murky Waters". Additionally, there was an improvised dance with Gurpreet Chana, aka The Tabla Guy, who was the creative co-conspirator behind the music for "13 Steps." Proceeds from the event were donated to the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society.
In this collection, Waterlily strives to speak on each topic honestly and without inhibition. However, they openly acknowledge that these considerations reflect very specific, often one-sided, and potentially polarizing perspectives. The intention is not to create distance but to honour the genuine impact these experiences have had on the authors' hearts. Waterlily believes it's important to mention that exploring these topics from different, even opposing, viewpoints would also be relevant, as the themes are complex. Nuance adds depth; our filters, judgments, and personal experiences shape our perspectives. Engaging in open communication with an audience of compassionate listeners fosters room for common ground, clarification, and sometimes even reconciliation. The lyrics cover a range of complex and emotive subjects, from attempted suicide and overcoming sexual assault to urgent pleas for climate action, the impacts of alcoholism and domestic violence on families with small children, learning to set healthy boundaries and the universal experience of grief. While these topics may be challenging to confront, the music and visuals convey Waterlily's dedication to authentic artistry and healing, plus their dreams of hope, freedom and, in some cases where it is safe, reconciliation. 
"On a personal note, I conceived this project while feeling that the term "woman" couldn't fully express my inner world. My closest friends were aware of this truth.  Despite this, I wrote lyrics such as "I am Woman" and "I hope one day I'll be a woman who can truly see," which are featured in the short films "Lady Dragonfly" and "As She Remembers." It wasn't until after the project's release that I felt comfortable publicly identifying as a non-binary person with a female body.

If I wrote these tracks today, I would change "As she remembers" to "As they remember." I'm unsure if I would have excluded myself from the Lady Dragonfly video, but I feel a great relief adding the update toward the end of that film."
After returning to Canada, Waterlily began using the preferred pronouns "they/them." These pronouns feel a more accurate reflection of their identity. However, this shift does not diminish their passion for the feminist movement or the experiences they had/have while being perceived and treated as a woman.