Being Black In Canada

Being Black In Canada

Being Black in Canada represents Canada’s largest mentorship, training, and creation program to be entirely dedicated to Black filmmakers. This important initiative, created by the Fabienne Colas Foundation’s Youth and Diversity Program, aims to train, mentor and empower the next generation of Black Filmmakers in Cinema and Television.

History

Launched in Montréal in 2014, the program expanded in 2019 to Toronto and Halifax, in collaboration with the Montreal, Toronto, and Halifax Black Film Festivals. That year, 15 emerging Black filmmakers (aged 18–30) from the three cities created 10-minute documentaries exploring Black community integration in Canada. They received full mentorship and professional resources throughout all stages of production.

The films premiered at the Montreal International Black Film Festival (Sept 2019), followed by screenings at the Toronto and Halifax Black Film Festivals (Feb 2020), with post-screening discussions on Black realities and inclusion. Later, the films aired on CBC, Télé-Québec, and TFO.

In 2021, with support from Netflix, National Bank, Telefilm Canada, the Canada Council for the Arts, and others, the program expanded to Ottawa, Calgary, and Vancouver. It now supports 35 new Black artists annually, with their films showcased across major Black Film Festivals and on television.

2014 – Program Launch
The Being Black in Canada program is born in Montréal, creating a space for Black voices in film.
2019 – First Expansion
Program grows to Toronto and Halifax. 15 filmmakers create documentaries that premiere at national festivals.
2020 – National Broadcast
The films reach broader audiences through CBC, Télé-Québec, and TFO, sparking important conversations.
2021 – National Rollout
With major support, the program expands to Ottawa, Calgary, and Vancouver — welcoming 35 new filmmakers annually.

Discover More About the Program!

Want to dive deeper into the stories, films, and impact behind Being Black in Canada?
Visit our website to explore full details, filmmaker journeys, and upcoming events.

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