The 5th OTTAWA BLACK FILM FESTIVAL Opens with Samia by Yasemin Şamdereli

+ 30 Films From 18 countries

Necessary, Innovative, Strong, Diverse and Bold Programming – Amplifying Black Voices from March 28 – April 1st, 2025 – In-Person and Online.

Full Program & All Access Passes at www.OttawaBlackFilm.com

Ottawa, March 18, 2025 – The 5th Ottawa Black Film Festival (OBFF) returns with a meaningful in-person and online edition, dedicated to amplifying the voices of Afro-descendant Filmmakers. Founded by the Fabienne Colas Foundation, OBFF is proud to unveil its official program and events lineup, taking place from March 28 to April 1, 2025. In-person screenings and events will be held at Library and Archives Canada, while audiences across Canada can also join online.

#OBFF25 recognizes the support of the Canada Council for the Arts, Telefilm Canada. The festival also acknowledged the support of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation with funding provided by the Government of Canada, Library and Archives Canada, and Festwave Institute. This special edition will showcase 30 impactful films, engaging panels, insightful workshops, and thought-provoking discussions—bringing communities together to celebrate diverse talent and reflect on the experiences and challenges of Black creators.

“The Ottawa Black Film Festival celebrates 5 years! It’s an important milestone for us and it shows how much people want to see more diversity on screen and behind the scenes. Many many thanks to our loyal partners, artists and festivalgoers for their trust. We invite everyone to come celebrate with us and discover the world through films and more, from March 28 to April 1, 2025, both in-person and online.” – Said Fabienne Colas, President and Founder of the Montreal, Toronto, Halifax, Ottawa, Calgary and Vancouver Black Film Festivals.

Opening Night

The Opening Night kicks off with a red carpet event at Library and Archives Canada (395 Wellington Street) on Friday, March 28, at 7 p.m. EST. The festival opens with Samia by Yasemin Şamdereli (Somali and English, with English subtitles), a powerful and moving story of defiance and perseverance. Samia defies taboos by racing through the streets of Mogadishu, in a society where a woman is not supposed to run. Her passion will one day take her to the Olympic Games.

Then, at 9 p.m. EST, the festival expands beyond the in-person celebration as all films become available online.

This year’s highlights include Samia, Johanne, tout simplement, Hanami, Legacy: The De-Colonized History of South Africa, L’Audience, and the OBFF Black Market – An industry series where esteemed professionals share real-world experiences on critical filmmaking and social issues.

OBFF BLACK MARKET

Presented by Festwave Institute

The OBFF Black Market is back – FREE IN PERSON and ONLINE! Join us for an exciting blend of progressive and innovative FREE panel discussions and workshops with renowned industry professionals. Gain insights into critical filmmaking and societal issues.

PARTNERS

The 5th annual Ottawa Black Film Festival, created by the Fabienne Colas Foundation, runs March 28 – April 1st, 2025 and acknowledges the support of the Canada Council for the Arts, Telefilm Canada. The festival also acknowledged the support of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation with funding provided by the Government of Canada.

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About the Ottawa Black Film Festival – #OBFF25

The Ottawa Black Film Festival (OBFF) is about discovery and Inclusion. A not-for-profit organization created by the Fabienne Colas Foundation, OBFF wants to amplify more Black voices and showcase the most relevant Black films from here and abroad while creating a space to debate major cultural, social, and socio-economic issues.

About the Fabienne Colas Foundation

The Fabienne Colas Foundation (FCF) is Canada’s largest Black cultural organization. Created in 2005, the FCF is a not-for-profit arts organization dedicated to promoting Diversity and Inclusion in Cinema, Art and Culture in Canada and abroad.

For media interview requests: Veronique Fecteau – 514-893-0772 – veronique@perfecteaucomm.com