Ottawa Black Film Festival https://ottawablackfilm.com The Ottawa Black Film Festival is dedicated to giving unique voices in cinema the opportunity to present audiences with new ways of looking at the world. Mon, 11 Mar 2024 20:30:18 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 The 4th OTTAWA BLACK FILM FESTIVAL Opens With Le voyage de Talia (Talia’s Journey) by Christophe Rolin + 40 Films From Around the Globe https://ottawablackfilm.com/the-4th-ottawa-black-film-festival-opens-with-le-voyage-de-talia-talias-journey-by-christophe-rolin-40-films-from-around-the-globe/ Mon, 11 Mar 2024 20:28:44 +0000 https://ottawablackfilm.com/?p=15193 The 4th OTTAWA BLACK FILM FESTIVAL Opens With Le voyage de Talia (Talia’s Journey) by Christophe Rolin + 40 Films From Around the Globe

Necessary, Innovative, Strong, Diverse and Bold Programming – Amplifying Black Voices from March 22 – 26, 2024 – In-Person and Online.

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

Ottawa, March 11, 2024 – The 4th Ottawa Black Film Festival #OBFF24 is back with a hybrid version to amplify the voices of Afro-descendants. Founded by the Fabienne Colas Foundation, OBFF is thrilled to announce the official program and events lineup, running March 22 – 26, 2024. The In-Person screenings and events will take place at Library and Archives Canada.

#OBFF24 is supported by Canadian Heritage, Library and Archives Canada, Telefilm Canada and Festwave Institute. Through 40 films, various panels, workshops and events, this hybrid fourth edition is aimed at the public from all communities as it highlights the talent of creators from diverse backgrounds and makes room for them to reflect on the issues they face.

“Showcasing exceptional work and authentic Black stories that don’t always make it to the screen is our raison d’être at the Ottawa Black Film Festival. 4 years already! We invite everyone to join us in celebrating diversity off and on camera as well as the differences that make us unique and the shared values that bring us together.” – Said Fabienne Colas, President and Founder of the Montreal, Toronto, Halifax, Ottawa, Calgary and Vancouver Black Film Festivals.

The opening night is a red carpet event happening at Library and Archives Canada – 395 Wellington Street on Friday, March 22 at 7 p.m. EST and opens with Le voyage de Talia (Talia’s Journey) by Christophe Rolin (French, with English subtitles). Talia is a 19-year-old Belgian girl, with Senegalese roots, visiting her country of origin for the first time. She starts off in Dakar, in the luxurious villa of her cousin’s family, hoping to meet her grandmother. But her grandmother is nowhere to be found and the villa quickly becomes a “golden prison”. Until she meets Malika, a mysterious bird street seller.

At 9 p.m. EST, all films will be accessible online.

This year’s highlights include Le voyage de Talia (Talia’s Journey), Je suis la France, Semret, Maboungou: Being in the World, and the Fabienne Colas Foundation’s BEING BLACK IN CANADA short film series. OBFF Black Market – Introducing an industry series where esteemed professionals share real-world experiences on critical filmmaking and social issues. Join us for an exciting blend of panel discussions, offering insights and perspectives from the forefront of the industry.

Furthermore, a series of thought-provoking short documentaries – will be screened on Saturday and will include: A Synonym for Art Rodgric J., Cretcheu, SkinTone, I Am Because You Are, and many more!

The festival will also present online a series of narrative short films in -person such as Essex Girls, Ta Wali, The Burden of Context, Ada Ani (the awakening), Elegy, Mångata, and more!

The #OBFF24 ALL ACCESS IN PERSON PASS gives access to the entire In person programming and can be purchased on the Festival’s website for $59 (+ tx/fees). The ALL ACCESS ONLINE PASS is available for $49 (+tx/fees). Single tickets for regular films are available for $12; Opening Night for $20. All can be purchased on the Festival’s website and are subject to taxes & fees.

 

FABIENNE COLAS FOUNDATION’S BEING BLACK IN CANADA

Part of Festwave Institute, presented by NETFLIX, in collaboration with the National Bank, and supported by Telefilm Canada, the Canada Council for the Arts and various partners. March 23rd – Library and Archives Canada 4pm – 9pm & ONLINE Tickets on OttawaBlackFilm.com

30 emerging Black filmmakers from Montreal, Toronto, Halifax, Ottawa, Calgary and Vancouver of the Fabienne Colas Foundation’s Being Black in Canada program will present their short films In-Person at OBFF on Saturday, March 23, 2024.

The FCF’s Being Black in Canada supported 30 Black Canadian Filmmakers, 18 to 30 years old, in Montreal, Toronto, Halifax, Ottawa, Calgary, and Vancouver in the creation of their first documentary short films (8 to 10 minutes). The filmmakers received professional coaching for each stage of the audiovisual production process and then made a short documentary film under the tutelage of industry professionals. A unique project that ensures inspiring emerging artists from culturally diverse backgrounds. 

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, alongside community panel discussions aimed at dissecting, important challenges affecting our Black community.

 

IN-PERSON

SATURDAY, March 23

Library and Archives Canada (395 Wellington St, Ottawa)

  • Securing a Space for Black Creatives in Ottawa’s Thriving Film Industry
  • The Threat is Real – Is AI Taking Over the Entertainment Industry?

 

ONLINE

SUNDAY, March 24

  • Grant Writing Workshop
  • Crafting Auio Stories: The Path to Becoming a Podcast Writer (Bilingual panel)

 

PARTNERS
The 4th annual Ottawa Black Film Festival, created by the Fabienne Colas Foundation, runs March 22 – 26, 2024 and is supported by Canadian Heritage, Library and Archives Canada, and Telefilm Canada. #OBFF24 is also supported by Festwave Institute, the Montreal Intl Black Film Festival, Toronto Black Film Festival, Halifax Black Film Festival, Calgary Black Film Festival, Vancouver Intl Black Film Festival and Fade to Black / Fondu au Noir in Montreal.

For the complete  #OBFF24 programming and events, visit www.OttawaBlackFilm.com

 

New this year!

OBFF COMMUNITY CORNER

The Community Corner is committed to offering a space for the Black Community to convene and engage. It facilitates participation, discussions, roundtables, and activities aimed at educating the community about pertinent issues, raising awareness, and celebrating its members.

BLACK MARKET ROUND TABLE TALK – Black Women in Media : Co-presented by Saint Paul’s Student Body: Saturday, March 23 – 10 AM – Library and Archives Canada – 395 Wellington St, Ottawa.

 

The OBFF Tour CECCE

The Equity and Inclusive Education (EEI) team, in collaboration with the Fabienne Colas Foundation, is offering 10th-grade students the opportunity to view three short films as part of the Ottawa Black Film Festival (OBFF) initiative. The three short films directed by emerging Afro-descendant filmmakers include:  Kouraj, Les blessures de l’âme et Noire au féminin. This presentation is located in an educational framework and aims to present students with different ways of seeing the world, through a cinematographic lens that highlights the diverse realities of people of African descent in Canada. Help young people to better understand culture, and promote respect for diversity! This tour of Ottawa’s 13 schools will take place from March 18 to 22.

 

Get Social #OBFF24
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

 

About the Ottawa Black Film Festival – #OBFF24

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. The Ottawa Black Film Festival is dedicated to giving unique voices in cinema the opportunity to present audiences with new ways of looking at the world. OBFF’s ambition is to encourage the development of the independent film industry and to promote more films on the reality of Black people from around the Globe.

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. Along with Zaza production, the Fabienne Colas Foundation is also the creator of 12 Festivals, including the highly successful Montreal Black Film Festival, the hugely popular Toronto Black Film Festival, the Halifax Black Film Festival as well as several other successful Festivals in Canada, the USA, Haiti and Brazil. These initiatives/festivals have showcased and supported over 5,000 artists and attracted over 2 million festival-goers. The Foundation is also the creator of the FCF’s Being Black in Canada program, Canada’s largest incubator dedicated to Black Filmmakers and Festwave Institute, created to empower the next generation of Black & underrepresented film & TV professionals.

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

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The 3rd OTTAWA BLACK FILM FESTIVAL opens with 1960 by King Shaft and Michael Mutombo + 40 Films from around the globe https://ottawablackfilm.com/the-3rd-ottawa-black-film-festival-opens-with-1960-by-king-shaft-and-michael-mutombo-40-films-from-around-the-globe/ Fri, 10 Mar 2023 16:41:54 +0000 https://obff.wpengine.com/?p=14983 The 3rd OTTAWA BLACK FILM FESTIVAL opens with 1960 by King Shaft and Michael Mutombo + 40 Films from around the globe

Necessary, Innovative, Strong, Diverse and Bold programming – Amplifying even more Black Voices from March 24 – 26, 2023 – FOR THE FIRST TIME IN-PERSON and Online.

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

Ottawa, March 8, 2023 – After two successful virtual editions, the 3rd Ottawa Black Film Festival #OBFF23, is back with a hybrid version to amplify the voices of Afro-descendants. Founded by the Fabienne Colas Foundation, OBFF is thrilled to announce the official program and events lineup, running March 24 – 26, 2023. The In-Person screenings and events will take place at La Nouvelle scène Gilles Desjardins and Library and  Archives Canada. 

Created by the Fabienne Colas Foundation, #OBFF23 is supported by Canadian Heritage, Canada Media Fund, Ottawa Arts Council,  Le Droit and Festwave Institute. The Ottawa Black Film Festival’s exciting and diverse programming is moving to a hybrid model this year with its first In-Person offering in Ottawa, with continued Online programming for accessibility across Canada and the world. Through 40 films and various panels, this hybrid third edition is aimed at the public from all communities as it highlights the talent of creators from diverse backgrounds and makes room for them to reflect on the issues they face.

The opening night is a red carpet event happening on Friday, March 24 at 7 p.m. EST and opens with King Shaft and Michael Mutombo’s 1960, at La Nouvelle Scène Gilles Desjardins (333 King Edward Ave, Ottawa). This mystery thriller begins when the remains of an apartheid-era policeman are discovered 60 years after he went missing, and a retired singer revisits her past to help with the investigation.  The Film will also be available online during the festival.

At 9 p.m. EST, all films will be accessible online.

Ellie Foumbi’s Our Father the Devil will close #OBFF23’s and will be available in person on March 26th and online throughout the Festival. The film is presented in French with English subtitles. This ethical and psychological thriller is about Marie (Babetida Sadjo), an African refugee working as the head chef at a retirement home in small-town France whose quiet existence is upended by the arrival of Father Patrick (Souleymane Sy Savané), a charismatic priest with whom she’s convinced she shares a heavy past in her homeland.

This year’s highlights include Colorblind, Know Your Place, How (not) to Build a School in Haiti, Sheeps Clothing, Black as U R and the Fabienne Colas Foundation’s BEING BLACK IN CANADA short film series. OBFF Black Market – an industry series where renowned industry professionals share real-world experience on today’s most critical filmmaking and social issues – will present an exciting blend of panel discussions.

Furthermore, a series of thought-provoking short documentaries – presented by the Canada Media Fund – will be screened on Sunday and will include: Session, 110′ Maka, We Went Out, Silent Partner, Reflection, Roadmarks, and many more!

The #OBFF23 ALL ACCESS IN PERSON PASS gives access to the entire In person programming and can be purchased on the Festival’s website for $59 (+ tx/fees). The ALL ACCESS ONLINE PASS is available for $49 (+tx/fees). Single tickets for regular films are available for $12; Opening Night for $20;  Closing Night for $15. All can be purchased on the Festival’s website and are subject to taxes & fees.

“The Ottawa Black Film Festival is being presented for the first time in person (and online)! The entire team is very excited to be on the ground to be able to showcase exceptional work and authentic Black stories that don’t always make it to the screen. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating diversity off and on camera as well as the differences that make us unique and the shared values that bring us together.” – Said Fabienne Colas, President and Founder of the Montreal, Toronto, Halifax, Ottawa, Calgary and Vancouver Black Film Festivals.

FABIENNE COLAS FOUNDATION’S BEING BLACK IN CANADA

Presented by NETFLIX, in collaboration with the National Bank, and supported by Telefilm Canada, the Canada Council for the Arts and various partners. March 25th – La Nouvelle Scène Gilles Desjardins 5pm – 10:30pm & ONLINE Tickets on OttawaBlackFilm.com

30 emerging Black filmmakers from Montreal, Toronto, Halifax, Ottawa, Calgary and Vancouver of the Fabienne Colas Foundation’s Being Black in Canada program will present their short films In-Person at OBFF on Saturday, March 25, 2023.

The FCF’s Being Black in Canada supported 35 Black Canadian Filmmakers, 18 to 30 years old, in Montreal, Toronto, Halifax, Ottawa, Calgary, and Vancouver in the creation of their first documentary short films (8 to 10 minutes). The filmmakers received professional coaching for each stage of the audiovisual production process and then made a short documentary film under the tutelage of industry professionals. A unique project that ensures inspiring emerging artists from culturally diverse backgrounds. 

OBFF BLACK MARKET
Presented by Festwave Institute

#OBFF23 brings back a whole new version of the OBFF Black Market – FREE IN-PERSON and ONLINE! An industry series where both locally and internationally renowned industry professionals, experts, thought leaders, visionaries and like-minded people, will share an exciting blend of cutting-edge thinking and real-world experience on today’s most critical filmmaking issues.

IN-PERSON

SATURDAY, March 25

Library and Archives Canada (395 Wellington St, Ottawa, K1A 0N4)

11am – Finding Your Creative Space in Ottawa – Black Film & TV Creatives

12:30pm – Bumping the Effort in Supporting Local Talent 

2pm – Networking: The How-to Rules for Approaching People in the Entertainment Industry

ONLINE

SUNDAY, March 26

11:30 am – Incorporating: Finding the Right Time and How to Do It 

1pm – Black Francophone Artists on the Move in Ottawa (French panel)

Presented by Le Droit

PARTNERS
The 3rd annual Ottawa Black Film Festival, created by the Fabienne Colas Foundation, runs March 24 – 26, 2023 and is supported by Canadian Heritage, Canada Media Fund, and Ottawa Arts Council. #OBFF23 is also supported by Le DroitFestwave Institute, the Montreal Intl Black Film FestivalToronto Black Film FestivalHalifax Black Film FestivalCalgary Black Film FestivalVancouver Intl Black Film Festival and Fade to Black / Fondu au Noir in Montreal.

For the complete  #OBFF23 programming and events, visit www.OttawaBlackFilm.com

Get Social #OBFF23
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

 

About the Ottawa Black Film Festival – #OBFF23

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. The Ottawa Black Film Festival is dedicated to giving unique voices in cinema the opportunity to present audiences with new ways of looking at the world. OBFF’s ambition is to encourage the development of the independent film industry and to promote more films on the reality of Black people from around the Globe.

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. Along with Zaza production, the Fabienne Colas Foundation is also the creator of 12 Festivals, including the highly successful Montreal Black Film Festival, the hugely popular Toronto Black Film Festival, the Halifax Black Film Festival as well as several other successful Festivals in Canada, the USA, Haiti and Brazil. These initiatives/festivals have showcased and supported over 5,000 artists and attracted over 2 million festival-goers. The Foundation is also the creator of the FCF’s Being Black in Canada program, Canada’s largest incubator dedicated to Black Filmmakers and Festwave Institute, created to empower the next generation of Black & underrepresented film & TV professionals.

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

4316, boul St-Laurent, suite 400 , Montréal, Québec H2W 1Z3

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BEING BLACK IN HALIFAX WINNER OF BEST DIRECTION IN A DOCUMENTARY SERIES AT THE 2022 CANADIAN SCREEN AWARDS PART OF FABIENNE COLAS FOUNDATION’S BEING BLACK IN CANADA PROGRAM https://ottawablackfilm.com/being-black-in-halifax-winner-of-best-direction-in-a-documentary-series-at-the-2022-canadian-screen-awards-part-of-fabienne-colas-foundations-being-black-in-canada-program/ Tue, 05 Apr 2022 22:57:23 +0000 http://ottawablackfilm.mysites.io/?p=14645

– Produced by Zaza Production and broadcast on CBC

(Halifax, April 5, 2022) – BEING BLACK IN HALIFAX, part of Fabienne Colas Foundation’s BEING BLACK IN CANADA Series – Produced by Zaza production and broadcast on CBC – has won Best Direction in a Documentary Series at the 2022 Canadian Screen Awards (CSA). The program, presented by NETFLIX in collaboration with National Bank, is also supported by Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED), Telefilm Canada, the Canada Council for the Arts and many other partners. The Being Black in Halifax 2020 episode (broadcast on CBC in 2021) is available for streaming on CBC GEM.

“This is a tremendous acknowledgment! Congratulations to our gifted emerging Black Haligonian filmmakers who have made history by winning Best Direction in a Documentary Series at the 2022 Canadian Screen Awards for our Being Black in Halifax 2020/2021 (Part of FCF’s Being Black in Canada Series),” Said Fabienne Colas, Executive-Producer of the Series & Founder of the Black Film Festivals in Montreal, Toronto, Halifax, Ottawa, Calgary, and Vancouver. “We are grateful to the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television for recognizing that Black stories do matter and that Black filmmakers are talented. It also proves one more time that Black emerging Filmmakers don’t lack talent. They just lack opportunities. And this is exactly what the Fabienne Colas Foundation’s Being Black in Canada program offers. We are so proud to be amplifying more Black voices through this program all over Canada with the support of our Partners.”

The BEING BLACK IN HALIFAX emerging filmmakers addressed the issue of social integration of people from Black communities in their city through film. The participants presented their films as World Premieres in 2021 at the Toronto Black Film Festival, followed by the Halifax Black Film Festival, the Ottawa Black Film Festival, the Calgary Black Film Festival, the Montreal International Black Film Festival, and the Vancouver International Black Film Festival. Being Black in Halifax is also supported by Arts Nova Scotia.

Here are the FCF’s Being Black in Canada: Being Black in Halifax CSA winners:

Best Direction in a Documentary Series:

  • Lily Nottage: Farrin
  • Dena Williams: A Passion Made New
  • Kardeisha Provo: North Preston: The Untold Story
  • Tyler Simmonds: The Search for Healing

This is the second prize for a BEING BLACK IN CANADA cohort. Last year, the BEING BLACK IN TORONTO filmmakers brought home the award for Best Direction in a Documentary Series at the 2021 CSA.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Fabienne Colas Foundation’s BEING BLACK IN CANADA represents Canada’s largest incubator dedicated to Black Filmmakers and creation program to be entirely dedicated to Black filmmakers. As part of the Fabienne Colas Foundation’s Youth and Diversity Initiative, the FCF’s Being Black in Canada program was created to make up for the blatant lack of diversity and the lack of Black People in front and behind the camera in Canada. Founded in 2012, with the first cohort launched in 2014, the Program gives a voice and a platform to creators who would not otherwise be seen or heard. The Foundation actively promotes equal opportunities for Black Film professionals while fostering Diversity on our screens that unfortunately showcase content that is too white for a truly diverse society.   

Get to know the 2021 BEING BLACK IN CANADA cohort here

Watch the FCF’S Being Black in Canada 2020 films online on CBC GEM (Broadcast in 2021)

MontrealTorontoHalifax

About the Fabienne Colas Foundation

The Fabienne Colas Foundation (FCF) is a not-for-profit cultural organization dedicated to building bridges and advancing education through the arts as well as to support the creation, production, promotion and dissemination of cinema, the arts and culture in Canada and elsewhere. To fulfill its mission, the Foundation put together 12 festivals and programs to break barriers, celebrate diversity, foster togetherness, understanding and inclusion. Since its inception in 2005, its initiatives/festivals have showcased and supported over 5,000 artists and attracted over 2 million festivalgoers in Canada, the USA, Haiti and Brazil. The Foundation mostly promotes Black culture in Montréal, Toronto, Halifax, New York City et Salvador de Bahia (Brazil); and Quebec culture in Port-au-Prince. www.fondationfabiennecolas.org

 

For press inquiries contact:

Véronique Fecteau : veronique@festwave.com

 

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2nd OTTAWA BLACK FILM FESTIVAL opens with Paul Tom’s ALONE https://ottawablackfilm.com/2nd-ottawa-black-film-festival-opens-with-paul-toms-alone/ Fri, 11 Mar 2022 16:01:20 +0000 http://ottawablackfilm.mysites.io/?p=14586 2nd OTTAWA BLACK FILM FESTIVAL opens with Paul Tom’s ALONE
Necessary, Innovative, Strong, Diverse and Bold programming – Amplifying even more Black Voices from March 24 – 27, 2022 – Online
Full Program & All Access Passes at www.OttawaBlackFilm.com

Ottawa, March 11, 2022 – The 2nd Ottawa Black Film Festival #OBFF22, founded by the Fabienne Colas Foundation, is thrilled to announce the official online program and events lineup, running March 24 – 27, 2022. #OBFF22 is supported by Canadian Heritage, Telefilm Canada, Canada Media Fund, and Le Droit.

#OBFF22 promises to inspire through strong, diverse, and bold programming, available entirely ONLINE across Canada and around the World. Through 44 films and diverse and informative panels, this second Online edition highlights the beautifully crafted stories, and tales of  the Black experience  and events that have challenged the status quo, caused significant shifts in the cinematic ecosystem and changed how we see the world.

The Festival will open on Thursday, March 24 at 7PM EST with Paul Tom’s ALONE. Then, as of 9 PM EST, all the films will be accessible online. The Festival will close with Amil Shivji’s VUTA N’KUVUTE (TUG OF WAR). This year’s highlights include Alone in a strange world, Jim Button & The Wild 13, Black Mail, Defining us, Gemmel and Tim, Journey of Gogos and the Fabienne Colas Foundation’s BEING BLACK IN CANADA short film series. The OBFF Black Market – an industry series where renowned industry professionals share real-world experience on today’s most critical filmmaking and social issues – will present an exciting blend of cutting-edge thinking panel discussions.

The #OBFF22 All Access Pass is available for only $32 and provides access to all films. Passes can be purchased on the Festival’s website.  

“What a joy to be back with such an amazing line-up of powerful films and impactful discussions! We are proud to continue to amplify more Black voices and to inspire audiences with the most powerful Black films. In connecting authentic Black stories with viewers of all colors and ethnic origins, we recognize the differences that make us unique and we celebrate the shared values that bring us together.” says Fabienne Colas, founding president of the Ottawa Black Film Festival.  

Fabienne Colas Foundation’s BEING BLACK IN CANADA
Presented by NETFLIX, in collaboration with the National Bank, and supported by Telefilm Canada, the Canada Council for the Arts and various local partners. 20 Canadian short films from the 2021 cohort will be presented at #OBFF22! The FCF’s Being Black in Canada Program is a professional training program that supported 35 Black Canadian Filmmakers from 18 to 30 years old last year from Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver and Halifax in the creation of documentary short films . BBIC is a vital step on the road towards representation and racial equity, on screen and behind the camera.  This unique project ensures to continue inspiring emerging artists from culturally diverse backgrounds and will change the face of the Canadian Film Industry. Call for Applications for the 2022 edition runs until March 27 HERE.

OBFF BLACK MARKET
Presented by Canadian Heritage
The OBFF BLACK MARKET returns with an exciting blend of cutting-edge thinking. FREE panel discussions with Ottawa industry professionals who will share real-world experience on today’s most critical filmmaking along with thought-provoking panel discussions regarding the social landscape affecting not only the Black Artistic Community but the Black community at large.

  • MAKING IT HAPPEN!: Creating Opportunities for the Ottawa Black Film & TV  Community
  •  EMBRACING THE SKIN WE ARE IN: How does one maintain and not lose their Black Identity in Canadian society?
  • EMBRASSER LA PEAU DANS LAQUELLE NOUS SOMMES : Comment maintenir et ne pas perdre son identité noire dans la société canadienne ? – French Panel presented by Le Droit
  • PLACES WE CALL OUR OWN: This panel will discuss the necessity of creating Safe Spaces and how they positively contribute to the well being of all members of the Black community.


PARTNERS
The 2nd annual Ottawa Black Film Festival, created by the Fabienne Colas Foundation,  runs March 24 – 27, 2022 and is supported by Canadian Heritage, Telefilm Canada, and Canada Media Fund. #OBFF22 is also supported by Le Droit, the Montreal Intl Black Film Festival, the Toronto Black Film Festival, the Halifax Black Film Festival, the Calgary Black Film Festival, the Vancouver Intl Black Film Festival and Fade to Black / Fondu au Noir. 

For full #OBFF22 programming and events, visit www.OttawaBlackFilm.com
 Get Social #OBFF22
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

About the Ottawa Black Film Festival – #OBFF22
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. The Ottawa Black Film Festival is dedicated to giving unique voices in cinema the opportunity to present audiences with new ways of looking at the world. OBFF’s ambition is to encourage the development of the independent film industry and to promote more films on the reality of Black people from around the Globe.

 About the Fabienne Colas Foundation
The Fabienne Colas Foundation is Canada’s largest Black cultural organization. Created in 2005, the FCF is a not-for-profit artistic organization dedicated to promoting Diversity and inclusion in Cinema, Art and Culture in Canada and abroad. Along with Zaza production, the Fabienne Colas Foundation is also the creator of 12 Festivals: the highly successful Montreal Black Film Festival, the hugely popular Toronto Black Film Festival, the Halifax Black Film Festival as well as the several other successful Festivals in Canada, the USA, Haiti and Brazil. The Foundation is also the creator of the FCF’s Being Black in Canada program, Canada’s largest incubator dedicated to Black Filmmakers.

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BEING BLACK IN HALIFAX NOMINATED FOR 2 CANADIAN SCREEN AWARDS: BEST DOCUMENTARY PROGRAM & BEST DIRECTION IN A DOCUMENTARY SERIES https://ottawablackfilm.com/being-black-in-halifax-nominated-for-2-canadian-screen-awards-best-documentary-program-best-direction-in-a-documentary-series/ Wed, 16 Feb 2022 21:56:09 +0000 http://ottawablackfilm.mysites.io/?p=14343

Part of Fabienne Colas Foundation’s BEING BLACK IN CANADA

PROGRAM – Produced by Zaza Production and Broadcast on CBC

 

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR 2022 BEING BLACK IN CANADA IS OPEN UNTIL MARCH 6, 2022

www.BeingBlackInCanada.com

 

(Halifax, February 16, 2022) – BEING BLACK IN HALIFAX, part of Fabienne Colas Foundation’s BEING BLACK IN CANADA Series – presented by Netflix, in collaboration with the National Bank, and supported by Telefilm Canada and the Canada Council for the Arts – is nominated in 2 categories: Best Documentary Program and Best Direction, Documentary Series. BEING BLACK IN HALIFAX, produced by Zaza Production, aired on CBC and is still available for streaming on CBC GEM. The awards will be presented during Canadian Screen Week, April 4-10.

 

This is the third nomination for a FCF’s BEING BLACK IN CANADA cohort. Last year, the BEING BLACK IN TORONTO filmmakers brought home the award for Best Direction in a Documentary Series at the 2021 Canadian Screen Awards.

 

The BEING BLACK IN HALIFAX emerging filmmakers addressed the issue of social integration of people from Black communities in their city through film. The participants presented their films as a World Premieres in 2022 at the Toronto Black Film, followed by the Halifax Black Film Festival, the Ottawa Black Film Festival, the Calgary Black Film Festival, the Montreal International Black Film Festival, and the Vancouver International Black Film Festival.

 

FCF’s BEING BLACK IN HALIFAX is nominated in the following categories:

 

Best Documentary Program

CBC, Zaza Production

  • Fabienne Colas
  • Emile Castonguay

 

Best Direction, Documentary Series

CBC, Zaza Production

  • Lily Nottage: Farrin
  • Dena Williams: A Passion Made New
  • Kardeisha Provo: North Preston: The Untold Story
  • Tyler Simmonds: The Search for Healing

 

THE PROGRAM NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS:

The call for applications for the 2022 FCF’s BEING BLACK IN CANADA program is currently open. The program’s eligibility criteria and application form are available HERE. Candidates have until March 6, 2022 to apply and only those selected will be contacted.

 

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Fabienne Colas Foundation’s BEING BLACK IN CANADA represents Canada’s largest incubator dedicated to Black Filmmakers, and creation program to be entirely dedicated to Black filmmakers. Presented by Netflix in collaboration with the National Bank, the FCF’s Being Black in Canada program was created to make up for the blatant lack of diversity and the lack of Black People in front and behind the camera in Canada. Founded in 2012, with the first cohort launched in 2014, the Program gives a voice and a platform to creators who would not otherwise be seen or heard. The Foundation actively promotes equal opportunities for Black Film professionals while fostering Diversity on our screens that unfortunately showcase content that is too white for a truly diverse society.  

 

Get to know the 2021 BEING BLACK IN CANADA cohort Here

 

Watch the FCF’S Being Black in Canada 2020 films online on CBC GEM (Broadcast in 2021)

Montreal • Toronto • Halifax

 

About the Fabienne Colas Foundation 

The Fabienne Colas Foundation (FCF) is a not-for-profit cultural organization dedicated to building bridges and advancing education through the arts as well as to support the creation, production, promotion and dissemination of cinema, the arts and culture in Canada and elsewhere. To fulfill its mission, the Foundation put together 12 festivals and programs to break barriers, celebrate diversity, foster togetherness, understanding and inclusion. Since its inception in 2005, its initiatives/festivals have showcased and supported over 5,000 artists and attracted over 2 million festivalgoers in Canada, the USA, Haiti and Brazil. The Foundation mostly promotes Black culture in Montréal, Toronto, Halifax, New York City et Salvador de Bahia (Brazil); and Quebec culture in Port-au-Prince. 

 

For press inquiries contact:

Talar Adam: Talar@Festwave.com

Veronique Fecteau: Veronique@Festwave.com

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The Fabienne Colas Foundation (FCF) Receives $3 Million in Funding from Government of Canada to Create Festwave Institute https://ottawablackfilm.com/the-fabienne-colas-foundation-fcf-receives-3-million-in-funding-from-government-of-canada-to-create-festwave-institute/ Wed, 09 Feb 2022 02:00:21 +0000 http://ottawablackfilm.mysites.io/?p=14337

The new Festwave Institute furthers the Foundation’s commitment to developing Black talent in the Canadian film and television industry

 

More information at www.FestwaveInstitute.com

 

Montreal, February 9, 2022 – Today, the Fabienne Colas Foundation (FCF), with the support of the Government of Canada’s Ecosystem Fund, announced the launch of the Festwave Institute, a national, full-spectrum institute to support underserved Black entrepreneurs in the film and television industry through business training and skill building in order to enable them to seize new opportunities in the film and television industry. .

 

After 17 years of social, cultural, and economic impact across Canada and around the world, welcoming over 2 million festivalgoers, supporting and featuring over 5,000 artists, giving scholarships and awards of excellence to film professionals from Canada and abroad, the Fabienne Colas Foundation has now created a bigger platform to train the next generation of underrepresented film & TV professionals.

 

The Fabienne Colas Foundation has established itself as a powerhouse in the Canadian film landscape with its extremely successful Black Film Festival movement in Montreal, Toronto, Halifax, Calgary, Ottawa, and Vancouver. FCF’s award-winning Being Black in Canada incubation program – presented by Netflix in collaboration with the National Bank – has helped emerging Black filmmakers across the country create their first films, tour film festivals and launch their careers in the film and television industry.

 

The Canadian television and film industry contributes $12.8 billion per year to Canadian GDP and employs over 170,000 people across the country full time. According to Statistics Canada, the majority of the film and television industry’s activity is possible because of entrepreneurship. 52% of Canadian artists and creative industry workers are self-employed, compared to only 12% of all Canadian workers.

 

Black people are left behind in entrepreneurship initiatives, and the same is true for Black people in the creative industries. Currently, in Canada, only 13% of artists are racialized, compared to 21% of all workers – indicating barriers for Black people to access this career path. This has resulted in Black people being grossly underrepresented in the Canadian film and television industry.

 

Black Canadian creators do not lack talent. They lack opportunities and support. The support it takes to gain the essential skills to launch a successful business in the film and television industry. The Festwave Institute will work with the industry to complement existing training so we can help create a more inclusive and equitable film and television industry.

 

QUOTES

 

“We all want to see a Canada where everybody works together side by side, where everybody gets a fair chance to be mentored and trained, to be seen, heard, promoted and supported as they deserve to be,” says Fabienne Colas, Founder of the Fabienne Colas Foundation’s Festwave Institute. “The Festwave Institute is a long-held dream that will help bring everybody together to reflect the reality of our diverse Canadian culture on screen and behind the camera. It would not have been possible without the commitment and support of Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.” 

 

“Film is a way to represent reality and enable voices to be heard, and the sector is a major contributor to our economy. The Fabienne Colas Foundation quickly understood this need to provide concrete opportunities to Black entrepreneurs, filmmakers, and creators, especially women and members of the LGBTQ2 community. Inclusion and representation are important in our society and take place through the cultural sector, among other things. That is why we are delighted to support the Foundation through the Ecosystem Fund. Thanks to this program, they will be able to share their artistic visions with the entire world,” stated the Honourable
Pascale St-Onge,
Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for CED.

 

“Organizations such at the Fabienne Colas Foundation are pillars in their community, promoting diversity and inclusion across the country. I am delighted the Foundation is part of the Ecosystem Fund under the Black Entrepreneurship Program, and that it will work with other wonderful Canadian organizations to support Black entrepreneurs and aspiring Black business owners,” stated the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development. “They will thus be able to recount their history and develop their businesses across Canada and around the world.”

 

“I would like to congratulate the Fabienne Colas Foundation for its hard work on behalf of our community members and entrepreneurs in Montreal. I am very proud of the screenplay writers and film directors from Black communities who are leaving their mark on Canada’s cultural front,” stated the Honourable Marc Miller, Member of Parliament for Ville-Marie–Le Sud-Ouest–Île-des-Sœurs and Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

 

For more information and to be notified of upcoming programs:

www.FestwaveInstitute.com

 

 

About the Fabienne Colas Foundation: 

The Fabienne Colas Foundation (FCF) is a not-for-profit cultural organization dedicated to building bridges and advancing education through the arts, as well as to supporting the creation, production, promotion and dissemination of cinema, the arts and culture in Canada and elsewhere. To fulfill its mission, the Foundation put together 12 festivals and programs to break barriers, celebrate diversity, and foster togetherness, understanding and inclusion. Since FCF’s inception in 2005, its initiatives/festivals have showcased and supported over 5,000 artists and attracted millions of festivalgoers in Canada, the U.S., Haiti, and Brazil. The Foundation mostly promotes Black culture in Montreal, Toronto, Halifax, Ottawa, Calgary, Vancouver, New York City, and Salvador de Bahia (Brazil); and Quebec culture in Port-au-Prince. The Foundation is also the creator of the FCF’s Being Black in Canada program, Canada’s largest incubator dedicated to Black filmmakers.

 

About the Festwave Institute:

The Festwave Institute, created by the Fabienne Colas Foundation, is dedicated to removing the barriers that stand in the way of film and television entrepreneurs and supporting them in building successful, sustainable careers. The Institute will do this by giving Black film professionals and other underrepresented creators the tools, skills, and resources required to be successful and independent within a predominantly White-run industry: tailored workshops, panel discussions, masterclasses, hands-on learning, mentorships, networking opportunities, pitching opportunities, equipment access, business skills, match-up programs – all that the Black professional needs to learn, grow, connect and further a career in film and television, both online and on the ground.

 

About the Black Entrepreneurship Program Ecosystem Fund:

The goal of the Ecosystem Fund is to strengthen the entrepreneurship ecosystem for Black entrepreneurs and business owners across Canada. It allows not-for-profit, Black-led organizations to develop new services or expand those they already offer such as mentorship, networking, financial planning, and business training for Black entrepreneurs. For more information, https://bit.ly/3ohSQcO

 

About CED

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)’s mission is to promote the long-term economic development of Quebec’s regions by giving special attention to those where slow economic growth is prevalent or opportunities for productive employment are inadequate.

 

Media Inquiries:

Talar Adam

Public Relations

Talar@Festwave.com

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The Fabienne Colas Foundation’s BEING BLACK IN CANADA Program, presented by NETFLIX, in collaboration with the NATIONAL BANK, unveils its 2021 PARTICIPANTS https://ottawablackfilm.com/the-fabienne-colas-foundations-being-black-in-canada-program-presented-by-netflix-in-collaboration-with-the-national-bank-unveils-its-2021-participants/ Wed, 29 Dec 2021 20:41:00 +0000 http://ottawablackfilm.mysites.io/?p=14303

35 Emerging Filmmakers from MontrealTorontoHalifaxOttawaCalgary, & Vancouver

Taking Part in Canada’s Largest Mentorship Program Entirely Dedicated to Black Filmmakers.

www.BeingBlackInCanada.com

Montreal, December 29, 2021 – The Fabienne Colas Foundation’s Being Black in Canada Program – presented by NETFLIX, in collaboration with the National Bank, and supported by Telefilm Canada and the Canada Council for the Arts – is proud to announce its 35 new participants. In 2021, the program expanded to Ottawa, Calgary, and Vancouver, joining the 3 immensely successful cities, Montreal, Toronto and Halifax.

The Fabienne Colas Foundation’s Being Black in Canada represents Canada’s largest mentorship, training, and creation program to be entirely dedicated to Black filmmakers. As part of the Fabienne Colas Foundation’s Youth and Diversity Initiative, the FCF’s Being Black in Canada program was created to make up for the blatant lack of diversity and the lack of Black People in front and behind the camera in Canada. Founded in 2012, with the first cohort launched in 2014, the Program gives a voice and a platform to creators who would not otherwise be seen or heard. The Foundation actively promotes equal opportunities for Black Film professionals while fostering Diversity on our screens that unfortunately showcase content that is too white for a truly diverse society.

In 2021, the FCF’s Being Black in Canada program enabled 35 emerging filmmakers, aged 18 to 30, from the Black communities of Montreal, Toronto, Halifax, Ottawa, Calgary, and Vancouver to create 35 documentary shorts of approximately 10 minutes each. The 35 young filmmakers were guided through the many steps in audiovisual production (screenwriting, directing, editing, post-production, etc.) and creation of a documentary short. This process was carried out under the tutelage of industry experts with professional equipment and dedicated mentorship.

The Being Black in Canada 2021 cohort will have the opportunity to present their films as a World Premiere at the Toronto Black Film Festival (Feb. 2022), followed by the Halifax Black Film Festival (Feb. 2022), the Montreal International Black Film Festival (Sept. 2022), the Ottawa Black Film Festival (March 2022), the Calgary Black Film Festival (May 2022) and the Vancouver International Black Film Festival (December 2022).

THE 2021 FABIENNE COLAS FOUNDATION’S BEING BLACK IN CANADA PROGRAM’S PARTICIPANTS

BEING BLACK IN MONTREAL – FRANCOPHONE PROGRAM

Ernest Pierre, Jenny Jean-Baptiste, Maëlle Bonnegrace, Matthieu Pierre-Canel, Nkosi Akins Phanord and Tani Balourd

BEING BLACK IN MONTREAL – ANGLOPHONE PROGRAM

Àdùkẹ́ Babalọlá, Chris Henny-Nyanguila, Hamda Elmi, Mikael Romulus, Roy Kingsley and Yzaih Phénix-Alphonse

BEING BLACK IN TORONTO

CJ Mayers, KhaRå Martin, Marc Samuels, Niya Abdullahi and Rennae Byfield

BEING BLACK IN HALIFAX

Deborah Castrilli, Guyleigh Johnson, Jodell Stundon and Tyus Mcsween

BEING BLACK IN OTTAWA

Bénédicte Bélizaire, Jeanne-Andrée Mazile, Maiakovsky Camille, Mariama Tani and Weris Dualeh

BEING BLACK IN CALGARY

Badria Abubaker, Kamika Bianca Guerra-Walker, Ryan Wilkes, Sarah Uwadiae and Shae Kubur

BEING BLACK IN VANCOUVER

Ilhan Abdullahi, Manny Obiajunwa, Omorose Osagie and Zavia Forrest

“We are beyond proud to be fostering massive inclusion in the Canadian Film Industry, by empowering the next generation of Black Filmmakers. We started this program because there is blatant lack of diversity in front and behind the camera in Canada. This impressive slate of emerging filmmakers proves one more time that Black creators don’t lack talent, they lack opportunities. We are thrilled and immensely proud to play a role in launching the careers of talented Canadian emerging Black filmmakers from coast to coast,” – said Fabienne Colas, Founder of the Fabienne Colas Foundation’s Being Black in Canada program

THANKS TO OUR LOYAL PARTNERS 

The Fabienne Colas Foundation would like to thank its loyal partners who support the program:

NETFLIX (Presenter), The National Bank (Co-presenter), Canada Economic Development for Quebec Region, Telefilm Canada, Canada Council for the Arts, CBC, Conseil des Arts et des Lettres du Québec, la SODEC, Ontario Creates, Ministry of Culture and Status of Women in Alberta, Calgary Arts Development, Calgary Economic Development, Toronto Arts Council, Arts Nova Scotia, Conseil des Arts de Montréal, Zaza Production, Molson Coors, Brian Bronfman Family Foundation, Paul Bronfman Family Foundation, l’Inis, National, Afcoop, Montreal International Black Film Festival, Toronto Black Film Festival, Halifax Black Film Festival, Ottawa Black Film Festival, Calgary Black Film Festival and Vancouver International Black Film Festival.

Watch the FCF’S Being Black in Canada 2020 films online on CBC GEM (Broadcast in 2021)

MontrealTorontoHalifax

About the Fabienne Colas Foundation

The Fabienne Colas Foundation is Canada’s largest Black cultural organization. Created in 2005, the FCF is a not-for-profit artistic organization dedicated to promoting Diversity and Inclusion in Cinema, Art and Culture in Canada and abroad. Along with Zaza Production, the Fabienne Colas Foundation is also the creator of 12 Festivals the highly successful including the Montreal Black Film Festival, the hugely popular Toronto Black Film Festival, the Halifax Black Film Festival as well as the several other successful Festivals in Canada, the USA, Haiti and Brazil. These initiatives/festivals have showcased and supported over 5,000 artists and attracted over 2 million festivalgoers. The Foundation is also the creator of the FCF’s Being Black in Canada program, Canada’s largest incubator dedicated to Black Filmmakers

Media Inquiries:

Talar Adam, publicist, press@torontoblackfilm.com

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BEING BLACK IN TORONTO WINS 2021 CANADIAN SCREEN AWARDS… https://ottawablackfilm.com/being-black-in-toronto-wins-2021-canadian-screen-awards/ Tue, 18 May 2021 17:40:26 +0000 http://ottawablackfilm.mysites.io/?p=14293

BEING BLACK IN TORONTO 

WINNER OF BEST DIRECTION IN A DOCUMENTARY SERIES

AT THE 2021 CANADIAN SCREEN AWARDS

 

PART OF FABIENNE COLAS FOUNDATION’S BEING BLACK IN CANADA PROGRAM

– Produced by Zaza Production and broadcast on CBC

 

 

(Toronto, May 18, 2021) BEING BLACK IN TORONTO, part of Fabienne Colas Foundation’s BEING BLACK IN CANADA Series – Produced by Zaza production and broadcast on CBC – has won Best Direction in a Documentary Series at the 2021 Canadian Screen Awards (CSA). The program, presented by NETFLIX in collaboration with National Bank, is also supported by Telefilm Canada, Canada Media Fund, and the Canada Council for the Arts

“This is a tremendous recognition! Congratulations to our gifted emerging Black filmmakers who made history by winning Best Direction in a Documentary Series at the 2021 Canadian Screen Awards for our Being Black in Toronto 2019/2020 (Part of FCF’s Being Black in Canada Series),” Said Fabienne Colas, CEO & Founder of the Black Film Festivals in Montreal, Toronto, Halifax, Ottawa, Calgary, Vancouver & The Fabienne Colas Foundation. “We are grateful towards the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television for recognizing that Black stories do matter and that Black filmmakers are talented. It also proves one more time that Black emerging Filmmakers don’t lack talent. They just lack opportunities. And this is exactly what the Fabienne Colas Foundation’s Being Black in Canada program offers. We are so proud to be amplifying more Black voices through this program all over Canada with the support of our Partners.”

As part of the FCF’s BEING BLACK IN CANADA program, emerging filmmakers addressed the issue of social integration of people from Black communities in their city through film under mentorship of film professionals including Oya Media Group. The participants presented their films as a World Premiere at the Montreal International Black Film Festival, followed by Toronto Black Film Festival and the Halifax Black Film Festival

Here are the FCF’s Being Black in Canada: Being Black in Toronto CSA winners:

  • Omolola Ajao: YYZ
  • Valerie Amponsah: Joseph, Margaret & I
  • Yasmin Evering-Kerr: The Onyx Butterfly
  • Sharine Taylor: Tallawah Abroad
  • Adrian Wallace: Black Sun
  • Yvano Wickham-Edwards: #Black

 

BEING BLACK IN TORONTO is available for streaming on CBC GEM.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Fabienne Colas Foundation’s BEING BLACK IN CANADA Program – presented by NETFLIX in collaboration with National Bank – represents Canada’s largest incubator dedicated to Black Filmmakers. As part of the Fabienne Colas Foundation’s Youth and Diversity Initiative, the FCF’s Being Black in Canada program was created to make up for the blatant lack of diversity and the lack of Black People in front and behind the camera in Canada. Founded in 2012, with the first cohort launched in 2014, the Program gives a voice and a platform to creators who would not otherwise be seen or heard. The Foundation actively promotes equal opportunities for Black Film professionals while fostering Diversity on our screens that unfortunately showcase content that is too white for a truly diverse society.  The Program, presented by Netflix in collaboration with National Bank, is supported by Telefilm Canada, Canada Media Fund, and the Canada Council for the Arts.

 

Watch the 2019 films online at GEM Toronto,  TeleQuebec.tv, CBC GEM Halifax

 

About the Fabienne Colas Foundation 

The Fabienne Colas Foundation (FCF) – Canada’s largest Black cultural organization – is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to building bridges and advancing education through the arts as well as to support the creation, production, promotion and dissemination of cinema, the arts and culture in Canada and elsewhere. To fulfill its mission, the Foundation put together 11 festivals and programs to break barriers, celebrate diversity, foster togetherness, understanding and inclusion. Since its inception in 2005, its initiatives/festivals have showcased and supported over 3,000 artists and attracted over 2 million festivalgoers in Canada, the USA, Haiti and Brazil. The Foundation mostly promotes Black culture in Montréal, Toronto, Halifax, New York City et Salvador de Bahia (Brazil); and Quebec culture in Port-au-Prince.   

 

For press inquiries contact:

Talar Adam: press@torontoblackfilm.com

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BEING BLACK IN TORONTO NOMINATED AT CANADIAN SCREEN AWARDS.. https://ottawablackfilm.com/being-black-in-toronto-nominated-at-canadian-screen-awards/ Wed, 31 Mar 2021 15:12:14 +0000 http://ottawablackfilm.mysites.io/?p=14286

BEING BLACK IN TORONTO

NOMINATED AT CANADIAN SCREEN AWARDS:

BEST DIRECTION IN A DOCUMENTARY SERIES

PART OF FABIENNE COLAS FOUNDATION’S BEING BLACK IN CANADA PROGRAM – Produced by Zaza Production

 

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR 2021 BEING BLACK IN CANDA IS OPEN UNTIL APRIL 7, 2021

www.BeingBlackInCanada.com

 

(Toronto, March 30, 2021) – BEING BLACK IN TORONTO, part of Fabienne Colas Foundation’s BEING BLACK IN CANADA Program – presented by Netflix, in collaboration with the National Bank, and supported by Telefilm Canada, Canada Media Fund and the Canada Council for the Arts – is nominated for BEST DIRECTION IN A DOCUMENTARY SERIES at the Canadian Screen Awards (CSA). BEING BLACK IN TORONTO aired on CBC and is still available for streaming on CBC GEM. The CSA will be taking place May 17- 21, 2021.

The BEING BLACK IN TORONTO emerging filmmakers addressed the issue of social integration of people from Black communities in their city through film. The participants presented their films as a World Premieres in 2020 at the Toronto Black Film, followed by the Halifax Black Film Festival, and the Montreal International Black Film Festival.

Here are the FCF’s Being Black in Canada: Being Black in Toronto CSA nominees:

  • Omolola Ajao: YYZ
  • Valerie Amponsah: Joseph, Margaret & I
  • Yasmin Evering-Kerr: The Onyx Butterfly
  • Sharine Taylor: Tallawah Abroad
  • Adrian Wallace: Black Sun
  • Yvano Wickham-Edwards: #Black

THE PROGRAM NOW ACCEPT APPLICATIONS:

The call for applications for the 2021 BEING BLACK IN CANADA program is currently open. The program’s eligibility criteria and application form are available HERE. Candidates have until April 7, 2021 to apply and only those selected will be contacted.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Fabienne Colas Foundation’s BEING BLACK IN CANADA represents Canada’s largest incubator dedicated to Black Filmmakers, and creation program to be entirely dedicated to Black filmmakers. As part of the Fabienne Colas Foundation’s Youth and Diversity Initiative, the FCF’s Being Black in Canada program was created to make up for the blatant lack of diversity and the lack of Black People in front and behind the camera in Canada. Founded in 2012, with the first cohort launched in 2014, the Program gives a voice and a platform to creators who would not otherwise be seen or heard. The Foundation actively promotes equal opportunities for Black Film professionals while fostering Diversity on our screens that unfortunately showcase content that is too white for a truly diverse society.

Watch the 2019 films online at CBC GEM Toronto TeleQuebec.tv, CBC GEM Halifax

About the Fabienne Colas Foundation

The Fabienne Colas Foundation (FCF) is a not-for-profit cultural organization dedicated to building bridges and advancing education through the arts as well as to support the creation, production, promotion and dissemination of cinema, the arts and culture in Canada and elsewhere. To fulfill its mission, the Foundation put together 10 festivals and programs to break barriers, celebrate diversity, foster togetherness, understanding and inclusion. Since its inception in 2005, its initiatives/festivals have showcased and supported over 3,000 artists and attracted over 2 million festivalgoers in Canada, the USA, Haiti and Brazil. The Foundation mostly promotes Black culture in Montréal, Toronto, Halifax, New York City et Salvador de Bahia (Brazil); and Quebec culture in Port-au-Prince. 

For press inquiries contact:

Talar Adam: press@torontoblackfilm.com

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1st OTTAWA BLACK FILM FESTIVAL opens with Ignacio Márquez’s THE SPECIAL https://ottawablackfilm.com/1st-ottawa-black-film-festival-opens-with-ignacio-marquezs-the-special/ Wed, 10 Mar 2021 02:31:42 +0000 http://ottawablackfilm.mysites.io/?p=14183

A necessary ONLINE Festival for our times – Innovative, Strong, Diverse and Bold programming – Amplifying even more Black Voices from March 25-28, 2021

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

 

Ottawa, March 10, 2021 – The 1st Ottawa Black Film Festival #OBFF21, founded by the Fabienne Colas Foundation and supported by Canadian Heritage, is thrilled to announce the official online program and events lineup, running March 25 – 28, 2021. 

 

#OBFF21 promises to inspire through a strong, diverse, and bold programming, available entirely ONLINE across Canada and around the World.  Through 30 films and various panels, this inaugural Online edition highlights the tales and events that have challenged conventions, left a distinctive mark on our times, and changed how we see the world.

 

The Festival will open on Thursday, March 25 at 7pm EST with Ignacio Márquez’s THE SPECIAL. Then, as of 10pm EST all the films will be accessible online. The Festival will close with Mia Donovan’s DOPE IS DEATH. This year’s highlights include Sonia Lowman’s BLACK BOYS, produced by NFL New Orleans Saints’ safety Malcolm Jenkins, and the Fabienne Colas Foundation’s BEING BLACK IN CANADA short film series.

 

The OBFF Black Market – an industry series where renowned industry professionals share real-world experience on today’s most critical filmmaking and social issues – will present an exciting blend of cutting-edge thinking panel discussion.

 

The #OBFF21 All Access Pass is available for only $29 and gives access to all films. Passes can be purchased on the Festival’s website.   

 

“We feel privileged to be able to bring this great event to our Nation’s capital, the third largest Black community in Canada, at such an important time in our history. OBFF is more than a film festival. It’s a movement! It’s the necessary platform for our local Black artists who, otherwise, would remain invisible,” – stated Fabienne Colas, President and Founder of the Black Film Festivals in Montreal, Toronto, Halifax & Ottawa. “Our focus is to go beyond awareness with concrete actions to foster the inclusion of diversity off and on camera. In connecting authentic Black stories with viewers of all colours and ethnic origins, we recognize the differences that make us unique and we celebrate the shared values that bring us together.”

 

Fabienne Colas Foundation’s BEING BLACK IN CANADA

Presented by NETFLIX, in collaboration with the National Bank, and supported by Telefilm Canada, Canada Media Fund, the Canada Council for the Arts and various local partners. 

 

20 Canadian short films from the 2020 cohort will be presented at #OBFF21! The FCF’s Being Black in Canada supported 20 Black Canadian Filmmakers, 18 to 30 years old, in Montreal, Toronto and Halifax in the creation of 20 documentary short films (8 to 10 minutes). The filmmakers received professional coaching for each stage of the audiovisual production process then made a short documentary film under the tutelage of industry professionals. A unique project that ensures inspiring emerging artists from culturally diverse backgrounds.

 

Call for Applications for the 2021 edition runs until March 30 HERE.

 

OBFF BLACK MARKET

Presented by Canadian Heritage

 

The OBFF BLACK MARKET space is dedicated to the cinema industry and raising awareness of today’s social climate with some powerful & FREE panel discussions:

 

  • The Show Must Go On! Filming in a Time of Covid
  • Breaking the Silence: Overcoming Mental Illness in the Black Community
  • Getting to know the 2020 Filmmakers: the 2020 Cohort of the Fabienne Colas Foundation’s BEING BLACK IN CANADA Program
  • Meet the 2019 Francophone Filmmakers Cohort of the Fabienne Colas Foundation’s BEING BLACK IN CANADA Program and Fabienne Colas, founder of the program and the Festival (French Panel)
  • Black Wealth Matters: How Black Businesses have Navigated the Covid-19 Pandemic (French Panel)

 

The inaugural Ottawa Black Film Festival, founded by the Fabienne Colas Foundation and supported by Canadian Heritage will run from March 25 to 28, 2021.

 

For full #OBFF21 programming and events, visit www.OttawaBlackFilm.com

 

Get Social #OBFF21

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

 

 

About the Ottawa Black Film Festival – #OBFF21

The Ottawa Black Film Festival (OBFF) is about discovery and Inclusion. A not-for-profit organisation 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. The Ottawa Black Film Festival is dedicated to giving unique voices in cinema the opportunity to present audiences with new ways of looking at the world. OBFF’s ambition is to encourage the development of the independent film industry and to promote more films on the reality of Black people from around the Globe.

 

About the Fabienne Colas Foundation

The Fabienne Colas Foundation is Canada’s largest Black cultural organization. Created in 2005, the FCF is a not-for-profit artistic organization dedicated to promoting Diversity and inclusion in Cinema, Art and Culture in Canada and abroad. Along with Zaza production, the Fabienne Colas Foundation is also the creator of 10 Festivals: the highly successful Montreal Black Film Festival, the hugely popular Toronto Black Film Festival, the Halifax Black Film Festival as well as the several other successful Festivals in Canada, the USA, Haiti and Brazil. The Foundation is also the creator of the FCF’s Being Black in Canada program, Canada’s largest incubator dedicated to Black Filmmakers.

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