The Fabienne Colas Foundation’s Being Black in Canada program – Canada’s largest incubator dedicated to Black Filmmakers – is thrilled to be back with a call for applications for its 2021 edition. Thanks to the support of NETFLIX, the National Bank, Telefilm Canada, and Canada Media Fund, and our local partners, the Program will support 35 new young, promising Black filmmakers in Montreal, Toronto, Halifax, Calgary, Vancouver, and Ottawa.
DEADLINE: APRIL 18, 2021
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Fabienne Colas Foundation’s Being Black in Canada Program offers professional mentorship in the audiovisual production of a short film with the theme of “Being Black in Canada.” 35 new young, promising Black filmmakers in Montreal, Toronto, Halifax, Calgary, Vancouver, Ottawa: 5 per city, and 10 in Montreal (5 francophones and 5 anglophones) will be guided through the many steps in audiovisual production (screenwriting, directing, editing, post-production, etc.), and will create a documentary short (from 8 to 10 minutes). This process will be carried out under the professional tutelage of industry professionals with professional equipment.
Their final work will be screened as:
- World Premiere at the Montreal International Black Film Festival – September / October 2021
- Ontario Premiere at the Toronto Black Film Festival – February 2022.
- Atlantic Premiere at the Halifax Black Film Festival – February 2022.
- Premieres at the Black Film Festivals in Calgary, Vancouver & Ottawa in 2022
- Potential screenings to other festivals / events after June 2022 (tbd).
Filmmakers will address the issue of social integration of people from Black communities in their city through film. The program is for emerging Black creators between 18 and 30, who have a passion for cinema. Potential candidates have a dream to work in the audiovisual field but have not yet had the opportunity, due to social, economic, and/or cultural reasons.
Eligibility criteria:
- Be between 18 and 30 (included) on the date of application.
- Be from a Black community.
- Have demonstrated an interest in the audiovisual field and documentary filmmaking.
- Have concrete career-oriented plans in the audiovisual field.
- Demonstrate motivation for the program.
- Be available for activities related to the program, particularly from April & August 2021 for all training, creation, editing, follow-up, networking etc; AND between September 2021 & June 2022 for screenings, festivals, distribution, promotion, interviews etc. (Part-time)
- Be available to attend the Black Film Festivals tour in all cities (physically and/or virtually)
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Live in the Greater Area of either: Montreal, Toronto, Halifax, Calgary, Vancouver, Ottawa
- Submit a video or film you made in a non-professional setting (short film, clip, video, etc.).
- Submit a concrete documentary project that fits the program theme (250 words).
People who have already created, completed, or directed professional videos or films are NOT eligible.
Films are created in English (either in French or English in Montreal). HOWEVER, each applicant must be fluent in English to fully benefit from the program and easily take part in training, mentorships and more (except for Francophone participants in Montreal who can attend French only class).
DEADLINE: APRIL 18, 2021
